\"Meze\" Dishes to Acoompany the Spirits


In Turkey, despite the Islamic prohibition against wine and anything alcoholic, there is a rich tradition associated with liquor. Drinking alcoholic beverages in the company of family and friends, both at home as well as in taverns and restaurants, is a part of special occasions. Similar to the spanish tapas, meze is the general category of dishes that are brought in small quantities to start the meal off. These are eaten, along with wine or more likely with ‘raw’, the anise-flavoured national drink of Turks sometimes referred to as ‘lions milk’, until the main course is served. The bare minimum meze for raki are slices of honeydew melon and creamy feta cheese with freshly baked brea

more »


Beverages: Beyond the Turkish Coffee and “Ayran”


Volumes have been written about the Turkish coffee; its history, its significance in social life, and the ambiance of the ubiquitous coffee houses. Without some understanding of this background, it is easy to be disappointed by the tiny brew with the annoying grounds, which an uninitiated traveler (like Mark Twain) may accidentally end up chewing. A few words of caution will have to suffice for the purposes of this brief primer. First, the grounds are not to be swallowed, so sip the coffee gingerly. Secondly, dont expect a caffeine surge with one shot of Turkish coffee; it is not strong, just thick. Third, remember that it is the setting and the company that matter - the coffee is just an ex

more »