What are you in the mood for?

Table balance

Alongside

Pickles or an onion-and-lemon salad: acidity cuts the fat and lightens the plate. Grilled pepper and tomato with sumac onion is the classic foil to the smoke of the fire.

To drink

Ayran (salted yogurt drink) or turnip juice — the classic partner to a rich meat plate.

Table balance

Afterwards

After a light main there is room for a syrupy dessert in this meal.

Easy to miss

On a meze table balance beats variety: one yogurt-based, one olive-oil, one sharp is enough.

Table balance

Alongside

Arugula, lemon and thin-sliced onion; fish needs no heavy sauce beside it.

Table balance

Alongside

Grilled pepper and tomato with sumac onion is the classic foil to the smoke of the fire.

Table balance

Alongside

A lemon wedge and fresh bread; a heavy meat plate alongside would hide the dish entirely.

Afterwards

After a light main there is room for a syrupy dessert in this meal.

Easy to miss

Olive-oil dishes are not eaten straight from the fridge; the aroma opens near room temperature.