What are you in the mood for?

Table balance

Alongside

Plain rice or fresh bread rounds the acidity and steadies the plate.

Afterwards

Soup opens the meal: if a heavy main follows, keep its portion smaller.

Table balance

Alongside

Pickles or an onion-and-lemon salad: acidity cuts the fat and lightens the plate.

To drink

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

Afterwards

Plain brewed tea; if you still want dessert, keep the portion small and wait a little. Soup opens the meal: if a heavy main follows, keep its portion smaller.

Table balance

Alongside

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

Table balance

Alongside

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