What are you in the mood for?

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.

Table balance

Alongside

A spoon of plain clotted cream or unsalted walnut deepens it without adding weight.

Table balance

To drink

Ayran or plain tea; a sweet drink beside pastry brings on fullness sooner.

Table balance

Alongside

A spoon of plain clotted cream or unsalted walnut deepens it without adding weight. Pickles or an onion-and-lemon salad: acidity cuts the fat and lightens the plate.

To drink

Unsweetened Turkish coffee or plain brewed tea — it resets the palate after syrup. Ayran (salted yogurt drink) or turnip juice — the classic partner to a rich meat plate.

Easy to miss

Skip sweet drinks next to a syrupy dessert — they flatten it. Plain water carries it better.

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. Ayran or plain tea; a sweet drink beside pastry brings on fullness sooner.

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. Ayran or plain tea; a sweet drink beside pastry brings on fullness sooner.

Table balance

Alongside

Pickles or an onion-and-lemon salad: acidity cuts the fat and lightens the plate. Unsalted bread and plenty of water; a second salty side would dull the plate.

To drink

Ayran (salted yogurt drink) or turnip juice — the classic partner to a rich meat plate. Ayran or plain tea; a sweet drink beside pastry brings on fullness sooner.