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Table balance

Alongside

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

Easy to miss

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

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

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

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

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.

Afterwards

Plain brewed tea; if you still want dessert, keep the portion small and wait a little.

Table balance

Alongside

Cacık or plain yogurt: dairy tames chili heat far faster than water does. Plain rice or fresh bread rounds the acidity and steadies the plate.

Afterwards

After a spice-forward plate, a plain herbal infusion clears the palate.

Table balance

Alongside

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