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Table balance

Alongside

Cacık or plain yogurt: dairy tames chili heat far faster than water does.

To drink

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

Afterwards

After a spice-forward plate, a plain herbal infusion clears the palate. After a light main there is room for a syrupy dessert in this meal.

Table balance

Alongside

Plain rice or fresh bread rounds the acidity and steadies the plate. Arugula, lemon and thin-sliced onion; fish needs no heavy sauce beside it.

Afterwards

After a spice-forward plate, a plain herbal infusion clears the palate. After a light main there is room for a syrupy dessert in this meal.

Table balance

Alongside

Cacık or plain yogurt: dairy tames chili heat far faster than water does.

Afterwards

Soup opens the meal: if a heavy main follows, keep its portion smaller. After a light main there is room for a syrupy dessert in this meal.

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

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

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

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.