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Table balance

Alongside

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. 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. 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

Iced water only masks the heat for a moment; it comes back quickly. On a meze table balance beats variety: one yogurt-based, one olive-oil, one sharp is enough.

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

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

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

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

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.