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Meze facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Petra metzes
A spread of meze in Jordan

Meze or mezze (Arabic, مَزة, Greek mezé (μεζέ), Bulgarian мезé mezé, Macedonian мéзе méze, from Turkish meze, all from Persian maze (مزه) 'taste, snack' < mazīdan 'to taste') is the name for a number of small dishes or appetizers served before a meal, often with a drink. They are common in the Eastern Mediterranean. Drinks include anise-flavored liqueurs, such as arak, ouzo, raki or different wines. These dishes are similar to the tapas of Spain or finger food.

In Levantine cuisines and in the Caucasus region (especially in Azerbaijan and Georgia), these dishes are served as a part of any large-scale meal. When not accompanied by alcohol, meze is known in the Arab world as muqabbilat (Arabic for "starters").

Images for kids

  • Meze Lido Restaurant Adalar

    Different Meze plates from Turkey

  • Nje pjate meze

    Meze plate in Albania

  • Tzatziki Greek meze or appetizer, also used as a sauce

    Tzatziki, a popular meze in Greece

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Meze para niños

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