Meze

🥗Meze in North Cyprus – A Feast of Flavours and Traditions

When you think of Cypriot cuisine, one word immediately comes to mind: Meze. In North Cyprus, meze is not just a meal – it’s an experience, a cultural ritual, and a symbol of hospitality. Whether you are visiting a traditional village taverna, a seaside restaurant in Kyrenia, or a cosy meyhane, meze will almost certainly be at the heart of the dining table.
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❓What is Meze?

The word meze originates from the Persian word mazzeh, meaning “taste” or “snack.” In North Cyprus, meze refers to a variety of small hot and cold dishes, served as appetisers or as part of a main meal. Unlike a quick starter, meze is designed to be enjoyed slowly, often with friends and family, paired with raki, wine, or local beers.

A typical Cypriot meze can include anywhere from 20 to 40 different dishes, making it a true banquet.
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✨The Tradition of Meze in North Cyprus

Eating meze is not about rushing. Meals often last several hours, filled with laughter, conversation, and the joy of sharing. Restaurants and tavernas pride themselves on their meze selections, each offering slight variations depending on regional recipes and family traditions.

In North Cyprus, meze is more than food – it’s about togetherness. Locals often say that meze is the best way to experience the island’s spirit.
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🥗Popular Cold Meze Dishes
Cold mezes usually arrive first and set the tone of the meal. Some favourites include:

• Cacık – Yogurt mixed with cucumber, garlic, and mint.
• Hummus – A chickpea and tahini dip with lemon and olive oil.
• Tahini Dip – Creamy sesame paste, smooth and nutty.
• Şakşuka – Fried aubergines with tomato and garlic sauce.
• Halloumi Cheese – Served grilled or fresh.
• Olives & Pickles – A simple but essential part of the spread.

🫘Popular Hot Meze Dishes
After the cold plates, the hot meze arrives, offering richer flavours:

• Hellim Börek – Crispy filo pastry stuffed with halloumi.
• Kibbeh (İçli Köfte) – Bulgur shells filled with minced meat and spices.
• Grilled Sucuk – Spicy Cypriot sausage.
• Calamari – Fried or grilled squid, often served with lemon.
• Köfte – Spiced meatballs, juicy and flavourful.
• Lamb Chops – Tender and chargrilled, a true favourite.

🥩The Grand Finale – Meat or Fish
Once you have enjoyed the cold and hot mezes, the meal often continues with a main dish of meat or fish. Depending on the restaurant, this could be:

• Kleftiko – Slow-cooked lamb in clay ovens.
• Grilled Seabass or Seabream – Freshly caught and simply seasoned.
• Mixed Grill – A selection of kebabs and chops for meat lovers.
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🍺Meze and Drinks in North Cyprus

Meze is traditionally accompanied by raki (an anise-flavoured spirit similar to ouzo), local wines, or Efes beer. The pairing enhances the flavours and adds to the convivial atmosphere.

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📌Where to Enjoy the Best Meze in North Cyprus

You can find meze everywhere – from family-run tavernas in villages to seaside restaurants in Kyrenia and Famagusta. Many meyhanes specialise in long, leisurely meze meals with live music, creating the perfect Cypriot dining experience.

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😋Why You Must Try Meze in North Cyprus

If you are visiting North Cyprus, skipping meze would mean missing out on the heart of local culture. It’s not just a meal, but a celebration of food, tradition, and hospitality. From the simplest dips to the most elaborate grilled dishes, meze offers a journey through Cypriot flavours that you’ll never forget.