Cypriot meze – what is it and what to expect in a tavern?

If there is one culinary experience worth trying while in Cyprus, it is the traditional Cypriot meze.

The most important rule for first-time visitors to the island: do not order additional food before starting the mezeIt will almost certainly turn out to be unnecessary.

Cypriot meze is not a single dish or a simple appetizer. It's a long, communal meal consisting of many small dishes that gradually appear on the table. Depending on the tavern, it can include anywhere from a dozen to over 30 different items.

This experience often lasts two or three hours and is more of a table gathering than a regular dinner.

What is Cypriot meze?

Meze is a traditional Cypriot way of eating together.

Instead of choosing a single main course, everyone at the table shares successive portions prepared by the kitchen.

There's no single, mandatory meze set. Each tavern has its own recipes, and the ingredients depend on factors such as:

• region,
• seasonal products,
• family traditions,
• chef's specialties.

Cypriot meze has many similarities to Greek meze or Spanish tapas, but is usually much more substantial. It's a full meal, not just a selection of appetizers.

How many dishes are in a meze?

This is one of the most common questions asked by first-time visitors to Cyprus.

Smaller menus may include around 15 dishes, but in many taverns this number exceeds 25 and sometimes even goes up to over 30.

However, this doesn't mean 30 full plates. Some items are small tasting portions that appear sequentially throughout the meal.

Despite this, most tourists are surprised by the amount of food.

What's in a traditional meze?

There is no fixed menu, but the meal usually begins with colder dishes.

At first, you may notice:

• fresh country bread,
• olives,
• tahini,
• hummus,
• tzatziki,
• seasonal salads.

Then the following are often given:

• halloumi,
• grilled vegetables,
• local sausages.

Only later do more filling dishes appear on the table.

Meat or fish meze?

One of the most important decisions when ordering is choosing the type of meze.

Meat meze

Most often it includes:

• souvlaki,
• keftedes (Cypriot meatballs),
• sheftalia,
• grilled pork,
• lamb chops,
• sometimes kleftiko or souvla.

It's a popular choice in traditional taverns, especially in smaller towns and mountain villages.

Fish meze

May contain:

• fresh fish,
• squid,
• octopus,
• shrimp,
• other seafood depending on the current catch.

It works best in seaside towns such as Latchi or Zygi.

Is meze enough for two people?

In most cases, yes.

Meze is usually ordered for a minimum of two people, but all dishes are shared.

The most common mistake people making when trying meze for the first time is to order additional appetizers, salads or other dishes before starting the meal.

It's not worth it. The first plates may look modest, but more will appear over the next few hours.

How to behave during meze?

Meze has its own rhythm. It's not a quick lunch before the next attraction.

It's worth remembering:

• share all the dishes,
• try a little of each product,
• don't rush,
• inform the staff about allergies,
• ask about vegetarian options if you need them.

It's not unusual for some food to be left on the table. Portions are prepared so that guests can comfortably sample a wide variety of flavors.

What's the best drink to go with Cypriot meze?

There is no single mandatory drink for meze.

Meat dishes often include:

• local red or rosé wine,
• cold beer.

Fish meze goes well with:

• dry white wine.

Those who want to try something more traditional can choose zivania – a Cypriot alcohol produced from the remains of wine production.

Zivania typically has around 40-50% alcohol and is made by distilling the skins, pulp and seeds of grapes left over from wine production.

Where is it worth trying meze?

The best experience is often not found in the most touristy place.

Worth looking for:

• family taverns,
• restaurants in small villages,
• places where locals eat.

If Cypriot families are sitting in a tavern, it is often a good sign.

Traditional taverns in mountain towns, fishing villages and regions famous for local products are particularly appreciated.

Top tips before your first meze

• Come really hungry.
• Please reserve a minimum of two hours.
• Do not order additional dishes before starting.
• Sharing food is part of the tradition.
• Don't rush.

Cypriot meze is more than just food. It's a way of spending time at the table, sharing dishes, and experiencing Cypriot hospitality.

You might not remember every dish that appears on the table, but you'll likely remember the experience itself.

The material was prepared on the basis of: information from Cyprus Mail and CYPRNews' own editorial work.