Last updated on October 6th, 2023 at 02:35 pm
Meze, a culinary tradition deeply rooted in the heart of Cyprus, is more than just a dish. It’s an experience that brings people together, fostering a sense of community and shared enjoyment. This gastronomic journey takes you through an array of flavors and textures, each bite revealing another facet of Cypriot culture.
Our team at Remitly created this guide as part of our series that celebrates the traditional foods of our global customers.
The Origin of Meze
The word ‘meze’ comes from the Persian ‘maza’, meaning taste or snack. Its origins trace back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was customary to offer small plates of food with drinks. Over time, this practice evolved into what we now know as meze—a collection of various dishes served together.
In Cyprus, meze has been embraced as a national tradition. It reflects the island’s rich history and diverse influences—from Greek and Turkish to Middle Eastern cuisines—creating a unique blend that is distinctly Cypriot.
Ingredients and Preparation of Meze
A typical meze spread includes both hot and cold dishes. Fresh vegetables, olives, cheese, breads are often used alongside meat or fish preparations. Each dish is prepared separately but served together on one table.
Preparation methods vary widely depending on the ingredients used. Some dishes may be grilled or roasted while others are marinated or served fresh. Despite this diversity in preparation techniques, all meze dishes share one common trait—they are made with care and attention to detail.
A Simple Meze Recipe: Halloumi Cheese with Lemon and Mint
Halloumi cheese is a staple in any Cypriot meze spread. Here’s a simple recipe that you can try at home.
Ingredients:
- 200g of halloumi cheese
- 1 lemon
- A handful of fresh mint leaves
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions:
- Slice the halloumi into thick pieces.
- Heat a little olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the halloumi slices to the pan and fry until golden brown on both sides.
- While the cheese is frying, zest and juice the lemon.
- Once the halloumi is cooked, remove from heat and drizzle with the lemon juice.
- Sprinkle over the lemon zest and torn mint leaves before serving.
Enjoy this dish as part of your own homemade meze spread!
Variations Across Cyprus
While there are some staple dishes commonly found in every meze spread—like halloumi cheese or souvlaki—the exact composition can vary greatly across different regions in Cyprus.
In coastal areas for instance, seafood plays a prominent role in their version of meze with octopus stew or calamari often featured prominently. Inland regions might lean towards meat-based dishes like sheftalia (Cypriot sausage) or afelia (pork cooked in wine).
Despite these regional variations, the underlying philosophy of meze remains the same—variety is key and sharing is essential.
Serving and Eating Etiquette
Meze is not just about food—it’s a social event. It’s served in a relaxed, unhurried manner, allowing diners to savor each dish and engage in conversation.
The dishes are usually brought out one at a time, starting with lighter fare like salads or dips before moving on to heavier meat or fish dishes. This gradual progression allows diners to appreciate the full range of flavors and textures that meze has to offer.
The Broader Cuisine of Cyprus
Cypriot cuisine is a melting pot of different cultures, reflecting its rich history and diverse influences.
Influences on Cypriot Cuisine
The island’s strategic location at the crossroads between Europe, Asia, and Africa has resulted in an eclectic mix of Greek, Turkish, Italian, French, Arabic, and British influences in its cuisine.
Common Ingredients
Cypriot dishes often feature fresh vegetables like tomatoes, zucchinis, peppers; legumes such as lentils or chickpeas; grains like bulgur wheat or rice; dairy products including yogurt or local cheeses; meats like pork or lamb; seafood including fish or octopus; herbs such as mint or oregano; spices like cinnamon or coriander; fruits including figs or citrus fruits.
Traditional Dishes
Beyond meze spreads, other traditional dishes include moussaka (a layered eggplant casserole), souvla (large pieces of meat cooked on a skewer), and loukoumades (deep-fried dough balls drizzled with honey).
Cypriot Desserts
Cypriot desserts often feature nuts, honey, and spices. Baklava—a sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey—is a popular choice.
Cypriot Beverages
Local wines, brandy sour (a cocktail made from Cypriot brandy, lemon juice, bitters, and soda water), and coffee are common beverages enjoyed in Cyprus.
The cuisine of Cyprus is as diverse as it is delicious. Whether you’re sampling a meze spread or tucking into a traditional dish, you’re sure to enjoy the rich flavors that this Mediterranean island has to offer.
Visit the homepage, download our app, or check out our Help Center to get started.