What does meze mean?

by Cookthink

Meze is Greek for appetizer or hors d'oeuvre. A platter of tapas-like Greek mezedes (small dishes) may include stuffed grape leaves, tzatziki, tarama, grilled octopus, feta cheese, meatballs and olives. A meze platter is often served with a glass of alcohol and indeed is meant to accompany the booze rather the other way around. Still, while it's customary in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines to serve various meze before a meal, a nice selection can easily make a meal in itself.