Cypriot cuisine is full of a wide variety of flavors, and mezes make up a significant part of these flavors. Mezes are a mixed variety of cold and hot dishes that are usually served as a snack before a meal.
Hummus is a delicious meze made from chickpeas that are carefully mashed and blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Cacık is a refreshing yogurt-based meze prepared with cucumber and garlic. Tahini is a type of paste made from sesame seeds and is usually served with honey or molasses. Pickled capers and celery offer a salty and sour taste.
Samaralla is lamb meat marinated with salt and thyme, usually grilled and served as a flavorful meat meze. Fried hellim is a type of cheese specific to Cyprus and is usually served fried. Çakıstes are cracked green olives marinated with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and coriander seeds, offering a salty and lemony taste.
Tongue and brain may seem a little strange to some people, but these organ meats are quite popular among Cypriot mezes. Pastırma is a type of spicy sausage and has become a favorite among meat lovers.
All of these different types of meze show the diversity and richness of Cypriot cuisine.
