The Art of Appetizers: A Guide to Cold and Hot Appetizers at Tarboush

At Tarboush, a well-known Middle Eastern restaurant in Singapore, mezze takes center stage, allowing customers to experience the cultural depth and culinary diversity of the Levant region through cold and hot appetizers. This tutorial delves into the art of mezze, looking at the various alternatives offered, their ingredients, and its cultural significance.

The Tradition of Mezze

The term "mezze" comes from the Turkish word "meze," which means "taste" or "snack." Mezze, while traditionally linked with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, has become a staple of regional dining. Mezze is more than just food; it's about sharing, community, and hospitality. Mezze, which has traditionally been presented to bring people together, is frequently consumed with drinks and eaten in a casual, leisurely manner.

Cold Mezze: A Refreshing Prelude to the Meal

Cold mezze dishes are typically light, refreshing, and aromatic, making them an excellent way to begin a meal. These appetizers usually include a variety of vegetables, herbs, and legumes served with tangy yogurt, olive oil, and fresh lemon.

Tabouleh
Tabbouleh is a light parsley salad that embodies the sense of freshness. Tabbouleh, made with finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, onions, bulgur wheat, and a light dressing of olive oil and lemon juice, has a bright, zesty flavor profile.

Mezze, a celebration of culture and flavor.

Mezze is more than simply food; it's an expression of culture, family, and tradition. Each dish narrates the Levantine people's intimate relationship to the land, their food, and the art of communal dining.