In Greece, the Mezes Make the Meal

Assemble your own shareable spread of starters at home, with the help of recipes from a Greek grandmother

Greeks start every meal with a copious spread of meze, shareable starters, from creamy dips and spreads to grilled seafood and vegetables. Von T Glendinning Photography

What do you imagine when you think about Greek food? Perhaps copious portions of gyros and souvlaki served with a dollop of tzatziki, pita, and fries? Yes, these are popular dishes everywhere in the country and abroad, but Greek food is so much more.

Some of the cuisine’s most beloved and memorable dishes are the ones at the table even before the main course: meze, or mezedes, the varied starters that open every Greek menu.