Mezze is a culinary tradition deeply ingrained in the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Persia, and Anatolia. These civilizations were known for their rich and diverse food cultures, and mezze reflects that. In those times, people would enjoy a variety of small dishes before the main course. Mezze comes from the Persian word mazze, which means “taste” or “snack.” These small dishes were designed to tantalize the taste buds and prepare the diners for the main course.
The mezze tradition is not just about the food but also about socializing. It is a way of bringing people together, encouraging conversation, laughter, and friendship among the diners. The sharing of small plates of appetizers, salads, dips, and pastries is a way of enjoying each other’s company while sampling different bites and exchanging opinions.
Over time, the mezze tradition spread across the Middle East and Mediterranean regions and became an integral part of their food cultures. Today, mezze is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds, and it continues to evolve with new flavors and dishes being introduced all the time. If you want to experience the rich and diverse flavors of the Middle East, then mezze is a must-try.
Mezze can include a wide range of ingredients and dishes, depending on the region and the season. Some of the common elements are bread, olives, cheese, yogurt, nuts, herbs, and spices. Mezze can also feature meat, seafood, and vegetarian options. Some of the most popular mezze dishes are hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, falafel, kibbeh, and sambousek. These dishes reflect the culinary heritage and culture of the Middle East, especially of Palestine, which has a rich and diverse cuisine that blends influences from the Mediterranean, Arab, and Ottoman cuisines.
If you are in Dubai, you can find some of the most delicious and authentic Palestinian appetizers at Sallet Al Sayad, a restaurant that specializes in fresh food and tasty seafood. Here are some of the mezze dishes that you can enjoy at our restaurant:
- Hummus: A creamy dip made of chickpeas, sesame paste, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Hummus is one of the most popular and versatile mezze dishes. You can eat it with bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables. You can also try different variations of hummus, such as hummus beiruti, which has garlic, parsley, and olive oil; hummus avocado, which has avocado; and hummus with pine, which has pine nuts.
- Baba Ghanoush: A smoky dip made of roasted eggplant, garlic, sesame paste, lemon juice, and olive oil. It’s similar to hummus, but has a distinct flavor and texture. You can eat it with bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables. You can also try baba ghanouj, which has pepper, tomato, pomegranate, and olive oil.
- Tabbouleh: A refreshing salad made of chopped parsley, mint, bulgur, tomato, onion, lemon juice, and olive oil. Tabbouleh is a light and healthy mezze dish that can balance the richness of other dishes. You can eat it with bread or lettuce leaves. You can also try badonisiya, which has parsley, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.
- Mutabbal: A traditional Middle Eastern dish made of roasted eggplant, garlic, sesame paste, lemon, and yogurt. It has a creamy texture and a smoky flavor that is perfect for spreading on pita bread or using as a dip.
- Fried Tomato: A simple yet flavorful dish made with fresh marinated tomatoes, garlic, lemon, and herbs. The tomatoes are sliced and marinated in a mixture of garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme. Then, they are fried until crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This dish is perfect as a side dish or a light snack.
- Fried Eggplant: A delicious and crispy dish made with sliced eggplant that is coated in a batter and fried until golden brown. It can be seasoned with salt, pepper, and spices such as cumin, paprika, or chili powder. Fried eggplant pairs well with yogurt sauce or tahini.
When indulging in the mezze at Sallet Al Sayad restaurant, one dish that perfectly complements the table of appetizers is the Spicy Fish Sauce. This tangy and flavorful sauce, made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, chili peppers, and garlic, is a common dip in Southeast Asian cuisine that pairs well with spring rolls, grilled meats, or seafood. Its spicy and sweet taste makes it a popular condiment that adds an extra kick to any dish.
These are just some of the mezze dishes that you can find at Sallet Al Sayad. There are many more to discover and enjoy. Mezze is a great way to explore the art of Palestinian cuisine and culture. It is also a great way to share and savor the delights of food with your friends and family. So, what are you waiting for? Come to Sallet Al Sayad and experience the best mezze in Dubai. You will not regret it!