What is Mezze?
Mezze (also spelled meze) is the art of sharing small dishes at the table — a tradition that spans the entire Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, from Turkey and Greece to Lebanon and beyond. In Turkish dining culture, mezze (zeytinyağlılar, or "olive oil dishes") forms an essential part of any proper meal, particularly when the table also features grilled meats, rakı, or wine.
Unlike Western starters, mezze is not just a prelude to the main course — it is a meal in itself, a leisurely procession of flavours meant to be enjoyed slowly, with good conversation and cold drinks. At Istanbul Restaurant Pattaya, our mezze selection brings together the finest Turkish cold dishes, each prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes.
The Role of Mezze in Turkish Dining Culture
In Turkey, a meal begins with the arrival of mezze at the table. Friends gather, a bottle of rakı is opened, and the dishes arrive one by one — a celebration of abundance and hospitality. The Turkish word "sofra" (table) carries deep cultural weight; it represents community, generosity, and the joy of feeding those you love. Mezze is the foundation of the sofra.
Traditional meyhanes (Turkish taverns) in Istanbul are famous for their mezze spreads — waiters bring round after round of cold dishes to the table, with diners picking what they like and leaving what they do not. This culture of abundance and choice is something we aim to recreate at Istanbul Restaurant Pattaya.
Our Mezze Selection
Hummus — ฿160
Made with chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste) and olive oil, hummus is perhaps the most internationally recognised mezze dish. Our version is silky smooth, generously seasoned, and finished with a drizzle of good olive oil. Scoop it up with warm Turkish bread for the full experience.
Tzatziki (Cacık) — ฿150
Creamy yoghurt blended with finely grated cucumber and fresh garlic, finished with a splash of olive oil. Tzatziki is cooling and refreshing — the perfect counterpoint to spicy dishes, and equally delicious on its own with bread.
Haydari — ฿150
Similar to tzatziki but thicker and more robust, haydari is made with strained yoghurt, garlic, and dill. The dill gives it a distinctly Anatolian character that sets it apart from its Greek cousin. Rich, tangy, and deeply satisfying.
Mütebbel — ฿160
Roasted eggplant blended with tahini, lemon, and garlic. The smokiness from the roasted eggplant gives mütebbel a complex, layered flavour that is hard to resist. A slightly richer alternative to standard eggplant paste.
Eggplant Paste (Patlıcan Ezme) — ฿150
Fire-roasted eggplant mashed with olive oil and garlic. The roasting process gives the eggplant a beautiful smokiness that makes this one of the most distinctive flavours on our mezze menu.
Çiğköfte — ฿180
A uniquely Turkish dish — bulgur wheat hand-kneaded with tomato paste, herbs, spices, and olive oil until it reaches a smooth, flavourful paste. Served fresh with crisp lettuce leaves and lemon, çiğköfte is vegan, vibrant, and addictive.
Şakşuka — ฿140
Roasted and sautéed eggplant with tomatoes, green peppers, onion, garlic, and olive oil. Served at room temperature, şakşuka is rich, sweet, and slightly tangy — a Turkish take on the beloved Mediterranean vegetable stew.
Spicy Paste (Acılı Ezme) — ฿160
A fiery tomato and pepper paste with cucumber, onion, garlic, and fresh herbs — the Turkish equivalent of salsa. Acılı Ezme is addictive with bread and perfect alongside grilled meats. Approach with caution — it has a genuine kick.
How to Build the Perfect Mezze Spread
The key to a great mezze spread is variety and balance. Aim for a mix of creamy (hummus, haydari), smoky (eggplant paste, mütebbel), tangy (tzatziki, cacık), and spicy (acılı ezme) dishes. Three to four mezze dishes for two people is a good starting point, with warm Turkish bread for dipping.
Our recommended starter combination: Hummus, Tzatziki, Eggplant Paste, and Çiğköfte — four dishes that cover all the flavour bases and represent the breadth of Turkish mezze culture. Add Acılı Ezme if you enjoy heat.
Mezze & Rakı — the Classic Pairing
In Turkey, the classic accompaniment to mezze is rakı — the anise-flavoured spirit known as the "Lion's Milk." A glass of rakı, turned milky white by the addition of water and ice, alongside a table full of mezze is one of the great pleasures of Turkish dining culture. The anise in the rakı complements the olive oil and herbs in the mezze beautifully.
At Istanbul Restaurant Pattaya, we serve Turkish Rakı at ฿300 (single) and ฿500 (double). Wine and cold beer are also popular accompaniments to mezze. For non-alcoholic options, try our Ayran (cold yoghurt drink, ฿80) or fresh lemonade (฿80).
Order Mezze for Your Table
View our full mezze selection or order online via Grab.
Visit Istanbul Restaurant Pattaya
27/25 S Pattaya Rd, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
Open Tuesday–Monday · 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM · Halal Certified