Mezze platters are one of the great delights of Mediterranean cuisine. These spreads of many small dishes are especially popular in the Levant, and the tradition has since spread around the globe. People love a mezze platter because it offers a small taste of many different dishes, letting you explore and discover which flavors you like best.

What Is Mezze?

Courses made up of many small dishes are enjoyed all over the world. Tapas in Spain, for example, grew out of much the same idea as mezze: share a variety of textures and flavors without any one dish being so big that it fills you up. The name “mezze” even comes from a word meaning “a little bit,” a nod to the small portions.

A Brief History of Mezze

Mezze dates back thousands of years. Across the ancient Mediterranean, offering mezze was a sign of hospitality, and hosts would sit and talk with their guests for hours over this light, shareable meal. That spirit of generosity and conversation is still at the heart of mezze today.

What Goes on a Traditional Mezze Platter?

Different regions feature different dishes, but the idea is the same throughout the Mediterranean. A typical mezze platter might include:

• Hummus – a creamy chickpea dip
• Baba ghanoush – a smoky roasted eggplant dip
• Tabbouleh – a fresh parsley, tomato and grain salad
• Falafel – crispy fritters made from ground chickpeas and herbs
• Dolmas – grape leaves stuffed with seasoned rice
• Pickles, olives and warm pita bread for dipping

How Mezze Is Served

How mezze is served varies almost as much as the dishes themselves. It may literally arrive on one large platter with every dish together. It can be served family style, with a small sample of each dish plated for every guest. Or it can be set out buffet style, with guests taking small plates and choosing from the dishes on offer.

Whatever the serving style, the idea stays the same: a wide variety of small dishes for guests to enjoy and socialize over.

How to Try a Mezze Platter in San Diego

Build Your Own at Home

If these historic and culturally significant dishes caught your attention, you can make your own mezze platter by gathering the traditional dishes listed above and arranging them together. It is an easy, colorful way to entertain.

Order One at Aladdin Mediterranean Cafe

If you love the idea of a mezze platter but would rather leave the work to us, bring your family to Aladdin Mediterranean Cafe on Clairemont Mesa Blvd and order one from our menu. You can try every dish and find out for yourself what you like. Mezze is also a fairly light meal or appetizer, so there is always room to follow it up with another favorite.

Mezze Catering for Your Event

Planning a party, office lunch or family gathering? Mezze is a natural fit for events, and our catering team can take the workload off your plate while you and your guests enjoy a delicious meal together.

Mezze is an amazing way to eat, with a delicious selection of classic dishes to choose from. The next time you are looking for something special for guests, family or just yourself, stop by Aladdin Mediterranean Cafe in San Diego and share a mezze platter.