In what order are the appetizers served? The unwritten rules of a tavern table.

Fatih Uğur
Dec 23, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Dec 29, 2025

A meyhane (traditional Turkish tavern) table is not just a place to eat; it's a culture with its own rituals, sequences, and etiquette . The mezes (appetizers) are not served randomly either. Each meze takes center stage to prepare the palate for the next.

So, in what order are the appetizers served at a real tavern table ?

Here are the unwritten rules that the masters know, but not everyone can put a name to...

1️⃣ First Act: Cold and Light Appetizers

The table is set, the glasses are filled, and the first dishes to arrive are light, refreshing, and appetizing mezes.

The goal at this stage is:

To avoid tiring the palate.
Not to overpower the anise flavor of the raki.
Creating space for conversation

Appetizers that belong to this group:

Haydari
Cacık
Fava
Atom (if the bitterness level is balanced)
Light appetizers with yogurt

👉 These appetizers are "starters," not a full meal.

2️⃣ Second Wave: Appetizers with Vegetable and Tomato Sauce

As the food warms up, the flavors deepen a little more.

This is where vegetable appetizers come into the picture.

Those who belong to this group:

Shakshuka
Köpoğlu
Broad bean stew
Dishes with olive oil

These appetizers:

It balances the harshness of the raki.
It adds color and movement to the table.
It increases the pace of the conversation.

3️⃣ The Noble Touch: Salty and Cured Appetizers

This is the most refined example of pub culture .

It's not available at every table, it doesn't open every evening.

Lead actor:

Pickled tunny

These are types of appetizers:

Low income
It is eaten slowly.
It deserves respect.

Generally:

In the middle of the table
After the raki has settled down
The moment your palate is "ready"

It is presented.

4️⃣ Hot Appetizers (Timing is Key)

If the appetizers arrive too early, it will spoil the table.

It loses its meaning if it arrives late .

The right time:

After settling down to chat over appetizers,

Just before the fish.

Examples:

Squid
Prawn
Pacanga
Fish kokoreç

Aim:

Adding excitement without disrupting the meal.

5️⃣ Main Scene: Fish

Fish is the grand finale of a tavern meal.

But it's not eaten on a full stomach; it's eaten slowly, with appetizers, to savor the taste buds .

For this reason:

Appetizers shouldn't overshadow the fish.
Appetizers shouldn't overshadow the fish.

Should the appetizers always be served in this order?

Of course not.

In traditional Turkish tavern culture, serving appetizers one after another is a customary approach to gradually enhance the flavor and conversation. However, every table, every evening, and every pleasure is different. At Kepos Balık Evi, our guests' meals are tailored to their preferences. Some may order all the appetizers at once, while others may take individual portions to accompany their conversation.