Meze First, Memories Always: My Istanbul Eating-Out Ritual

There’s something about eating out that instantly flips a switch in my brain—from “life is complicated” to “life is delicious.” I love the whole ritual, but especially the moment before the main dish arrives: the table starts filling up with meze, little plates appear like a friendly parade, and suddenly the night has a heartbeat. This time, we went to a kebab spot—more of a dürümcü vibe—and honestly, their starters were the real headline. Everything felt simple, warm, and perfectly made for long conversations. And I just want to say: thank you, Eating Out community, for giving me a space to share one of my favorite joys in life.