Katino meze

Katino Meze, often simply referred to as 'The Katina' in local Aegean taverns and meyhanes, is a warm appetizer with a story rooted in the multicultural history of the region. Believed to be named after Madam Katina, a legendary tavern keeper of Greek descent who operated in Istanbul or Izmir (legends vary), this dish represents the harmonious blend of Greek and Turkish meze cultures. It is a hearty, savory dish that sits somewhere between a stew and a heavy sauce, designed specifically to be mopped up with generous chunks of bread. The dish typically consists of thinly sliced strips of beef or liver, sautéed rapidly with julienned colorful peppers, onions, and mushrooms. The magic happens with the sauce: different establishments have their own secret variations, but it generally involves a combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, heavy cream, and sometimes melted cheese (kaşar) on top, served sizzling in a clay pot (güveç). The combination of the savory meat, the earthiness of the mushrooms, and the rich, creamy sauce makes it an incredibly popular choice for rakı tables. Katino Meze is an example of 'ara sıcak' (intermediate warm course), served after cold starters but before the main course. It is communal, meant to be shared directly from the clay pot. The flavor profile is intense and umami-rich, a departure from the more traditional olive-oil-based mezes, showcasing a more modern, cosmopolitan influence on tavern cuisine. While not as ancient as hummus or kokoreç, Katino Meze has carved out a permanent niche in the repertoire of modern Turkish meyhanes, beloved for its comforting richness and its ability to pair perfectly with anise-flavored spirits like rakı or ouzo.