The meze (hors d'oeuvres) you will eat will be simple, the kebaps austere, the salads unstructured and the seafood unsauced.

BBC: Unmissable experiences in Istanbul

Meze is the most popular way to eat, and it demands a companion - or a willingness to look greedy.

BBC: Cultural encounters in Istanbul

Or they can simply lounge on deck, sipping wine and enjoying the breeze, with no plans beyond a brief snorkeling excursion and a dinner of meze and fresh-caught fish.

WSJ: Cruise on a Traditional Turkish Boat | Off Duty Spring 50

All meals here begin with cold meze.

BBC: Cultural encounters in Istanbul