Spice level warning — Dolma is not what I expected
I underestimated Dolma. The warmly spiced and complex description didn't prepare me for the reality. lamb mince brings a heat or pungency that builds steadily rather than hitting upfront. By halfway through I was sweating but couldn't stop eating.
the meze tradition of small shared dishes predates the main course. The a kebab restaurant at lunchtime setting means locals eat this with ease while visitors like me reach for water. pomegranate juice cut through it better than water would have. Don't order the mild version out of caution — the full version is the point. I'd go back. Three stars only because I wasn't warned.
Dolma