appetisers
Meal's first course
Appetisers is the British spelling of appetizers—small dishes served before the main course to stimulate the appetite.
These might be finger foods at a party or a first course at a restaurant: We ordered some appetisers while we looked at the menu.
The term covers everything from dips and canapés to soup or salad.
Bite-sized topped appetizers
- nibblesTakes small bites
- tapasSpanish appetizer assortment
- mezeMiddle Eastern appetizer spread
- antipastoItalian appetizer course
dim sum · bruschetta · crostini · blinis · vol-au-vents · samosas · dumplings · spring rolls
Initiator of action
- first courseInitial dish served
- hors d'oeuvreSmall savory appetizer
- antipastiItalian first-course assortment
- entréePrincipal dinner course
menu · platter · tasting · aperitivo · small plates · soup · salad course · bread service
Complimentary chef's tasting bite
- foie grasFattened waterfowl liver
- caviarCured fish eggs
- tartareRaw minced meat dish
- charcuteriePreserved meat preparation
oysters · sashimi · carpaccio · terrine · pâté · gravlax · ceviche · beef carpaccio
Raw vegetable appetizer
- gazpachoCold raw vegetable soup
- capreseItalian tomato-mozzarella preparation
- fruit platterArranged cut produce serving
- melonSweet-fleshed gourd fruit
shrimp cocktail · ceviche · poke · summer rolls · pickled vegetables · radishes · citrus salad · tabbouleh
Small Mediterranean fruits
- tapenadeSavory olive-caper spread
- cheese boardSurface for serving varieties
- charcuteriePreserved meat preparation
- meatballsSeasoned ground protein spheres
empanadas · falafel · hummus · baba ganoush · spanakopita · stuffed peppers · chicken wings · potato skins
canapés
Bite-sized topped appetizers
antipasto · dim sum · bruschetta · crostini · blinis · vol-au-vents · samosas · dumplings · spring rolls · croquettes
starter
Initiator of action
- first courseInitial dish served
- hors d'oeuvreSmall savory appetizer
- antipastiItalian first-course assortment
entrée · menu · platter · tasting · aperitivo · small plates · soup · salad course · bread service · amuse-bouche
amuse-bouche
Complimentary chef's tasting bite
charcuterie · oysters · sashimi · carpaccio · terrine · pâté · gravlax · ceviche · beef carpaccio · tuna tartare
crudités
Raw vegetable appetizer
- gazpachoCold raw vegetable soup
- capreseItalian tomato-mozzarella preparation
- fruit platterArranged cut produce serving
melon · shrimp cocktail · ceviche · poke · summer rolls · pickled vegetables · radishes · citrus salad · tabbouleh · guacamole
olives
Small Mediterranean fruits
- tapenadeSavory olive-caper spread
- cheese boardSurface for serving varieties
- charcuteriePreserved meat preparation
meatballs · empanadas · falafel · hummus · baba ganoush · spanakopita · stuffed peppers · chicken wings · potato skins · jalapeño poppers
appetisersafters
British term for dessert
cheese course · desserts · main course · entrée · puddings
appetisersmain course
Primary dish served
entrées · mains · main dish · centrepiece · main meal