39 delicious appetizer recipes from around the world
Bourek is a savory, crispy pastry, typically made with thin, flaky dough (feuille de brick or phyllo), filled with seasoned ground meat, onions, herbs, and often cheese. It's a popular appetizer or side dish, especially during Ramadan, and can be fried or baked until golden brown and wonderfully crisp.
Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these savory fritters are made from blended black-eyed peas, onions, and chili. They are a popular street food and appetizer, often served with a spicy sauce.
Crispy fried yam pieces served with a vibrant and spicy tomato-pepper sauce, a popular street food and appetizer.
A rich and savory pâté made from beef liver, seasoned with local spices and often served with traditional bread or crackers. It's a testament to utilizing all parts of an animal, a common practice in Botswana.
A refreshing and light Salada de Polvo, this Cape Verdean octopus salad is a delightful mix of tender octopus, crisp vegetables, and a zesty vinaigrette. It's a perfect appetizer or side dish, highlighting the fresh seafood available in the region.
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these fritters combine mashed breadfruit with flaked fish and aromatic herbs, perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Tender cubes of lamb marinated in a fragrant blend of Comorian spices, then grilled to perfection. These skewers, known locally as 'brochettes,' are a popular street food and appetizer, often served with a side of spicy dipping sauce or a fresh salad.
Bajiyos are a popular Djiboutian vegetarian snack or side dish, consisting of thinly sliced vegetables coated in a spiced batter made from rice and gram flour, then deep-fried until golden and crispy. They are similar to Indian pakoras or Japanese tempura.
Tender pieces of marinated chicken, grilled on skewers, often served with a flavorful peanut sauce or a spicy tomato relish. Mishkaki is a popular street food and appetizer across East Africa, with distinct Djiboutian variations.
Sambusa are Djibouti's version of samosas, crispy fried pastries typically filled with spiced minced meat (often lamb or beef) and onions. They are a popular snack or appetizer, especially during Ramadan.
A vibrant and flavorful Egyptian dip made from tender fava beans and a generous amount of fresh herbs. This vegetarian classic is perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, served with crusty bread.
An ancient Egyptian condiment, Dukkah is a fragrant and textural blend of toasted nuts, seeds, and spices. It's traditionally served as a dip for bread, by first dipping the bread in olive oil and then into the dukkah.
A classic Egyptian mezze dip, this Baba Ghanouj features intensely smoky eggplant blended with creamy tahini, bright lemon juice, and pungent garlic. Perfect for scooping with warm pita bread.
A savory and rich Egyptian pastry featuring layers of crisp phyllo dough filled with spiced ground beef. This dish is distinct from its Hungarian namesake and is a popular comfort food.
Kobeiba, also known as Kibbeh in many Levantine regions, are delicious fried croquettes made from a flavorful mixture of fine bulgur wheat and ground meat, encasing a savory filling of spiced meat and toasted pine nuts. This Egyptian variation offers a delightful crunch on the outside and a tender, aromatic interior.
Authentic Egyptian Mahshi Warak Enab, featuring tender grape leaves meticulously stuffed with a fragrant mixture of rice, fresh herbs, and a hint of tomato. This version is known for its smaller size and bright, lemony flavor profile, distinguishing it from other regional variations.
Mombar is a traditional Egyptian delicacy, especially popular during Eid al-Adha. It features beef intestines stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, ground beef, and aromatic spices, then typically boiled and pan-fried or grilled to a delightful crisp.
A vibrant and refreshing Egyptian appetizer featuring briny green olives, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect as part of a mezze spread.
Authentic Egyptian Ta'ameya, a vibrant green fritter made from fava beans, not chickpeas. Known for its crispy exterior and tender, herbaceous interior, it's a beloved street food, especially in Alexandria.
Authentic Egyptian Waraq Enab, featuring tender grape leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, ground beef, and fresh herbs, simmered in a flavorful tomato broth. A beloved traditional dish.
A refreshing and flavorful salad made from green lentils, typically served as a side dish or appetizer. It's known for its vibrant green color and tangy dressing.
Gored Gored is a traditional Eritrean dish of finely cubed raw beef, seasoned with niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter) and berbere spice blend. It offers a bold and authentic taste of Eritrea's rich gastronomic heritage, often served as an appetizer or main dish.
A vibrant and tangy Ethiopian chickpea dip, similar to hummus but distinguished by its zesty lemon and sharp mustard flavors. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer, especially within the context of Ethiopian fasting traditions.
A traditional Ethiopian zero-waste snack made from leftover injera, dried until perfectly crisp. Dirkosh can be enjoyed on its own as a crunchy snack, crumbled into stews and soups, or used as a flavorful crouton.
