appetizer Recipes
388 delicious appetizer recipes from around the world
Tajadas
Fried sweet plantains - ripe plantains sliced and fried until caramelized and tender, a classic Venezuelan side dish.
Tequeños
Crispy, golden-fried dough wrapped around savory white cheese, a beloved Venezuelan party snack.
Tiradito
Tiradito is an elegant Peruvian sashimi-style dish, featuring thinly sliced raw fish bathed in a vibrant, spicy ají amarillo sauce. It's a beautiful example of Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) cuisine, emphasizing fresh ingredients and bright flavors.
Torresmo (Brazilian Crispy Pork Belly)
Experience the ultimate Brazilian bar snack: Torresmo! These incredibly crispy, golden-brown pork cracklings are made from pork belly, slowly rendered to perfection and then fried to a shatteringly crisp finish. A true delight for any meat lover.
Tostones (Twice-Fried Green Plantains)
Tostones are a classic Venezuelan appetizer or side dish made from twice-fried green plantains. They are first fried until tender, then smashed flat, and finally fried again until golden brown and crispy. The result is a delightful contrast of textures and a satisfyingly savory snack.
Vitel Toné
A classic Argentine Christmas dish, Vitel Toné features tender, cold-sliced veal bathed in a rich, creamy tuna and anchovy sauce. It's a beloved festive meal, originating from Italian traditions but uniquely adapted in Argentina.
Yuca Frita (Venezuelan Fried Yuca)
A beloved Venezuelan street food and side dish, Yuca Frita features tender, boiled yuca that is then deep-fried to a perfect golden-brown crisp on the outside, while remaining fluffy and soft within. It's a delicious alternative to french fries, often served with a vibrant guasacaca sauce.
Abacha (African Salad)
A vibrant and flavorful Nigerian salad made from dried cassava flakes, tossed in a rich palm oil dressing with a medley of fish, vegetables, and aromatic spices. It's a popular dish often served at celebrations and gatherings.
Accras de Morue
Mauritian salt cod fritters - crispy fried balls of salt cod batter. A popular Creole beach snack with distinct Indian Ocean influence.
Akara (Nigerian Bean Fritters)
Akara are delicious and crispy Nigerian bean fritters, often enjoyed as a popular breakfast street food. They are made from blended black-eyed peas, seasoned and deep-fried to golden perfection.
Asun (Spicy Grilled Goat Meat)
A fiery and intensely flavorful Nigerian delicacy, Asun features tender, smoky grilled goat meat coated in a rich, spicy pepper sauce. It's an addictive party snack and a staple at Nigerian celebrations.
Besara (Egyptian Fava Bean Dip)
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.
Buticha
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.
Dirkosh (Dried Injera Chips)
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.
Dukkah (Egyptian Nut and Spice Blend)
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.
Egyptian Baba Ghanouj
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.
Egyptian Goulash (Basterma Phyllo Pie)
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.
Gored Gored
Gored Gored is a celebratory Ethiopian dish featuring cubes of the freshest raw beef tenderloin, marinated in a vibrant and spicy awaze sauce and coated in warm, spiced niter kibbeh. It's traditionally served immediately, allowing the warmth of the butter to slightly temper the raw meat.
Kategna
A popular Ethiopian snack or appetizer made from toasted injera spread with a flavorful berbere-infused spiced butter (niter kibbeh). It's known for its crispy texture and aromatic spices.
Kenyan Samosa
East African spiced pastry - crispy, golden triangles filled with a fragrant, spiced minced meat or vegetable mixture. An essential accompaniment to chai or as a delightful snack.
Kobeiba (Egyptian Kibbeh)
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.
Maakouda (Moroccan Potato Fritters)
Deliciously spiced mashed potato patties, fried to a perfect golden crisp. A popular Moroccan street food, often served stuffed inside warm bread with a side of harissa.
Mahshi Warak Enab (Egyptian Stuffed Grape Leaves)
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.
Masa (Northern Nigerian Rice Cakes)
Masa are delicious, slightly tangy, and fermented rice cakes originating from Northern Nigeria. They are typically cooked in a special dimpled pan, creating a unique texture. Enjoy them as a snack or side dish, often served with spicy suya or a flavorful pepper soup.