appetizer Recipes
388 delicious appetizer recipes from around the world
Mombar (Egyptian Stuffed Intestines)
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.
Nigerian Fried Fish (Peppered)
A quintessential Nigerian party dish, this peppered fried fish is incredibly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with a spicy kick. Perfect as an appetizer or served alongside rice.
Nigerian Scotch Egg
A classic Nigerian street food and party snack, this scotch egg features a perfectly boiled egg encased in a flavorful, spiced ground meat mixture, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried to a golden crisp.
Nigerian Small Chops Platter
A quintessential Nigerian party appetizer assortment featuring a variety of fried delights, including puff puff, spring rolls, samosas, chicken wings, and cocktail sausages. This platter is a must-have at any celebration.
Nigerian Spring Rolls
Crispy Nigerian-style spring rolls filled with a savory, spiced vegetable and ground beef mixture. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack.
Nkwobi
A rich and spicy Igbo delicacy, Nkwobi features tender cow foot coated in a vibrant, emulsified palm oil sauce, seasoned with aromatic spices and fresh herbs. It's a popular bar snack, often enjoyed with a cold drink.
Pastilla (Moroccan Pigeon Pie)
A traditional Moroccan sweet and savory pie, featuring tender shredded pigeon (or chicken) and a rich almond-egg filling encased in delicate, flaky warqa (or phyllo) pastry, dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon. Traditionally made with pigeon, chicken is a common substitute. This dish is a centerpiece for celebrations.
Peppered Snail
A popular Nigerian delicacy featuring tender, giant African snails simmered in a fiery, aromatic pepper sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a robust bar snack.
Peri Peri Prawns
Succulent grilled prawns coated in a fiery peri peri marinade, offering a taste of South African coastal cuisine.
Piri Piri Prawns
Spicy African-Portuguese prawns - jumbo prawns grilled in fiery piri piri butter, served sizzling with crusty bread for dipping.
Salatet Zaitoun (Egyptian Olive Salad)
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.
Sambusa
Ethiopian Sambusa are savory, crispy fried pastries, traditionally filled with spiced lentils or seasoned ground meat. They are a popular appetizer or snack, especially during festive occasions like Ramadan.
Sardines Farcies (Stuffed Sardines)
A classic Moroccan coastal dish featuring fresh sardines generously stuffed with a vibrant chermoula mixture, then lightly coated and fried to a golden crisp. This recipe elevates simple sardines into an elegant appetizer or light main course.
Savory Beef Briouats
Crispy, golden Moroccan phyllo triangles filled with a savory spiced ground beef mixture. These can be fried or baked for a delightful appetizer or snack.
Skilpadjies (Lamb Liver Wrapped in Caul Fat)
A traditional South African braai (barbecue) delicacy, skilpadjies are small parcels of lamb liver, seasoned and wrapped in caul fat, then grilled over coals until the fat is rendered and crispy, and the liver is tender and cooked through. The name translates to 'little tortoises' due to their appearance when cooked.
South African Samoosas
Deliciously spiced ground beef encased in crisp, golden pastry, these South African samosas are a beloved snack perfect for any gathering.
Springbok Carpaccio with Capers and Parmesan
A delicate and elegant South African appetizer featuring thinly sliced raw springbok loin, enhanced with the briny pop of capers, the salty bite of Parmesan cheese, and a peppery flourish of rocket. This dish is best prepared with high-quality, fresh game meat.
Ta'ameya
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.
Taktouka
Taktouka is a vibrant and flavorful Moroccan cooked salad made from roasted bell peppers and tomatoes, infused with garlic and aromatic spices. It's a versatile dish that can be served as a side, part of a larger salad course, or even as a dip.
Tere Siga
Tere Siga is a traditional Ethiopian dish of thinly sliced raw beef, typically served as a centerpiece for special occasions. The beef is presented as a whole muscle and sliced by diners at the table, then seasoned with a spicy blend of awaze (a chili paste) and mitmita (a chili powder), and optionally korerima (black cardamom). It is traditionally eaten wrapped in injera, a sourdough flatbread.
Waraq Enab (Egyptian Stuffed Grape Leaves)
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.
Yebeg Gored Gored (Raw Lamb Cubes)
Yebeg Gored Gored is a traditional Ethiopian dish of raw lamb cubes, marinated and served with spiced clarified butter (niter kibbeh) and a fiery chili powder blend (mitmita). It's similar to kitfo but uses lamb instead of beef and is typically served raw, emphasizing the freshness of the meat. This dish is often prepared for special occasions and celebrations.
Zaalouk (Moroccan Smoky Eggplant and Tomato Salad)
A quintessential Moroccan mezze, Zaalouk is a deeply flavorful and smoky salad made from tender eggplant and ripe tomatoes, slow-cooked with aromatic spices. It's perfect served at room temperature or chilled with crusty bread for dipping.
Classic Australian Prawn Cocktail
A beloved retro Australian starter, this Prawn Cocktail features succulent prawns coated in a creamy, tangy Marie Rose sauce, served on a bed of crisp lettuce. A true 1970s classic that remains a popular choice for its nostalgic charm and refreshing taste.