39 delicious appetizer recipes from around the world
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Savory fritters made with flaked fish, finely chopped okra, onions, and spices, deep-fried until golden brown. A popular snack or appetizer.
A popular street food and appetizer, these Gambian fish cakes, also known as 'Afra' or 'Dibi' when referring to grilled meat, are savory, pan-fried fritters with a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. They are often served with a variety of flavorful toppings like stir-fried onions, beans with onions, or a smoked fish sauce.
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, Ghanaian Yam Balls are a popular snack or appetizer. Made from boiled and mashed yams, mixed with spices and often a touch of corned beef or other fillings, they are then coated and deep-fried to golden perfection.
Tatale are savory, slightly sweet pancakes made from overripe plantains, seasoned with onions, peppers, and spices. They are shallow-fried until golden brown and can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or a side dish.
Crispy, savory fried turnovers filled with seasoned fish or chicken, often enjoyed as a popular snack or appetizer in Belize.
A delightful combination of crispy fried plantains (Aloko) served with a rich and savory peanut sauce. This dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors.
A popular Kenyan street food, Mayai Pasua consists of hard-boiled eggs that are sliced open and topped with a fresh, tangy kachumbari (tomato and onion salsa). It's a simple yet flavorful snack or light meal.
Mishkaki are popular Kenyan street food skewers, typically made with marinated beef or chicken, grilled to perfection. They are often seasoned with a blend of spices, lemon juice, and a touch of chili for a flavorful and slightly spicy bite.
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.
Kitoza is a traditional Malagasy delicacy made from strips of dried, cured, and often smoked beef (or sometimes lamb or zebu). It's a method of preserving meat that results in a chewy, intensely flavored product. Kitoza can be enjoyed on its own as a snack, or it can be rehydrated and fried or grilled for a more tender texture, often served as a side dish or appetizer.
