889 delicious appetizer recipes from around the world
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these deep-fried cassava fritters are a popular snack or appetizer. They are typically filled with cheese or seasoned ground meat, offering a delightful savory bite.
Crispy, hollow puris filled with a savory potato and chickpea mixture, then dunked into a tangy, spiced mint-coriander water. A beloved Indian street food snack, often called Golgappa.
Authentic Japanese Karaage, featuring tender chicken thigh pieces marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, sake, ginger, and garlic, then coated in potato starch and double-fried to achieve an incredibly crispy exterior and juicy interior. A beloved izakaya (Japanese pub) staple.
Oaxacan stuffed corn torpedoes - masa dough wrapped around a savory filling and deep-fried to a golden crisp. A popular street food from Oaxaca, perfect as an appetizer or snack.
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.
Experience the delicate crunch of Japanese tempura, featuring a selection of fresh vegetables and succulent seafood encased in an ethereally light, crispy batter. The secrets to its signature texture lie in using ice-cold ingredients for the batter and minimal mixing, ensuring a delicate, lacy finish.
Crispy, golden-fried rice balls from Sicily, traditionally made with leftover risotto, filled with a savory ragù, sweet peas, and melting mozzarella. A perfect appetizer or street food delight.
A foundational Swedish delicacy, Inlagd Sill (pickled herring) is a versatile and essential component of traditional Swedish cuisine, particularly during holidays and celebrations like Midsummer. This recipe provides a basic pickling brine that can be adapted for numerous variations.
Tender, marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection and served with a rich, savory peanut sauce. A beloved Malaysian street food classic.
A refreshing and elegant salad made from the tender heart of palm, often dressed with a zesty lemon and vinegar vinaigrette. It's a popular appetizer in Mauritian cuisine, showcasing the delicate flavor of palm hearts.
Experience the exquisite crispiness of Ebi Tempura, featuring succulent shrimp coated in a delicate, airy batter and fried to a perfect golden hue. This classic Japanese dish is best enjoyed immediately with a side of tentsuyu dipping sauce and grated daikon radish.
Silky pork and shrimp-filled wontons bathed in a spicy, numbing, and aromatic Sichuan chili oil sauce. These Chao Shou are addictively good and surprisingly easy to make.
A traditional and crunchy delicacy from the Santander region of Colombia, these large ants are toasted to perfection and seasoned with salt. They offer a unique, nutty flavor and are often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.
A unique and refreshing Korean banchan (side dish) made from nutty acorn starch, this Dotorimuk is a jiggly, translucent jelly that's typically served chilled and dressed with a savory soy-sesame sauce. It's a healthy and satisfying appetizer or side.
A beloved Mexican street food, esquites features tender corn kernels sautéed with aromatics and butter, then tossed with creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime, savory cotija cheese, and a kick of chile powder. Served warm in cups, it's a delightful and easy-to-eat alternative to elote.
Crispy, deep-fried tofu served in a warm, savory dashi-based broth. A classic and comforting izakaya (Japanese pub) appetizer.
Authentic Lebanese Hummus bi Tahini, a luxuriously creamy chickpea dip blended with rich tahini, bright lemon juice, and pungent garlic. This recipe aims for the silkiest texture and most vibrant flavor, a true testament to its origin.
A delightful Japanese mixed vegetable and shrimp tempura fritter, characterized by its crispy, disk-like shape. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for noodles or rice.
Blistered whole serrano peppers, quickly charred in hot oil and finished with lime, soy sauce, and salt. These are an essential and addictive accompaniment to tacos, grilled meats, or any Mexican feast, offering a burst of spicy heat and bright acidity.
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.
Smørrebrød are a beloved Danish classic, featuring thick slices of dense rye bread generously buttered and elaborately topped with a variety of ingredients. These open-faced sandwiches are not just a meal but a work of art, typically enjoyed with a knife and fork.
An elegant and flavorful Thai steamed fish curry custard, also known as a fish mousse, traditionally steamed in individual banana leaf cups. The delicate texture and aromatic spices make it a delightful appetizer or light main course.
A flavorful and iconic Turkish dish, Çiğ Köfte is made from fine bulgur wheat that is meticulously kneaded with a rich blend of tomato and pepper pastes, and a generous amount of spices. The long kneading process, traditionally done by hand, 'cooks' the bulgur, transforming it into a smooth, pliable, and deeply aromatic mixture. It's typically served as a meze or snack, wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves and often accompanied by a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Mauritian vegetable fritters, known as 'gajak', are a popular street food and snack. They are made with a mix of finely chopped or grated vegetables bound together with chickpea flour and spices, then deep-fried to golden perfection.
