889 delicious appetizer recipes from around the world
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.
The original Buffalo, NY classic: crispy fried chicken wings coated in a tangy, spicy butter-based hot sauce, traditionally served with cooling blue cheese dressing and crisp celery sticks.
A rich and flavorful chicken liver pâté, often referred to as 'chopped liver' in Jewish households. This classic dish is smooth, savory, and perfect served with crackers, pickles, or on rye bread.
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.
A classic Japanese izakaya (pub) snack, these tender, young soybeans are boiled and lightly salted, offering a satisfying bite and a healthy, flavorful experience.
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.
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.
Doi Bora, also known as Dahi Vada, is a popular savory snack or appetizer in Bangladeshi cuisine. Soft lentil fritters (bora) are soaked in water and then generously coated with thick, seasoned yogurt, often topped with sweet and tangy tamarind chutney and a sprinkle of spices. It's a delightful balance of textures and flavors, offering a cooling and refreshing taste.
Savory fried fritters made from grated yuca (cassava) and seasoned with herbs and spices. They are a popular appetizer or snack, often served with a side of dipping sauce.
Fluffy, steamed savory cakes made from fermented gram flour (besan), a popular and healthy snack from Gujarat, India. They are characterized by their light, spongy texture and are often tempered with a sweet and spicy mixture.
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.
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.
Crispy, golden-fried rolled tacos, a delightful crunchier cousin to flautas. These are typically filled with mashed potatoes and served with fresh toppings.
Flaky, savory pastries filled with a delicious mixture of mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, onions, and spices, often enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or light meal.
Moo Ping are succulent Thai grilled pork skewers, a beloved street food often enjoyed for breakfast with sticky rice. Thinly sliced pork shoulder is marinated in a flavorful blend of coconut cream, fish sauce, oyster sauce, palm sugar, and aromatics, then grilled to perfection.
A timeless American classic, the Waldorf Salad features crisp apples, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and toasted walnuts, all coated in a light, tangy mayonnaise dressing. Originally created at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in 1896, this salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish.
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.
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 Indo-Chinese fusion dish featuring crispy fried cauliflower florets tossed in a savory, sweet, and spicy sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a flavorful side dish.
A creative take on traditional Mongolian dumplings, infused with the smoky, earthy flavors characteristic of Boodog, using finely minced lamb and aromatic herbs.
A popular Spanish tapa, 'Tigres' are mussels stuffed with a rich, spicy béchamel sauce infused with chorizo, then breaded and fried to a golden crisp. The name 'Tigres' (tigers) refers to their spicy kick.
Tender grape leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of spiced rice and ground lamb, then gently braised until meltingly soft. A beloved classic of Levantine cuisine.
Crispy, savory fish balls, a popular Maldivian snack often enjoyed with tea. They are typically made with smoked tuna, onions, and spices, then deep-fried to a golden crisp.
A savory meat jelly or aspic, Kholodets is a festive dish often prepared for holidays and special occasions. It's made by slow-cooking meat and bones to extract gelatin, then chilling it until set.
