appetizer Recipes
388 delicious appetizer recipes from around the world
Bắp Xào (Vietnamese Butter Corn with Dried Shrimp)
A beloved Vietnamese street food snack, Bắp Xào features sweet corn kernels quickly sautéed with fragrant butter, savory dried shrimp, and fresh scallions, finished with a touch of sugar for a perfect sweet and savory balance.
Batagor (Fried Fish Dumplings with Peanut Sauce)
A popular Indonesian street food, Batagor are savory fried fish dumplings, typically made with mackerel or other white fish, mixed with tapioca starch and seasonings, then stuffed into tofu and wonton wrappers. Served with a rich, sweet and savory peanut sauce and a drizzle of sweet soy sauce (kecap manis). This recipe focuses on the classic preparation, a beloved specialty from Bandung.
Batata Harra (Spicy Lebanese Potatoes)
Batata Harra is a beloved Lebanese mezze dish featuring perfectly crispy, golden-brown potato cubes tossed with a vibrant and spicy mixture of fresh garlic, cilantro, chili flakes, and lemon juice. It's a simple yet incredibly flavorful appetizer or side.
Bò Cuốn Lá Lốt (Grilled Beef Wrapped in Wild Betel Leaves)
Tender ground beef, infused with aromatic spices and lemongrass, is tightly wrapped in fragrant wild betel leaves (lá lốt) and then grilled to perfection. This dish offers a delightful balance of savory, peppery, and herbaceous notes, making it a popular appetizer or main course.
Bò Lá Lốt (Grilled Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaves)
A classic Vietnamese street food featuring fragrant, spiced ground beef tightly wrapped in tender wild betel leaves and grilled to smoky perfection. The combination of aromatic leaves, savory beef, and the char from grilling is truly irresistible.
Cacık
A refreshing and cooling Turkish yogurt and cucumber side dish, perfect for hot summer days or as an accompaniment to rich meals like kebabs. It's a delightful blend of creamy yogurt, crisp cucumber, pungent garlic, and aromatic mint.
Chả Giò (Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls)
Authentic Vietnamese Chả Giò are crispy, golden fried spring rolls filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, shrimp, finely chopped vegetables, and wood ear mushrooms. These are a beloved staple for celebrations and gatherings, offering a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor with every bite.
Cha Ye Dan (Chinese Tea Eggs)
Chinese tea eggs, known as Cha Ye Dan, are a popular and visually striking snack sold on street corners throughout China. Hard-boiled eggs are gently cracked and then simmered in a fragrant broth of black tea, soy sauce, and aromatic spices. This process infuses the eggs with a savory, complex flavor and creates a beautiful, marbled pattern on the whites as the seasoned liquid seeps into the cracks.
Chao Shou / Wonton in Chili Oil
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.
Chawanmushi (Japanese Savory Egg Custard)
A delicate and silky steamed egg custard, traditionally served as an elegant appetizer or side dish. This version features tender shrimp and chicken, with the option of ginkgo nuts for an authentic touch.
Chicken 65
A popular and fiery Indian appetizer from Chennai, featuring bite-sized pieces of marinated chicken that are deep-fried until crispy and then tossed with fragrant curry leaves and spices. It's known for its vibrant red color and spicy kick.
Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Tender, grilled marinated chicken skewers served with a rich and creamy peanut sauce, a quintessential Southeast Asian street food delight.
Chilli Chicken
A popular Indo-Chinese dish featuring crispy fried chicken tossed in a spicy, savory chili-soy sauce. This recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor with a delightful balance of textures.
Chun Juan (Chinese Spring Rolls)
Authentic Chun Juan, or Chinese spring rolls, are a beloved Lunar New Year tradition. These crispy fried rolls are filled with savory pork and a medley of fresh vegetables, offering a delightful crunch with every bite.
Çiğ Köfte (Turkish Bulgur Patties)
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.
Cong You Bing (Chinese Scallion Pancakes)
Authentic Chinese scallion pancakes (Cong You Bing) are a beloved street food, renowned for their incredibly flaky, layered texture and savory aroma. This recipe guides you through creating perfectly crispy yet tender flatbreads, generously studded with fresh green onions.
Crispy Pata (Filipino Crispy Pork Leg)
A beloved Filipino celebration dish, Crispy Pata features a whole pork leg (trotter) that is first braised until tender, then deep-fried to achieve an incredibly crispy, golden-brown skin and succulent meat. It's a showstopper that's perfect for special occasions.
Dahi Vada
Soft, fluffy lentil fritters (vadas) soaked in cool, sweetened yogurt and topped with tangy tamarind and spicy green chutneys. A refreshing and popular Indian snack or appetizer.
Dakgangjeong (Korean Crispy Sweet Soy Glazed Chicken)
Experience the irresistible crunch of Dakgangjeong, a popular Korean street food featuring double-fried chicken pieces coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory soy glaze. This recipe ensures a perfectly crispy exterior and tender interior, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Dhokla
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.
Dolmeh Barg (Stuffed Grape Leaves)
Authentic Persian dolmeh, featuring tender grape leaves generously stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, fragrant herbs, and the subtle sweetness of split peas. Finished with a tangy pomegranate molasses sauce, these dolmeh are a culinary masterpiece.
Dotorimuk (Korean Acorn Jelly)
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.
Ebi Tempura (Japanese Fried Shrimp)
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.
Ezme (Spicy Turkish Tomato Salad)
Ezme is a vibrant and refreshing Turkish meze, or appetizer, featuring finely chopped tomatoes, peppers, onions, and fresh herbs, all brought together with a zesty dressing. It's known for its bright flavors and a pleasant kick of spice, making it an essential accompaniment to grilled meats, kebabs, or simply enjoyed with warm flatbread.