appetizer Recipes
388 delicious appetizer recipes from around the world
Martabak Telur (Indonesian Savory Stuffed Pancake)
A popular Indonesian street food, Martabak Telur is a crispy, golden-brown savory pancake filled with a flavorful mixture of eggs, ground meat, and aromatics. It's a delightful and satisfying snack or light meal.
Medu Vada
Crispy lentil donuts - savory fried urad dal fritters with a crispy outside and soft inside. These are a popular South Indian snack, often served for breakfast or as an appetizer.
Mercimek Köftesi (Turkish Red Lentil and Bulgur Patties)
Mercimek Köftesi are delicious, savory patties made from red lentils and fine bulgur, infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Traditionally served as a vegan mezze or appetizer, they are flavorful, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make.
Miang Kham (Thai Leaf Wraps)
Miang Kham, meaning 'many bites to eat', is a traditional Thai appetizer where fresh betel leaves are filled with a vibrant medley of sweet, savory, sour, and spicy toppings. It's a delightful and interactive culinary experience.
Midye Dolma (Turkish Stuffed Mussels)
A classic Turkish street food, Midye Dolma are mussels stuffed with a fragrant, spiced rice pilaf. They are typically served chilled with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Mirza Ghasemi
A beloved Northern Persian specialty from the Gilan province, this dish features smoky grilled eggplant mashed with sautéed tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and enriched with eggs. It's a simple yet incredibly flavorful vegetarian dish, perfect served with fresh bread.
Modeum Jeon (Assorted Korean Pan-Fried Delicacies)
Modeum Jeon is a delightful assortment of Korean pan-fried dishes, featuring a variety of thinly sliced vegetables and proteins, coated in a light batter and pan-fried to a perfect golden crisp. It's a popular dish for holidays and special gatherings, often served with a savory dipping sauce.
Moo Ping (Thai Grilled Pork Skewers)
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.
Moo Satay (Thai Grilled Pork Skewers)
Authentic Thai Moo Satay features tender pork skewers marinated in a fragrant blend of spices and coconut milk, then grilled to perfection and served with a rich peanut sauce and refreshing cucumber relish (ajat). A beloved street food classic.
Mutabbal
Syrian smoky eggplant dip - fire-roasted eggplant blended with tahini and pomegranate molasses. This mutabbal offers a deeper, more intense smoky flavor than traditional baba ganoush.
Nakji Bokkeum (Spicy Stir-Fried Baby Octopus)
Nakji Bokkeum is a vibrant and popular Korean dish featuring tender baby octopus stir-fried in a fiery, savory, and slightly sweet sauce. It's known for its bold flavors and quick cooking time, making it a fantastic weeknight meal or appetizer.
Nam Prik Ong (Northern Thai Tomato and Pork Chili Dip)
A flavorful and slightly spicy Northern Thai relish made with minced pork, tomatoes, and chilies. It's traditionally served as a dip with fresh vegetables and crispy pork crackling.
Nam Tok Moo (Thai Waterfall Pork Salad)
Nam Tok Moo, meaning 'waterfall pork', is a vibrant and spicy Thai grilled pork salad originating from the Isaan region. It's characterized by its juicy, tender pork that's sliced and then tossed in a zesty dressing with toasted rice powder, chili, and fresh herbs. The name refers to the delicious juices that 'drip' from the grilled pork, resembling a waterfall.
Nem Chua (Vietnamese Fermented Pork Roll)
Nem Chua is a traditional Vietnamese fermented pork roll, characterized by its distinct sour and slightly spicy flavor. It's made from raw pork, pork skin, garlic, and spices, then fermented and wrapped in banana leaves. This dish is often enjoyed as an appetizer or snack.
Nem Nướng (Vietnamese Grilled Pork Sausage)
Nem Nướng is a beloved Vietnamese grilled pork sausage, a specialty from Nha Trang. This recipe focuses on achieving a wonderfully springy texture and savory flavor, perfect for wrapping in rice paper with fresh herbs and dipping in a savory sauce.
Neua Dad Diao (Thai Sun-Dried Beef)
Neua Dad Diao, meaning 'beef dried in the sun,' is a classic Thai dish featuring thinly sliced beef marinated in a savory and slightly sweet mixture, then dried until leathery, and finally deep-fried to a crispy, chewy perfection. It's a flavorful and addictive snack or appetizer.
Nộm Hoa Chuối (Vietnamese Banana Flower Salad)
A refreshing and crunchy Vietnamese salad featuring tender shredded banana flower, savory poached chicken, and a medley of fresh herbs, all tossed in a vibrant nuoc cham dressing and topped with crispy peanuts and fried shallots. This dish is a delightful appetizer or light meal.
Ốc Hương (Spotted Babylon Snails with Lemongrass and Chili)
A popular Vietnamese street food, Ốc Hương features tender, stir-fried spotted babylon snails (oc huong) infused with the aromatic flavors of lemongrass, garlic, and a hint of chili. Best enjoyed hot with a zesty salt-pepper-lime dipping sauce.
Otak-Otak (Grilled Fish Cakes in Banana Leaf)
Otak-otak is a delicious and aromatic Indonesian grilled fish cake, typically made from a blend of fish paste, spices, and coconut milk, then wrapped in banana leaves and grilled. It's a popular street food enjoyed across various regions of Indonesia, with subtle variations in flavor and preparation.
Pai Huang Gua (Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad)
A classic Chinese cold appetizer, Pai Huang Gua features crisp cucumbers smashed to create a rough texture, perfect for absorbing a tangy, savory, and slightly spicy dressing. It's incredibly refreshing and addictive, making it a popular side dish.
Pajeon (Korean Scallion Pancake)
A savory and crispy Korean pancake loaded with fresh scallions and optional seafood. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, especially on a rainy day.
Pakora
Crispy and savory vegetable fritters made with a gram flour (besan) batter, perfect as a tea-time snack, especially during the monsoon season.
Paneer Tikka
A classic Indian vegetarian appetizer featuring cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and colorful vegetables marinated in a rich, spiced yogurt mixture and then grilled or baked until tender with beautifully charred edges. It's a delightful balance of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors.
Pani Puri
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.