12 delicious starter recipes from around the world
A classic Chinese comfort food, Dan Hua Tang is a simple yet elegant soup featuring delicate ribbons of silken egg suspended in a savory, aromatic chicken broth. It's quick to prepare and perfect for a light meal or starter.
A refreshing and vibrant cold soup made with a medley of seasonal fruits, often served as a starter or dessert. It balances sweet and tart flavors with a hint of spice, making it a perfect dish for warm weather.
An elegant and classic Swedish appetizer featuring creamy shrimp salad piled high on toasted bread, often garnished with roe and fresh dill.
A light and flavorful clear broth soup, typically made with chicken or fish, and filled with finely diced vegetables (brunoise). It's a comforting and healthy starter.
A classic French bistro starter from Lyon, featuring crisp frisée lettuce, savory lardons (bacon), and a perfectly poached egg, all brought together with a warm, tangy vinaigrette. The runny yolk acts as a rich sauce, making this salad both elegant and satisfying.
A beloved retro Australian starter, this Prawn Cocktail features succulent prawns coated in a creamy, tangy Marie Rose sauce, served on a bed of crisp lettuce. A true 1970s classic that remains a popular choice for its nostalgic charm and refreshing taste.
A hearty and comforting vegetable soup, Lasopy is a staple in Madagascar, often made with a rich meat bone broth and pureed to a smooth consistency. It's a perfect starter or a light meal.
Savory cheese dumplings (Käseknödel) served in a clear, rich beef broth (Kraftbrühe). This is a classic Austrian soup that is both elegant and deeply satisfying, often enjoyed as a starter or a light meal.
A rich and creamy Dutch Cheese Soup, often made with Gouda cheese, this comforting soup is a popular starter, especially on colder days. It's typically flavored with sautéed onions and garlic, and can be enriched with milk or cream. Served hot, it's often garnished with fresh chives and enjoyed with crusty bread.
A classic Belgian puff pastry case filled with a rich and creamy mushroom and chicken ragout. Often served as a starter or a light main course.
A classic Chinese-Indonesian style thick and silky soup featuring tender asparagus and delicate crab meat. This restaurant-quality soup is a popular and elegant starter.
A classic Argentine starter, Provoleta is a thick slice of provolone cheese grilled until golden brown and bubbly, then seasoned with oregano and chili flakes. Perfect for sharing as an appetizer before a barbecue (asado).