A starter (appetizer) is a small dish served before the main course to whet the appetite and set the tone for the meal.

Good to know

Starters can be cold or warm, simple or elaborate: from a salad with vinaigrette or a small soup to finger food such as bruschetta, summer rolls or mini tartares. In modern cooking, the starter and the amuse-bouche often blur into one another.

In flexitarian cooking

For flexitarians, the starter is the ideal stage for creative vegetable and pulse dishes.

Tip

Keep the portion small and go for acidity and freshness. A starter should make you look forward to the main course, not fill you up.

Related terms

Carpaccio, Tartare, Vinaigrette