15 Irresistible Appetizers from Around the World

Appetizers play a key role in setting the stage for any meal—whether you're:

• ✅ throwing a lively soirée
• ✅ planning a cozy night in
• ✅ or simply craving some tasty bites

They spark conversation, satisfy cravings, and set the tone for what’s to come. Let's dive into the must-have appetizers or hors d'oeuvres from around the world that bring flavor, fun, and flair to any occasion.

We have assembled essential ingredients for your appetizer concoctions, from crispy hors d'oeuvres to savory dips, to help you create scrumptious starters for your next get-together or solo snacking.

→ Explore our must-have appetizer ingredients and order online for fast delivery across Metro Manila or convenient pickup in Makati. Your next bite is just a click away!

🍽️ What Are Appetizers?

These are small plates of finger food, often referred to as starters or hors d'œuvres, typically enjoyed before the main meal. Their purpose is to boost the appetite, introduce flavor profiles, and set the mood for the main meal. Appetizers come in a wide range of styles—from crisp and light to hearty and decadent—reflecting the culinary traditions of different cultures.

🌍 Popular Appetizers Around the World

#1 🥟 🇯🇵 Gyoza (Japan): Pan-fried dumplings filled with ground meat and vegetables, served with soy-vinegar dipping sauce. A Japanese izakaya favorite. 

#2 🥑 🇲🇽 Guacamole (Mexico): A creamy avocado dip mixed with lime, onion, tomato, and cilantro. Served with tortilla chips, it's a staple at any fiesta. 

#3 🐟 🇵🇪 Ceviche (Peru): Fresh fish cured in citrus juices with onions, chili, and cilantro. A refreshing and zesty dish that’s perfect for warm weather.

#4 🥢 🇨🇳 Spring Rolls (China/Vietnam): Crispy rolls filled with vegetables, noodles, and sometimes meat. Served with spring roll sauce, sweet chili, or soy-based dipping sauces.

#5 🥔 🇮🇳 Samosas (India): Crisp, triangle-shaped pastries stuffed with seasoned potatoes, green peas, or ground meat. Deep-fried and served with chutneys.

#6 🧀 🇫🇷 Charcuterie Board (France): An elegant arrangement of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and bread. Ideal for entertaining or wine nights.

#7 🍅 🇮🇹 Bruschetta (Italy): Toasted sliced baguette rubbed with garlic and topped with sliced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. A classic Italian starter that’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for summer gatherings.

#8 🥟 🌎 Empanadas (Latin America): Pastry pockets filled with savory ingredients like beef, chicken, or cheese. Baked or fried, they’re a staple across Latin cultures.

#9 🥙 🇱🇧 Mezze (Middle East): A spread of dips and bites including hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, and stuffed grape leaves. Mezze is central to Middle Eastern hospitality.

#10 🍷 🇪🇸 Tapas (Spain): A variety of small plates like olives, chorizo, patatas bravas, and anchovies. Tapas are meant for sharing and pair perfectly with wine.

#11 🦑 🇪🇸/🇵🇭 Calamares (Spain/Philippines): Golden-fried squid rings served with garlic mayo or vinegar-based dips. Crunchy, savory, and perfect for seafood lovers.

#12 🥟 🇵🇱 Pierogi (Poland): Tender dumplings stuffed with savory fillings like mashed potatoes, cheese, or minced meat, then boiled or lightly fried and commonly served with sautéed onions or a dollop of sour cream.

#13 🌱 🇯🇵 Edamame (Japan): Lightly steamed young soybeans typically served with a sprinkle of sea salt. A nutritious, protein-packed Japanese snack staple, perfect for guilt-free munching.

#14 🍃 🇹🇷 Dolma (Turkey/Greece): Delicate grape leaves encase a savory blend of rice, herbs, and occasionally ground meat. A beloved dish in Mediterranean cuisine, dolma offers a burst of flavor in every bite.

#15 🐟 🇸🇪  Gravlax (Scandinavia): Cured salmon seasoned with dill, sugar, and salt, typically served with mustard sauce and rye bread. Elegant and flavorful.

📌 Bonus: How to Choose the Right Appetizer

• For parties: Go for crowd-pleasers and finger foods like empanadas, savory pastry puffs, samosas, spring rolls, gyoza, or calamares—easy to serve, share, and enjoy without the need for cutlery.
  
  
• For healthy options: Try lighter bites like edamame, dolma, bruschetta, guacamole, or ceviche. These are fresh, flavorful, and often packed with nutrients.
  
  
• For upscale occasions: Opt for elegant appetizers like a charcuterie board, mezze platter, gravlax, or pierogi with gourmet accents. These selections bring sophistication and depth to your dining experience.
  
  
• For themed menus: Choose appetizers that reflect the flavors and culinary traditions of your main course. For example:
  • Japanese: gyoza, edamame
  • Mediterranean: dolma, mezze
  • Latin American: empanadas, ceviche, guacamole
  • European: pierogi, gravlax, bruschetta

Celebrate Diversity Through Food

Exploring appetizers from around the world is a delicious way to connect with different cultures, impress your guests, and sharpen your culinary skills. It’s the perfect way to start a meal with taste, texture, and cultural panache.