Small plates facts for kids
Small plates are a fun way to eat where you share many different dishes. Instead of one big meal, you get several smaller ones. This style of eating became popular in the United States after the year 2000. It's a great way to try many different foods at once!
Small plates can be like appetizers that you order separately and share with friends or family. Think of them as tasty bites that everyone at the table can enjoy. Sometimes, small plates are also part of a more formal meal, where you get several tiny courses one after another.
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What Are Different Kinds of Small Plates?
Many cultures around the world have their own versions of small plates. These dishes are often shared and are a big part of how people enjoy meals together.
Tapas are a very popular type of small plate from Spanish cuisine. They are a wide variety of appetizers or snacks. You can find everything from olives and cheeses to small fried fish and meatballs. People in Spain often enjoy tapas with drinks, moving from one bar to another and trying different dishes.
Mezze: Middle Eastern and Greek Bites
Mezze are similar to tapas but come from Turkish cuisine and sometimes Greek cuisine. These are also a wide variety of small dishes, often served before a main meal. Mezze can include dips like hummus, salads, stuffed grape leaves, and small pastries. They are perfect for sharing and enjoying with friends.
Italian Small Dishes: Antipasti and Cicchetti
In Italian cuisine, you might find antipasti and cicchetti. Antipasti are traditional first courses, like appetizers, that can include cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables. Cicchetti are small snacks or side dishes, especially popular in Venice, Italy. They are often enjoyed with a glass of wine.
Banchan: Korean Side Dishes
Banchan are small side dishes served with a main meal in Korean cuisine. When you eat a Korean meal, you'll often see many different banchan bowls on the table. These can include kimchi (spicy fermented cabbage), seasoned vegetables, and other tasty bites. They are meant to be shared and complement the main dish.
Sozai: Japanese Pub Food
In Japanese cuisine, especially at an izakaya (a type of Japanese pub), you'll find Sozai. These are small, usually shared dishes. Sozai can be anything from grilled skewers and fried chicken to small salads and pickled vegetables. They are designed to be enjoyed casually with drinks.
Pu Pu Platter: Hawaiian Fun
The pu pu platter is a fun collection of appetizers often found in Hawaiian cuisine (and some Chinese-American restaurants). It's usually a large tray with several different small dishes, like spring rolls, ribs, and fried shrimp. It's meant for sharing and is a great way to start a meal.
Zakuski: Russian Appetizers
Zakuski are a wide variety of cold appetizers and snacks in Russian cuisine. These can include different types of cured fish, pickled vegetables, salads, and small sandwiches. Zakuski are often served before a big meal, especially during celebrations, and are meant to be enjoyed with drinks.
Xiao Cai: Chinese Small Dishes
In Chinese cuisine, you might hear of Xiao Cai (小菜), which literally means "small dish." These are often simple, flavorful side dishes or appetizers. They can include things like pickled cucumbers, seasoned tofu, or small salads, adding more variety to a meal.
