Small plates is a recent food trend having become popular in the Western food at the beginning of the 21st century.
Small plates varies across food regions but typically refers to small dishes ordered a la carte which resemble appetizers or smaller portions. Small plates can also be considered as small courses served part of a more formal, larger meal.
The most important aspect of small plates cuisine is that it encourages eating smaller amounts, but still packed with big flavour. Small-plate dishes are characteristically tasty and carefully presented. Examples of small plates include tapas, mezze, antipasti and banchan. |