Middle Eastern
Creamy Homemade Hummus
Silky, lemony hummus you can whip up in minutes — far better than shop-bought and endlessly…
Appetizers Recipes
A handpicked collection of appetizers from Tara’s Kitchen — every recipe original, tested and written for everyday cooks.
Middle Eastern
Mexican
Fresh Guacamole
Chunky, zesty guacamole made with ripe avocado, lime and a little chilli — five minutes to…
Mediterranean
Garlic Butter Prawns
Juicy prawns tossed in garlicky butter with a squeeze of lemon — on the table in…
Indian
Vegetable Samosas
Crispy golden parcels filled with spiced potato and peas — irresistible with a cup of tea.
Italian
Caprese Salad
Sliced tomatoes, mozzarella and basil with a drizzle of good olive oil — summer on a…
Malaysian
Malaysian Chicken Satay
Skewered chicken marinated with turmeric and lemongrass, grilled until charred and served with a rich peanut…
Vietnamese
Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls
Translucent rice paper rolls packed with prawns, vermicelli and herbs — light, crunchy and dipped in…
Middle Eastern
Falafel
Crisp, herby chickpea fritters with a fluffy green interior — Middle Eastern street food worth making…
Middle Eastern
Baba Ganoush
Smoky charred aubergine blended with tahini, garlic and lemon — a creamy, savoury dip that disappears…
Spanish
Patatas Bravas
Crispy fried potatoes with a smoky, spicy tomato sauce and a swirl of garlic mayonnaise —…
Indian
Chicken Tikka
Charred, yoghurt-marinated chicken pieces with a deep red colour and big flavour — perfect from the…
Chinese
Spring Rolls (Fried)
Crispy, golden rolls stuffed with vegetables and a savoury filling — the snack everyone reaches for…
Pakistani
Pakistani Chicken Cutlets
Crispy, golden breaded chicken patties with a soft, spiced potato and chicken centre — perfect for…
Pakistani
Shami Kebab
Soft, melt-in-the-mouth minced meat and lentil patties, spiced and pan-fried — a beloved tea-time and Eid…
Indian
Aloo Tikki
Crispy spiced potato patties with a golden crust — a beloved Indian street food snack served…
Italian
Bruschetta
Toasted bread rubbed with garlic and piled with juicy tomatoes, basil and good olive oil —…
American
Buffalo Chicken Wings
Crispy baked wings tossed in a tangy, buttery hot sauce — the ultimate game-night snack.
Spanish
Gambas al Ajillo
Sizzling prawns in garlicky olive oil with a hint of chilli — the most addictive tapas…
Italian
Garlic Bread
Crusty bread slathered with garlic herb butter and baked until golden — the side everyone fights…
Indian
Onion Bhaji
Crispy, spiced onion fritters bound with gram flour — a beloved Indian snack and starter.
American
Potato Wedges
Crispy, seasoned potato wedges roasted until golden — a simple side or snack everyone loves.
Indonesian
Indonesian Satay Skewers
Marinated chicken skewers grilled until charred, served with a rich peanut sauce — a street-food favourite.
Caribbean
Caribbean Plantain
Sweet ripe plantain fried until caramelised and golden — a simple, irresistible side.
Mexican
Guacamole
Ripe avocado mashed with lime, onion, chilli and coriander — the freshest dip you can make…
Middle Eastern
Hummus
Silky chickpea dip with tahini, lemon and garlic — smoother and fresher than anything from a…
Japanese
Gyoza Dumplings
Pan-fried pork and cabbage dumplings, crisp on the bottom and steamed on top — a moreish…
Indian
Samosas
Crispy pastry triangles filled with spiced potato and peas — a beloved snack across South Asia.
Middle Eastern
Kibbeh
Crisp bulgur and meat shells with a spiced minced filling — a cherished Levantine speciality.
American
Mac and Cheese Bites
Crispy breaded bites of cheesy macaroni — the ultimate party snack, golden outside and gooey within.
Nigerian
Nigerian Suya
Thin beef skewers coated in a spicy, nutty suya spice mix and grilled — a smoky…
Mediterranean
Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushroom caps filled with garlicky herb breadcrumbs and cheese, baked until golden — a moreish bite.
Middle Eastern
Hummus and Veggie Platter
A generous spread of homemade hummus with colourful crudités and warm bread — perfect for sharing.
Indian
Paneer Tikka
Marinated paneer and peppers charred on skewers — a smoky, satisfying vegetarian starter.
Italian
Arancini
Crispy fried rice balls with a molten centre of risotto and mozzarella — Sicily's most loved…
Chinese
Salt and Pepper Prawns
Crispy fried prawns tossed with chilli, garlic and a salty-peppery seasoning — a takeaway favourite at…
Japanese
Vegetable Tempura
Light, lacy-battered vegetables fried until shatteringly crisp — Japanese frying perfected.
Japanese
Yakitori
Skewers of chicken thigh glazed with a glossy soy-mirin sauce — a Japanese izakaya classic for…
Japanese
Chicken Karaage
Marinated Japanese fried chicken with an impossibly crisp coating — perfect with a squeeze of lemon.
Spanish
Spanish Croquetas
Creamy ham and bechamel croquettes with a crisp golden shell — a beloved Spanish tapas bite.
Greek
Saganaki (Fried Cheese)
Pan-fried slab of cheese with a crisp golden crust and a soft, melting centre — Greece's…
Korean
Korean Kimchi Pancake
Crispy, savoury pancakes packed with tangy kimchi — a quick Korean snack or starter with a…
Spanish
Spanish Albondigas
Tender Spanish meatballs in a smoky tomato sauce with sherry — a wonderful tapas plate or…
Peruvian
Peruvian Ceviche
Fresh fish "cooked" in lime juice with red onion, chilli and coriander — Peru's vibrant national…
Brazilian
Brazilian Coxinha
Teardrop-shaped chicken croquettes with a soft dough wrapper, breaded and fried until golden.
British
Sausage Rolls
Golden, flaky puff pastry wrapped around herby sausage meat — the perfect party bite or lunchbox…
British
Scotch Eggs
Soft-boiled eggs wrapped in herby sausage meat and crispy breadcrumbs — a brilliant picnic classic.
Middle Eastern
Lebanese Mezze Platter
A spread of hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, falafel and warm flatbread — a generous, shareable feast.
Greek
Greek Saganaki
Fried halloumi or kefalotyri cheese with lemon and oregano — a quick, salty-savoury Greek starter.
Turkish
Turkish Sigara Boregi
Crispy filo cigars filled with feta, parsley and herbs — a Turkish meze favourite.
Mexican
Mexican Elote
Grilled corn slathered in mayo, cotija cheese, lime and chilli — Mexico's ultimate street snack.
Thai
Thai Satay Chicken Skewers
Marinated chicken skewers with a rich peanut sauce — bold, smoky, and made for sharing.
Chinese
Scallion Pancakes (Cong You Bing)
Flaky, layered pancakes packed with spring onion — a beloved Chinese street snack with a crispy…
Peruvian
Argentinian Empanadas
Crisp golden pastries filled with seasoned beef, olives and egg — Argentina's favourite handheld snack.
Peruvian
Peruvian Causa
Layers of tangy yellow mashed potato with chicken and avocado — Peru's elegant cold layered dish.
French
French Quiche Lorraine Mini Tarts
Bite-sized quiches with bacon, leek and cheese — perfect for parties, picnics or brunch.
Italian
Italian Caprese Skewers
Cherry tomato, mozzarella and basil on skewers, drizzled with balsamic — the most elegant party bite.
Spanish
Spanish Tortilla Bites
Small wedges of classic potato omelette — perfect tapas-style party food, eaten warm or cold.
American
American Buffalo Cauliflower
Crispy battered cauliflower tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce — the vegetarian answer to wings.
African
Ghanaian Kelewele
Ripe plantains tossed with ginger, chilli and spices, then fried until crisp — Ghana's most addictive…
African
Tunisian Brik
Crisp filo parcels with tuna, potato, capers and a runny egg yolk inside — a crispy…
Indian
Dhokla
Light, spongy, mildly tangy steamed chickpea cakes from Gujarat — a healthy savoury treat with a…
Chinese
Crab Rangoon
Crispy fried wontons stuffed with creamy crab and cream cheese — the Chinese-American appetiser everyone loves.
Mediterranean
Halloumi Fries
Crispy fried halloumi sticks with a sweet chilli dipping sauce — the appetiser that disappears in…
Greek
Spinach and Feta Pinwheels
Flaky puff pastry spirals filled with spinach, feta and dill — perfect party food in twenty-five…
Turkish
Spanish Ezme
A finely chopped Turkish-Mediterranean salsa of tomato, pepper, onion, herbs and pomegranate molasses — bright and…
Egyptian
Egyptian Ta'meya
Egypt's emerald-green falafel made with fava beans, parsley and coriander — fluffier and brighter than chickpea…
Moroccan
Moroccan Briouats
Crispy filo triangles filled with spiced lamb or sweet almonds — Morocco's elegant party bite.
Moroccan
Moroccan Zaalouk
A smoky aubergine and tomato salad with cumin, paprika and garlic — a Moroccan mezze must-have.
Peruvian
Peruvian Papas Rellenas
Mashed potato shaped around a spiced beef and olive filling, breaded and fried until crisp —…
Chinese
Prawn Toast
Crispy sesame-coated prawn paste on toast — a classic Chinese-British takeaway starter, fried to perfection.
American
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Crispy oven-baked wings tossed with butter, lemon zest and lots of black pepper — tangy and…
Greek
Zucchini Fritters
Crispy courgette and feta fritters with dill — a quick, healthy vegetarian snack or light lunch.
Indian
Indian Paneer Tikka
Cubes of paneer cheese and peppers marinated in spiced yoghurt and grilled until charred — a…
Colombian
Colombian Patacones
Twice-fried green plantains smashed into golden discs — Colombia's crispiest, most addictive snack.
Colombian
Colombian Empanadas de Carne
Crispy yellow corn pastry pockets stuffed with seasoned beef and potato — a Colombian street food…
Argentinian
Argentinian Provoleta
A whole disc of provolone cheese grilled until bubbling, topped with oregano and chilli flakes —…
Filipino
Filipino Lumpia
Crispy spring rolls filled with seasoned pork and vegetables — the Philippines' most loved snack.
Lebanese
Lebanese Kibbeh
Bulgur and lamb shells stuffed with spiced minced meat and pine nuts, fried golden — Lebanon's…
Russian
Russian Blini
Small Russian buckwheat pancakes traditionally served with soured cream and salmon roe — elegant and easy.
Greek
Greek Tzatziki
Thick Greek yoghurt with cucumber, garlic, dill and lemon — the most refreshing dip in Mediterranean…
Mexican
Mexican Esquites
Charred sweetcorn in a cup with mayo, lime, chilli and cheese — Mexico's most addictive street…
Turkish
Turkish Lentil Patties (Mercimek Köftesi)
Spiced red lentil and bulgur patties shaped with herbs — a Turkish vegetarian classic, served cold.
Ecuadorian
Ecuadorian Ceviche
A tomato-based Ecuadorian ceviche with shrimp, lime, onion and orange juice — sweeter and saucier than…
Peruvian
Peruvian Tiradito
Sashimi-style raw fish slices in a fiery yellow chilli leche de tigre — the Japanese-Peruvian fusion…
Peruvian
Peruvian Causa Rellena
Layers of bright yellow lime-and-aji potato with a chicken and avocado filling — an elegant cold…
Italian
Italian Arancini
Crispy Sicilian risotto balls stuffed with ragù, peas and mozzarella, breaded and fried golden — pure…
Filipino
Filipino Lumpia
Crispy Filipino spring rolls filled with seasoned pork and vegetables — perfect for parties or as…
Korean
Korean Haemul Pajeon
A crispy Korean seafood and spring onion pancake — perfect with a soy-vinegar dip and rainy…
Russian
Russian Blini
Thin yeasted Russian pancakes traditionally served with smoked salmon, soured cream and caviar — elegant and…
Argentinian
Argentinian Empanadas Salteñas
Northern Argentine empanadas with juicy spiced beef, potato, olive and boiled egg — fragrant and deeply…
Chilean
Chilean Seafood Empanadas
Crispy fried empanadas stuffed with prawns and mussels in a creamy sauce — Chile's coastal classic.
Venezuelan
Venezuelan Tequeños
Crispy fried dough straws wrapped around melting cheese — Venezuela's most-loved party snack.
Peruvian
Peruvian Anticuchos
Skewered marinated beef grilled over fire — Lima's most-loved street food.
Syrian
Syrian Yalanji
Vine leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, tomato and lemon — Syria's tangy vegetarian classic, served cold.
Nepalese
Nepali Momos
Plump steamed dumplings filled with spiced meat or vegetables, served with a fiery tomato chutney.
Lebanese
Syrian Muhammara
A bright red dip of roasted peppers, walnuts and pomegranate molasses — Syria's most addictive mezze.
Dutch
Dutch Bitterballen
Crispy breaded balls with a creamy beef ragout inside — the Netherlands' most-loved bar snack.
Argentinian
Argentinian Provoleta
A thick disc of provolone grilled with oregano and chilli flakes until bubbling and charred —…
Scandinavian
Norwegian Salmon Gravlax
Salmon cured in salt, sugar and dill until silky and translucent — Scandinavia's most elegant fish…
Scandinavian
Danish Smørrebrød
Open-faced rye bread topped with herring, eggs, prawns or roast beef — Denmark's most artful lunch.
Indonesian
Indonesian Sate Ayam
Chicken skewers grilled and served with peanut sauce — Indonesia's most-loved street food.
Syrian
Syrian Yalanji (Stuffed Vine Leaves)
Vine leaves stuffed with herbed rice, tomato and pomegranate molasses — Syria's elegant vegetarian mezze.
Japanese
Japanese Gyoza
Pan-fried Japanese dumplings with crispy bottoms and soft tops, filled with pork and cabbage — addictive…
American
American Buffalo Wings
Crispy fried chicken wings tossed in a fiery butter-and-hot-sauce dressing — invented in Buffalo, NY and…
Nigerian
African Suya (Spiced Beef Skewers)
Thin strips of beef marinated in a peanut-and-spice rub, grilled over flame — Nigeria's most-loved street…
Spanish
Spanish Tortilla Española
A thick, golden Spanish potato and onion omelette — the most-loved tapa in every Spanish bar.
Filipino
Filipino Lumpia Shanghai
Crispy thin Filipino spring rolls filled with seasoned pork and carrot — the most popular party…
Peruvian
Peruvian Causa Limeña
A layered cold dish of yellow mashed potato with lime and chilli, sandwiched around chicken-avocado salad…
Mexican
Mexican Guacamole
Ripe avocado mashed with lime, onion, coriander and chilli — the bright, fresh Mexican dip with…
Vietnamese
Vietnamese Spring Rolls
Translucent rice paper rolls stuffed with prawns, herbs, vermicelli and lettuce, served with peanut dipping sauce…
Italian
Italian Bruschetta
Toasted Italian bread rubbed with garlic and topped with chopped tomato, basil and olive oil —…
Iraqi
Iraqi Kubba
Bulgur shells stuffed with spiced minced lamb, pine nuts and onions, then fried — Iraq's most-loved…
Nepalese
Nepali Sukuti
Air-dried spiced buffalo or beef strips, crisped briefly and tossed with onion, chilli and lime —…
Burmese
Burmese Lahpet
Fermented tea leaves tossed with crispy fried beans, peanuts, sesame, cabbage and lime — Myanmar's most-loved…
Indian
Indian Pakora
Crispy battered onion-and-vegetable fritters made with gram flour and spices — India's favourite rainy-day snack.
Spanish
Spanish Croquetas de Jamón
Crispy fried Spanish croquettes with a molten béchamel-and-ham centre — the most-loved tapa in every Madrid…
Spanish
Spanish Gazpacho
A cold Spanish soup of ripe tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, bread and olive oil — Andalusia's answer…
Lebanese
Lebanese Hummus Beiruti
A spicier version of classic hummus with parsley, chillies and toasted cumin — Beirut's favourite mezze.
French
French Pissaladière
A Niçoise flatbread topped with deeply caramelised onions, anchovies and black olives — Provence's answer to…
Spanish
Spanish Salmorejo
A thick chilled tomato soup from Córdoba with garlic and olive oil, topped with hard-boiled egg…
Vietnamese
Vietnamese Goi Cuon
Cool rice paper rolls stuffed with prawns, vermicelli, lettuce, mint and basil — Vietnam's healthiest snack.
Greek
Greek Dolmades
Tender vine leaves stuffed with herbed rice and pine nuts, slow-simmered in olive oil and lemon…
Chinese
Chinese Salt and Pepper Squid
Crispy fried squid tossed with chilli, garlic, salt and Sichuan pepper — Cantonese seafood at its…
Chinese
Chinese Dim Sum Siu Mai
Cantonese open-topped dumplings of pork and prawn in thin wrappers, topped with prawn roe — dim…
Indian
Indian Chicken 65
A fiery South Indian chicken appetiser — marinated, fried and tossed with curry leaves, ginger, garlic…
Russian
Russian Blini with Salmon
Small Russian buckwheat pancakes topped with smoked salmon and soured cream — the elegant New Year…
French
French Salade Lyonnaise
A warm Lyon salad of frisée lettuce with crispy lardons, poached egg and a tangy mustard-vinegar…
Lebanese
Lebanese Hummus Classic
A silky, lemon-bright Lebanese hummus with tahini, garlic and a generous pool of olive oil —…
Italian
Italian Eggplant Caponata
Sicilian sweet-sour aubergine stew with celery, capers, olives, raisins, vinegar and a touch of sugar —…
Japanese
Japanese Tempura
Crispy, lacy Japanese batter-fried prawns and vegetables — light, golden, dipped in tentsuyu sauce.
Vietnamese
Vietnamese Spring Rolls (Fresh)
Translucent rice paper rolls filled with prawns, pork, rice vermicelli, herbs and lettuce — Vietnamese summer…
Vietnamese
Vietnamese Banh Khot
Mini Vietnamese coconut-and-turmeric pancake cups topped with prawns and spring onion — bite-sized street food.
Thai
Thai Pomelo Salad
A Thai salad of pomelo, prawns, coconut, peanuts, fried shallots and a sweet-sour-salty dressing — refreshing,…
Burmese
Burmese Lahpet Thoke
Burma's tea leaf salad — fermented green tea leaves with crunchy lentils, peanuts, sesame, cabbage and…
Italian
Italian Crostini
Toasted Italian baguette slices topped with chicken liver pâté, ricotta and tomato, or white beans —…
Indian
Indian Aloo Tikki Chaat
Crispy potato patties topped with yoghurt, tamarind chutney, mint chutney, chickpeas, sev and pomegranate — Delhi…
Spanish
Spanish Tortilla Española de Patata
A classic Spanish potato omelette with onion, cooked thick and golden — the iconic Spanish tapa,…
Greek
Greek Tzatziki Classic
Thick Greek yoghurt with grated cucumber, garlic, dill and olive oil — Greece's most-loved dip.
Common questions
Are these appetizers recipes suitable for beginners?
Most are. Each recipe lists a difficulty level and clear step-by-step instructions, so you can pick something that matches your confidence in the kitchen.
Can I adjust the servings?
Yes. Ingredient quantities scale up or down easily — simply multiply or divide the amounts to suit how many people you are cooking for.
Are the recipes original?
Every recipe on Tara’s Kitchen is written from scratch and tested in a home kitchen, so you will not find them copied from anywhere else.