Dish (food)

Dish (food)

A dish in gastronomy is a specific food preparation, a "distinct article or variety of food", with cooking finished, and ready to eat, or be served.

A "dish" may be served on dishware, or may be eaten out of hand; but breads are generally not called "dishes".

Instructions for preparing a dish are called recipes. Some dishes, for example puddings, are exclusively sweet. Some dishes, such as salads, traditionally cold, include both cooked and raw ingredients, and can be served either hot or cold. Some dishes are regional, and not all are main courses. Some foods are street food, and others are luxury goods due to their high cost.

Types of dishes

Dishes can be classified in various ways:

• Appetizer or Hors d'oeuvre: small dish served before meals
• Soup: often served as the first course or starter
• Main course: the primary dish in a meal consisting of several courses
• Dessert: a typically sweet course that concludes a meal
• Side dish: a food item that accompanies the entrée or main course at a meal

Cultural and regional variation

Dishes vary significantly due to cultural and regional differences. For example, in Asian cuisine, dishes often include rice or noodles as a staple ingredient, while in European cuisine, bread and potatoes often serve this purpose. Similarly, dishes in Indian cuisine are often heavily spiced and cooked in a sauce, while dishes in French cuisine may be lightly seasoned and cooked in butter.

See also

• List of types of dishes
• Food presentation
• Meal
• Cuisine