Appetizer

A small portion of food served before the main part of a meal in order to stimulate the appetite. In the United States, an appetizer plate or buffet may be served before the main meal. In France, the appetizer course is known as hors d'oeuvres and in Italy it is known as antipasto. In Scandinavian countries, the appetizer course is called a smorgasbord, which may also be a main meal, depending on the variety of the dishes offered. In Turkey, appetizers are called meze and in Spain, tapas.