Sometimes you don’t want to order big.
You’re hanging out with your friends, enjoying the lovely afternoon, and you’re feeling a bit peckish. But you’re not hungry enough to order a family-sized pizza, and you really can’t be bothered cooking. What do you do?
Start at the top of the menu. Sometimes the answer is staring you right in the face! Remember appetizers and entrees? These tasty morsels go well with a boutique beer, and better yet, they won’t break the bank. You can go as simple or as gourmet as you like. Entrees are great fun to order because you get to try a range of different flavours. We have a feeling this could be a secret trend, but if you haven’t tried it yet, here’s a challenge: for your next order, you’re only allowed to order entrees.
Take the appetizer challenge!
Every cuisine has its own delicious range of entrees. You have to venture outside your comfort zone and make it your mission to try every single one!
So what are we talking about here? For starters, there’s the failsafe dips and Turkish bread option. Hummus, babaganoush, tabouli salad, olives and vine leaves. Delicious and completely snackable. Great for picnics in the park.
Ask yourself, how many different types of Japanese entrées have tried? Gyoza? Check. Agedashi tofu? Check. What about yakitori? Check. Edamame? Ok, if you haven’t tried steamed soybeans with salt, you really must. But if you’re trying to avoid deep-fried dishes, order a wakame salad and miso soup. Healthy AND tasty! Oh, but wait, there’s also tempura, kara-age fried chicken, croquettes, or the lip-smackingly delicious soft-shell crab from Unoya in Sydney.
Just thinking about Thai entrée’s make our mouths water. You can’t go wrong if you order one of every entree on the menu: Thai fish cakes, satay chicken, vegetable curry puffs, money bags, and don’t forget soups like Tom Yum Goong.
Chinese entrees are classics. Those prawn crackers take us back. Did your Mum ever rouse on you not to eat too many of those crispy treats? And what about pork wontons, prawn dim sims, and spring rolls? This is an afternoon snack order.
Of course, Indian starters are crowd-pleasers too. Who doesn’t like pappadams and naan bread with a selection of dips?! And what about samosas and pakoras? Yum! Some places even do entrée platters, so you don’t have to order everything individually. Please make sure you check with the restaurant what kinds of combinations they offer.
We’d love to hear what you think. Have you ever only ordered entrees? If not, will you take the challenge?