Shared Meals

Shared meals, also known as "small plates" or "tapas," have become increasingly popular in restaurants across the United States. The concept is simple: instead of ordering a single entree, diners share a variety of smaller dishes, often designed to be shared, and enjoy a diverse selection of flavors and textures.

Here are some popular shared meals you might find on menus in the US:

1. Charcuterie: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, crackers, and spreads, often served with crostini or bread.

2. Veggie platter: A colorful plate of fresh vegetables, such as carrots, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and baby bell peppers, served with dips like hummus or ranch dressing.

3. Sliders: Miniature burgers, chicken sandwiches or tacos, served in sets of two or three.

4. Flatbreads: Miniature pizzas topped with ingredients like cheese, meats, and vegetables.

5. Wings: Chicken wings, often served with a variety of sauces, such as buffalo, BBQ, or honey mustard.

6. Quesadillas: Tortillas filled with cheese, meats, and vegetables, cooked until crispy and served with dipping sauces.

7. Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings filled with meats, vegetables, or seafood, often served with dipping sauces.

8. Meat and cheese board: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, crackers, and spreads, often served with garnishes like grapes, figs, and nuts.

9. Chicken tenders: Breaded and fried chicken strips, often served with dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch.

10. Falafel: Crispy, flavorful chickpea patties, often served with tahini sauce, tomatoes, and onions.

When ordering shared meals, it's common for restaurants to serve 2-3 dishes per person, and you can usually choose from a variety of options to create your own combination. This style of dining encourages socializing and allows you to try a bit of everything, so don't be afraid to get adventurous and try new things!