Why Do We Eat Starter Before the Meal?

Whether you are going for a fine dining experience at your favourite restaurant in your neighbourhood or hosting a formal dinner party at home for your guests, one general rule of thumb is to start the culinary experience with some delicious starters.

Considered to be the norm of chronological culinary practice, starters are always consumed before the main course. But have you ever wondered what is the logic behind this chronology order? How has this become the accepted form of eating order? What is the historical context behind the three-course meal?

We uncover the answers to all these and more as we try to answer the simple yet rarely thought question of why we eat starters before a meal. And later in this blog, we are going to cite one of the most sought-after places in Dubai where you can find mouthwatering starters from varied cuisines. So, read on!

What is a Starter?

Starters refer to a broad range of hot and cold dishes that are served as the first course of the meal, preceding the main course. In the culinary world, they are also affectionately regarded as appetisers.

Generally served in small portions, they are not designed to fill you up completely but just to the right amount so that you are well-prepared for the main course that is to be followed. These are your bite-sized food choices, full of flavours but not too filling.

Some of the most common examples of starters can be salads, soups, Tikkas, veggie rolls, cutlets, French fries, Kababs and several other finger foods.

History of the Starters

Before we get into the logistics of why we eat starters before the main meal, we believe it would be a great idea to look back in the past at how the practice of starters came into being. It is generally believed that the idea of a three-course meal originated in Spain during the 9th century when Persian polymath Ziryab insisted on the idea of meals being served in three sections – soups, the main dish, followed by a sweet dessert.

From the 16th to 19th century, formal dinners in France were usually divided into varied courses, each consisting of several dishes. This art of serving guests in French culture was known as service à la française. Typically, the more guests there were, the more dishes that were served.

From the 19th century, the service à la russe, a similar Russian-style service started getting popular. In this service style, the dining routine comprised four courses - hors d’oeuvres (a small savoury dish), starter, main course and dessert. Each of the courses was made of a single dish that was served in individually plated portions that all the guests would consume at the same time, one after another.

This has mostly remained in style since then and has become the standard norm for serving meals. Whether it is official or unofficial lunches or dinners, this routine has come to be expected by guests in most parts of the world and has become the general rule of thumb of fine dining.

Why is Starters Served before the Meal

Starters help awaken your sensory pallets so that your taste buds are prepared for the main course that is coming next. In addition, they also prepare your stomach for the highly filling and satiating main course. They are served before the main course because they build up the interest of people in food and get your digestive system ready for a heavier meal.

When you are hungry for a long time, your stomach produces acid in preparation for digesting the food. This is why staying empty stomach for a lengthy amount of time can lead to you feeling acidity and discomfort. So, while you wait for the main course to arrive, munching on starters can help manage your appetite and internal digestive process.

Starters can also play a great role in improving nutrient absorption from the main course and help stimulate digestion. Furthermore, they help you savour the flavours of the main course more.

Discover the Most Mouthwatering Starters in Dubai

At MyGovindas, we know that the journey to an excellent culinary experience begins with a delicious platter of starters. Therefore, our expert chefs present the most mouthwatering and succulent starters that will leave you licking your fingers for the umpteenth time.

Representing diverse tastes and preferences, our menu of starters is designed to fill you up just in the right amount to prepare you for the main course to follow. Rich in flavours and perfect for quick bites, they make for great companies for your conversations with your loved ones. In our ‘Kuch Naram, Kuch Garam’ section, we have an eclectic range of starter options that will surely elevate your dining experience. It includes Paneer Achari Tikka, Paneer Pudina Tikka, Soya Haryali Tikka, Soya Achari Tikka, Makai Seekh Kebab, Subzi Seekh Kebab, Tandoori Platter, Five Spiced Broccoli Tikki, Vegetable Hara Bhara Kebab, Paneer Methi Tikki, Masala Papad, French Fries, Veg Spring Roll, Crispy Potato Chilli, Crispy Vegetable, Gobhi Manchurian, Soya 65 and other mouth watering snacks.

To begin with, we have the classic French Fries. These never go out of style. Dipping the deep-fried potato sticks in the condiment of your choice is the go-to route for people of varied backgrounds and ages.

Next, we also have on our menu the effervescent Masala Papad that is seasoned with chilli, coriander, and Chaat Masala and served with cucumber and tomato. This crispy flatbread made from a dough of lentils is an Indian household staple and our seasoning and presentation make it the perfect accompaniment to your main course or the apt beginning to your dining experience.

Those of you who love to indulge in Mughlai and Persian cuisines will be happy to find the Vegetable Hara Bhara Kabab. Prepared with cottage cheese, spinach, green peas, and a whole lot of Indian spices, this mouthwatering dish is rich in flavour and can win you over with just its aroma.

Another Mughlai favourite, the Tikkis get an Indian makeover with our Paneer Methi Tikki. Prepared with cottage cheese, fenugreek, and bread crumbs, and seasoned with exotic Indian spices, these fried patties make for great munching options before diving into your main courses.

Offering more options for Tikki lovers, we have also got the Five-spiced Broccoli Tikki made with five-spice powder, broccoli, and cottage cheese and seasoned with exotic Indian spices while served with the impeccable sweet chilli dip. Infused with wholesome flavours, we bet you can’t have enough of this highly appetising starter.

The Delectable and Unparalleled Culinary Experience at MyGovindas

Our chefs are ceaselessly committed to bringing you the best of the culinary world. Our menu represents the diverse population of Dubai with the ethnic settlements influencing the varied types of cuisines. From Mughlai to Indian, from Chinese to Continental, from Persian to Sattvic, no matter what kind of taste preferences you have, we are ready to serve you well and in style.

Our vegetarian restaurants in Dubai are spread all over to ensure you have easy access to them. You will find our branches in Silicon Oasis, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Karama, and Arjan. In addition, we also offer online order options through which you can get your favourite dishes delivered to your doorstep without stepping out of your home.

So, whether you want to enjoy our starters and much more in the serene environment of our restaurants for a wholesome dining experience or want to get a cosy dining experience in the comfort of your home by ordering online, the choice is yours.

Not to forget, our catering services in Dubai also ensure you have these delicious starters served at any function, event, or occasion you plan to host. So, now you can treat your guests and loved ones with delectable starters of your choice curated by our certified chefs at your exclusive party.