INTRODUCTION

There is something truly satisfying about sharing good food at a table with family and friends. While formal dining will always have its place, many people are steering away from the traditional notion of sitting down to a three-course meal of starter, main dish and dessert, and are instead embracing a more laid-back style of eating, sharing a few different plates of food.

This way of eating is nothing new, of course — the Spanish, with their countless tapas bars, have been excelling at it for centuries. So have the Chinese, with dim sum or yum cha, the Koreans with their banchan and the Indians with their thali. Scandinavians are known for their smorgasbords, the Middle Easterns enjoy meze plates and the Italians are famous for antipasti.

And why not? Sharing food creates interaction and conversation at the table, allowing diners to explore more tastes and flavours in one sitting.

When choosing a selection of shared dishes for a gathering, think about balancing flavours and textures, how much time you have for preparation and what elements of the menu can be made well in advance, leaving you free to enjoy some leisurely grazing and feasting. A selection of tasty fingerfoods, or a platter of oysters, sashimi or tapas-type nibbles, is perfect for sharing if you are having people over for a few drinks. To avoid a confusion of flavours, and to keep menu planning easy, it’s often simplest to stick to a general style of cuisine, for example Asian, Spanish or Mediterranean — but don’t be afraid to be a bit adventurous too.

This book offers a whole range of great ideas for shared plates, from leisurely breakfasts and elegant brunches to warming winter dishes and light, lazy summer fare, to bar snacks and fun, informal foods to enjoy with a bunch of friends. Whatever the occasion, you’re sure to find something perfect for sharing.