Alkuannos

Alkuannos is the first course of a Finnish multi-course meal. The term denotes a plated dish or a small tasting portion intended to awaken the palate and introduce the chef’s direction for the menu. It is typically positioned before the main course and is not as substantial as the subsequent dishes.

Forms of an alkuannos vary and can be cold or warm. Common examples include seafood or vegetable preparations, light soups, salads, or bite-sized hot dishes. The emphasis is on balance, seasonal ingredients, and presentation, with portions sized to set the tone for the courses to follow. In many restaurants, an alkuannos may be part of a tasting menu or a fixed multi-course menu, and it may be paired with wine or non-alcoholic beverages.

Context and usage in Finland: the term is widely used in professional dining, especially in establishments offering formal menus or celebratory meals. In home dining, the concept may be used more loosely to describe a starter portion served before the main course.

Relation to related terms: alkupala is a broader term that can refer to various appetizers or small bites, often in more casual settings. Alkuannos, by contrast, typically denotes a formally positioned first course within a multi-course meal, focusing on a distinct plated dish rather than a collection of bites.