Delikatessen

Delikatessen is a term used in German-speaking regions to describe delicacies and, more commonly, a retail shop selling prepared foods. A delicatessen, or deli, is a counter or store that offers ready-to-eat items, especially cold cuts, sausages, cheeses, smoked fish, salads, pâtés and terrines, antipasti, and sandwiches. In German, Delikatessen can denote the product category as well as the shop; in English the term is borrowed as delicatessen, with delis as the plural for the shops.

The word comes from Delikatesse meaning delicacy, and entered English in the 19th century. The concept originated in Central Europe, where markets and small shops specialized in preserved and prepared foods. In the United States and other English-speaking countries, delicatessens were established by immigrant communities and later became widely popular as specialty stores offering European and local products.

Typical offerings include cured meats such as ham and salami, cheeses, smoked fish, pâtés, terrines, salads, preserved vegetables, olives and pickles, breads and pastries, and ready-to-eat dishes. Many delis also prepare sandwiches to order and sell items for takeout.

Today, Delikatessen departments or delis appear in supermarkets, standalone shops, and online retailers. The emphasis ranges from regional specialties and artisanal products to international imports, with variation in price and service. See also: deli; charcuterie.