Falát

Falát is a Hungarian noun that denotes a small piece of food that can be eaten in a single bite. The term is commonly used to describe morsels or bite-sized portions, whether in everyday speech, cooking, or on menus. A related form, falatka, emphasizes a particularly small or delicate bite, and falatok is the plural.

In use, falat appears in phrases such as “egy falat kenyér” (a bite of bread) or “falatok” referring to multiple morsels offered as appetizers or snacks. The concept is widespread in Hungarian dining culture, where small portions or canapés are common at gatherings, parties, and informal meals. The word can also be extended by adjectives to convey size, texture, or flavor, for example, “ropogós falat” (crispy bite) or “sós falat” (savory bite).

The form falát is a grammatical variant of falat that may occur in specific constructions, reflecting Hungarian’s inflectional system. In everyday language, speakers typically rely on the base form falat or its diminutive falatka when referring to small bites in a more affectionate or casual tone.

Related terms include falatkák (very small bites or bite-sized pastries) and canapés, which describe similar concepts in a broader culinary context. The concept of bite-sized portions is common across many cuisines and is often used in Hungary to describe hors d’oeuvres, snacks, or appetizers served before or between courses.