dryserved

Dryserved is a term of informal use across multiple disciplines to describe practices or presentations that emphasize minimalism or avoidance of repetition. It is a portmanteau of DRY ("Don't Repeat Yourself") and "served" or "serving," and its exact meaning varies by context. Because the term lacks formal definition, dryserved is best understood through discipline-specific usage rather than a single universal definition.

In software and information technology, dryserved is used to describe architectures and coding practices that minimize duplication in how data, logic, or interfaces are delivered to clients. Proponents emphasize a single source of truth, reusable components, and centralized services to avoid duplicative endpoints or templates. The term is not standard-issue jargon but appears in discussions about efficient, maintainable design.

In culinary or hospitality contexts, dry-served describes dishes presented without accompanying sauces, gravies, or moisture-rich garnishes. The style highlights the texture and flavor of the main ingredient and may require careful timing or plating to preserve dryness and contrast. It is more common in certain regional cuisines or tasting menus than in everyday dining.

Because uses of the term are scattered across blogs, forums, and niche publications rather than formal standards, definitions are provisional and context-dependent. Some writers treat dryserved as a general descriptor for minimalist presentation, while others refer to a concrete serving practice in food service or as a metaphor in software discussions.

See also: DRY principle, single source of truth, server architecture.