lisandiga

Lisandiga is an Estonian term used to describe a dish that is served with an accompaniment or garnish. The word is formed from lisand, meaning an addition or side dish, combined with the comitative suffix -iga, which marks “with” or “turnished with” in Estonian.

Usage and meaning: In culinary contexts, lisandiga signals that a dish includes a side item or garnish as part of the served portion. It is commonly found in menus, recipe notes, and food descriptions. The phrase functions as a descriptor rather than naming a separate dish; it can modify various dishes to indicate that an accompaniment is provided, such as vegetables, sauces, or starch sides, depending on the context. Because it is a descriptive form, its exact accompanying items are usually specified elsewhere in the menu or recipe.

Etymology and grammar: Lisandiga derives from lisand (addition, garnish) plus the instrumental/comitative suffix -iga. This construction is typical in Estonian for indicating accompaniment, similar to how other nouns form phrases meaning “with [something].” The term is primarily used in culinary language and is not a standalone dish name.

See also: Lisand (addition/garnish); Estonian cuisine; Menu terminology.