viand

Viand is a noun that denotes a dish or prepared food, especially a type of cooked meat or meat-based dish. In English, the word derives from the Old French viande meaning meat, and historically it referred to edible flesh in general. In contemporary general English, viand is often considered archaic or literary, and many speakers use more specific terms like dish, entree, or course. The plural form viands exists, but it is uncommon outside older or specialized contexts.

In Philippine English, viand has a distinct, common usage. It refers to the cooked dish served as part of a meal, typically alongside rice and other accompaniments. In this sense, it encompasses meat, fish, seafood, and vegetable preparations, prepared in various styles such as adobo, menudong, kaldereta, or sinigang. The term functions as a broad category for the main dishes that populate the daily menu, rather than a single recipe.

Cultural context and usage vary by region. In the Philippines, the concept of a viand is central to everyday dining and meal planning, with households and eateries listing available viands alongside staples like rice. Outside Southeast Asia, viand remains largely literary or regional in English, and specific dish names are used instead. Although related to the idea of a main dish, viand as a general term for prepared food is most informative when describing Philippine culinary practice.