What type of food is a canapé?

A canapé is defined as a small, prepared and usually decorative food item that is often served as an appetizer at parties or events. Specifically, it takes the form of a tiny open-faced sandwich featuring a base, such as a piece of bread, cracker, or pastry, which is then topped with a variety of flavorful ingredients, such as spreads, meats, vegetables, or garnishes. This combination allows for a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making canapés popular for social gatherings.

In contrast, a delicate dessert typically refers to a sweet course served at the end of a meal, which does not align with the definition of a canapé. Similarly, a large piece of fried fish would not qualify as a canapé because it does not fit the small, intricate presentation that characterizes this type of food. Finally, a main course salad is a more substantial dish meant to be the focal point of a meal, diverging from the light, snack-like quality of canapés.