1.
assortment; assorted platter; mixed selection
A dish or selection consisting of various items arranged together on a plate. Very commonly used in restaurants to describe a platter of mixed items such as sashimi, grilled meats, or appetizers.
刺身の盛り合わせをください。
I'd like the assorted sashimi platter, please.
前菜の盛り合わせが人気メニューだ。
The assorted appetizer platter is a popular menu item.
天ぷらの盛り合わせには海老や野菜が入っている。
The assorted tempura platter includes shrimp and vegetables.
チーズの盛り合わせをワインと一緒に注文した。
I ordered a cheese platter along with wine.
Derived from the verb 盛り合わせる (to arrange various items together on a plate). Extremely common on Japanese restaurant menus. The word implies that multiple varieties are artfully arranged on one dish.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 刺身の盛り合わせ: assorted sashimi platter
- 焼き鳥の盛り合わせ: assorted yakitori platter
- 前菜の盛り合わせ: assorted appetizers
- 三種盛り合わせ: three-item assortment
CULTURAL NOTE:
In izakaya and Japanese restaurants, 盛り合わせ dishes are designed for sharing among a group. They are often one of the best-value ways to sample a restaurant's specialties. The presentation is important — items are arranged to be visually appealing.