Glossary of terms

Bain-marie, or water bath, is a cooking technique of indirect heating where food is placed in a container set inside a larger vessel of hot water. The temperature never exceeds 100 °C, allowing gentle melting of chocolate, preparation of creams, sauces, and custards without risk of scorching or curdling. Bain-marie is an indispensable technique in pastry making and for preparing delicate sauces.

Baklava is a beloved pastry shared across Turkish, Greek, Lebanese, and Moroccan cuisines, made from layers of crispy filo filled with nuts and soaked in sweet syrup or honey.

Balkan meat skewers, known as raznici, are a traditional Balkan dish consisting of cubes of meat threaded onto a metal or wooden skewer and grilled over an open flame. The most commonly used meats are pork or lamb, marinated in spices, oil, and onion. The name comes from the Serbo-Croatian word razanj, meaning a spit or skewer. They are served with bread, onion, and fresh vegetables. Popular at summer barbecues and Balkan restaurants across Central Europe.

Balsamic vinegar, fully named aceto balsamico, is an Italian vinegar originating from the Emilia-Romagna region. It is made from cooked grape must that ages in wooden barrels for several years to decades. It is characterized by its dark color, thick consistency, and complex sweet-sour flavor. Traditional balsamic from Modena or Reggio Emilia is among the most prized food products in the world.

Banana is a tropical fruit originating from Southeast Asia that is among the most consumed fruits in the world. It has an elongated curved shape, yellow peel, and soft, sweet flesh rich in potassium, vitamin B6, and fiber. Bananas are eaten raw, used in smoothies, desserts, baking, and as an ingredient in oatmeal. Green bananas are cooked or fried as a side dish in tropical regions.

Bangers and Mash is a traditional British dish of sausages served on creamy mashed potatoes with rich onion gravy.

Bánh bao are fluffy Vietnamese steamed buns filled with pork, egg, and mushrooms. A beloved street snack found on every corner across Vietnam.

Bánh mì is a Vietnamese sandwich in a crispy baguette filled with pork, pate, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. A perfect fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine.

Bánh xèo is a Vietnamese crispy rice pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Its name imitates the sizzling sound the batter makes in the pan.

A banquet is a formal feast held on special occasions such as weddings, state receptions, corporate events, or celebrations. It is characterized by formal service, multiple courses, and careful preparation of dishes and table settings. The history of banquets dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, where feasts were part of social and political life. Modern banquets maintain the tradition of formal dining with emphasis on the gastronomic experience.

Barbecue, abbreviated BBQ, is a method of preparing meat originating from the United States, where meat is slowly smoked and grilled at low temperature for several hours. Unlike regular grilling over direct flame, barbecue is characterized by slow cooking using smoke from wood chips or logs. Typical dishes include beef brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, and chicken wings coated in BBQ sauce.

Barbecue is a traditional American technique of slow-smoking and grilling meat at low temperatures, giving it a smoky flavour and tender texture.