Course

In dining, a course is a specific set of food items served together during a meal, all at the same time. A course can include several dishes or just one, and often includes items with several flavor variations. For example, a hamburger served with fries would be considered one course, and most likely the entire meal. Similarly, an extended banquet might include multiple courses, such as a course where soup is served on its own, a course where cordon bleu is served along with the garnish and possibly as a side dish, and then a dessert such as pumpkin cake. Courses may vary in size and number depending on the culture in which the meal takes place.

A meal consists of one or more courses, which in turn consist of one or more dishes.

When most of the dishes are served in one dish, this is called service à la française ; when most of the dishes are served in separate dishes, this is called service à la russe .