[1] Side dishes such as salad, potatoes and bread are commonly used with main courses throughout many countries of the western world.
Rice and couscous have grown to be quite popular throughout Europe, especially at formal occasions (with couscous appearing more commonly at dinner parties with Middle Eastern dishes).
Some restaurants offer a limited selection of side dishes which are included with the price of the entrée as a combination meal.
In contrast, sometimes side dishes are ordered separately from an a la carte menu.
In response to criticism about the high fat and calorie content of French fries, some fast-food chains offer other side dishes, such as salads, as substitutes for the standard French fries with their combination meals.