How can meals be defined when they include multiple food items?

Meals that include multiple food items can be defined as a combination meal. This term specifically refers to a meal that consists of various components or elements combined together, typically featuring a mix of different food items that complement each other in flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Combination meals are common in many cuisines and often allow for a more diverse eating experience.

In contrast, à la carte refers to ordering individual items from a menu rather than as part of a pre-defined meal. A set menu usually offers a fixed selection of items at a set price, providing less flexibility in choosing individual dishes. Family style entails serving food from large platters or bowls that allow diners to serve themselves, but it doesn’t necessarily imply that multiple distinct food items are combined in a single meal as a combination meal does.

Thus, the term combination meal captures the essence of having multiple items served together, which is why it is the correct choice for defining meals with multiple food items.