Salt, sugar, and ground black pepper corns are commonly available on Western restaurant tables; however, they are not always considered to be condiments.
A condiment is a prepared edible substance or mixture, often preserved or fermented, that is added in relatively small quantities, most often at the table, to make food more suitable to the diner's taste.[1] Condiments may be dry, such as a mixture of herbs and seasonings or Parmesan cheese, or preserved sauces served from a bottle, jar, or other container. Some condiments are packaged in single-serving sachets, particularly to be supplied with take-out and fast foods.
Condiments are sometimes added prior to serving, for example a sandwich made with ketchup or mustard. Some condiments are used during cooking to add flavor or texture to the food; for example, barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, and soy sauce all have flavors that can enhance the tastes of a variety of different meats and vegetables.
There is some overlap between condiments and seasonings.
