Prepare to explore a delicious collection of foods that start with the letter A. This curated list highlights appetizing options from appetizers and main dishes to desserts and drinks, offering inspiration for meal planning, cooking challenges, or simply discovering new flavors.
This selection features internationally loved dishes as well as American favorites. Try the recipes for extra culinary inspiration—favorites include Avocado Crema, Arepa Con Queso, and a classic Apricot Tart. The list is family-friendly and a great way to introduce children to new tastes.
From fruits and vegetables to meats, cheeses, flavors, and desserts, this alphabetic guide covers a wide range of tasty items that start with A. Enjoy the journey!
Fruits and Vegetables
1. Apple
Apples are crisp fruits with a sweet-tart profile available in many varieties. They’re versatile for snacking, baking, applesauce, or adding to salads and desserts.
2. Avocado
Avocado is a creamy, mild-tasting fruit used in salads, spreads like guacamole, smoothies, and on toast. Its texture and healthy fats make it a popular ingredient worldwide.
3. Asparagus
Asparagus has tender green spears and a slightly earthy flavor. It’s excellent grilled, roasted, steamed, or briefly sautéed as a nutritious side or salad ingredient.
4. Artichoke
Artichoke is an edible flower bud prized for its tender heart and flavorful leaves. It’s commonly steamed, boiled, or grilled and enjoyed with dips or sauces.
5. Apricot
Apricots are small orange fruits with a sweet-tart taste. They’re delicious fresh, dried, or used in jams, tarts, and various baked goods.
6. Acorn Squash
Acorn squash is a winter squash with a sweet, nutty flavor. Roast or stuff it for a comforting seasonal side or use it in soups and stews.
7. Alfalfa Sprouts
Alfalfa sprouts are delicate, crunchy shoots used to add texture and a mild nutty flavor to sandwiches, wraps, and salads.
8. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is a tart, nutrient-rich fruit used fresh, juiced, or preserved in chutneys and pickles. It’s valued in traditional medicine and cuisine.
9. Acai
Açai berries from the Amazon are known for their deep purple color and antioxidant qualities. They’re commonly used in smoothie bowls, juices, and desserts.
10. Armenian Cucumber
Armenian cucumber, also called snake melon, has a mild, refreshing taste and is typically eaten raw in salads or sandwiches.
11. Ancho Chili
Ancho is a dried poblano pepper with a mild, smoky-sweet flavor. It’s commonly used in Mexican sauces and stews like mole.
12. Agbalumo
Agbalumo, the African star apple, is a tangy-sweet tropical fruit popular in West Africa. It’s usually eaten fresh or used in fruit salads and juices.
13. Ananas
Ananas is another name for pineapple, a tropical fruit enjoyed fresh, grilled, juiced, or in sweet and savory dishes.
14. Arugula
Arugula (rocket) is a peppery leafy green used in salads, pizzas, and sandwiches for a bold, slightly bitter bite.
15. Ambrosia
Ambrosia is a classic fruit salad made with ingredients like oranges, pineapple, coconut, and sometimes marshmallow or whipped cream, popular in the American South.
16. Ackee
Ackee is a creamy-textured tropical fruit used in Jamaican cuisine, famously paired with salted fish in the national dish ackee and saltfish.
17. Agretti
Agretti (monk’s beard) is an Italian green with succulent, slightly salty leaves. It’s often blanched and dressed with olive oil and lemon.
From the Ground
18. Almonds
Almonds are crunchy nuts with a mildly sweet flavor. They’re eaten raw or roasted, used in baking, or processed into almond milk and butter.
19. Amaranth
Amaranth is a gluten-free pseudo-grain whose seeds are cooked like rice or porridge; its leaves are used as leafy greens in many cuisines.
20. Arborio Rice
Arborio rice is a short-grain variety high in starch, ideal for creamy risottos thanks to its ability to absorb flavors while remaining slightly chewy.
21. Agave
Agave plants produce agave nectar, a natural sweetener commonly used as a sugar substitute in beverages and desserts.
Drinks
23. Amaretto
Amaretto is an Italian liqueur with a distinctive almond-like flavor. It’s enjoyed on its own or used in cocktails and desserts.
24. Amarula
Amarula is a creamy liqueur from South Africa made from the marula fruit, with caramel and vanilla notes often enjoyed over ice.
25. Ayran
Ayran is a refreshing Turkish yogurt drink made with yogurt, water, and salt—an ideal accompaniment for spicy or grilled dishes.
Meats
26. Anchovy
Anchovies are small oily fish used sparingly to boost umami in sauces, dressings, and Mediterranean recipes.
27. Ahi Tuna
Ahi (yellowfin) tuna has firm texture and rich flavor, often served raw as sashimi or seared for a tender, flavorful interior.
28. Albacore Tuna
Albacore is a mild, firm tuna commonly found canned, served as sushi, or grilled for a delicate-flavored entree.
29. Andouille Sausage
Andouille is a spicy, smoked pork sausage used prominently in Cajun and Creole dishes like gumbo and jambalaya.
30. Adobo Chicken
Adobo chicken is a Filipino favorite: chicken marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices, then braised until tender.
31. Agneau
Agneau is the French word for lamb, frequently roasted or braised with herbs and aromatics in French cooking.
32. Abalone
Abalone is a prized shellfish with tender meat, often prepared in East Asian cuisines as a luxury ingredient.
Dishes
33. Arepas
Arepas are cornmeal cakes from Colombia and Venezuela. They can be grilled, baked, or fried and stuffed with cheese, meat, beans, or other fillings.
34. Adis Abeba
Adis Abeba is a traditional Ethiopian preparation combining bread, yogurt, and spices to create a distinct regional dish.
35. Ajiaco
Ajiaco is a hearty Colombian soup made with chicken, multiple potato varieties, corn, and the herb guascas—comforting and flavorful.
36. Al Pastor
Al Pastor is a Mexican dish inspired by shawarma, featuring marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served with pineapple, onions, and cilantro.
37. Ambuyat
Ambuyat is a sticky starch dish from Brunei and Borneo made from sago palm, traditionally eaten with side sauces and condiments.
39. Amok Chrouk
Amok Chrouk is a Cambodian steamed dish of pork, fish, or chicken blended with coconut milk and spices, traditionally steamed in banana leaves.
40. Ashak
Ashak are Afghan dumplings typically filled with leeks or scallions and served with a meat sauce and yogurt for a comforting meal.
41. Achu Soup
Achu Soup, also called Yellow Soup, is a Cameroonian dish made from pounded cocoyam and served with a spicy stew or sauce.
42. Arancini
Arancini are Italian fried rice balls made with risotto and often stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables for a crispy, savory snack.
43. Amok
Amok is Cambodia’s steamed curry, typically made with fish and coconut milk combined with a fragrant spice paste called kroeung.
44. Asam Laksa
Asam Laksa is a tangy Malaysian noodle soup featuring fish, tamarind, lemongrass, and chilies for a vibrant, sour-spicy broth.
45. Anelletti
Anelletti are small ring-shaped pasta used in baked casseroles or soups, common in certain Italian regional dishes.
46. Ahi Poke
Ahi poke is a Hawaiian dish of diced raw tuna tossed with soy sauce, sesame oil, onions, and seasonings—fresh and flavorful.
47. Adobong Manok
Adobong Manok is a Filipino braised chicken dish seasoned with vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices until tender.
48. Akara
Akara is a Nigerian street food made from seasoned ground black-eyed peas, formed into fritters and deep-fried until golden.
49. Agnolotti
Agnolotti are stuffed Italian pasta pockets, similar to ravioli, typically filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables and served with sauce.
50. Aligot
Aligot is a French specialty of mashed potatoes blended with melted cheese until smooth and elastic—rich, creamy, and comforting.
51. Arros Negre
Arròs Negre, or black rice, is a Spanish dish made with squid or cuttlefish and squid ink, giving it a striking dark color and seafood flavor.
52. Ayam Goreng
Ayam Goreng is an Indonesian style of fried chicken often marinated in spices and coconut milk for a flavorful, crispy result.
53. Akara Ekuru
Akara Ekuru is a Nigerian bean cake made from peeled, blended beans shaped and fried, commonly served with spicy sauces.
54. Ash Reshteh
Ash Reshteh is a hearty Persian noodle and bean soup loaded with herbs and often served during celebrations like Nowruz.
55. Andalusian Gazpacho
Andalusian gazpacho is a chilled Spanish soup of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and garlic blended with olive oil—perfect for hot weather.
56. Asam Pedas
Asam Pedas is a sour-spicy Malay dish typically prepared with fish, tamarind, chilies, and aromatic herbs for bold flavors.
Cheese
57. Appenzeller Cheese
Appenzeller is a Swiss cheese with a robust, herbal character. It’s enjoyed on its own, melted over dishes, or used in fondues.
58. Aged Gouda
Aged Gouda is a Dutch cheese matured until firm and slightly crumbly, developing rich, caramel-like and nutty flavors.
Flavor
59. Adobo
Adobo refers to a Filipino method and seasoning that blends vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices to impart tangy, savory notes.
60. Anchovy Paste
Anchovy paste is a concentrated umami ingredient made from anchovies used to deepen sauces, dressings, and marinades.
61. Asafoetida
Asafoetida, or hing, is a pungent spice used in Indian cooking to add a savory, onion-garlic-like aroma to vegetarian dishes.
62. Anise
Anise is a licorice-flavored spice used in baked goods, confections, and liquors like ouzo and absinthe.
63. Arame
Arame is a mild-tasting seaweed used in Japanese cuisine, often rehydrated for salads, soups, and stir-fries.
64. Amchur
Amchur is mango powder made from dried unripe mangoes, adding a tangy, fruity brightness to Indian dishes and chutneys.
65. Arrabbiata Sauce
Arrabbiata is a spicy Italian tomato sauce flavored with garlic and red pepper flakes, commonly served with pasta for a fiery kick.
66. Avocado Lime Ranch
Avocado Lime Ranch is a creamy, zesty dressing great on salads, tacos, and bowls—combining avocado richness with bright lime.
67. Au Jus
Au jus is a thin, flavorful sauce made from meat juices and often served with roast beef or as a dipping sauce to enhance the meat’s natural flavor.
Desserts
68. Angel Food Cake
Angel food cake is a light, airy sponge made from whipped egg whites and sugar, typically served with fresh fruit or a dusting of powdered sugar.
69. Alfajores
Alfajores are tender sandwich cookies filled with dulce de leche and often dusted with powdered sugar—popular across Latin America.
70. Apple Streudel
Apple strudel is a traditional Austrian pastry featuring spiced apples wrapped in flaky, layered dough and often served warm with ice cream.
71. Agutuk
Agutuk, or Eskimo ice cream, is a traditional Arctic dish made from fat, berries, and sometimes fish—formulated for high energy and nutrition.
72. Apple Butter
Apple butter is a slow-cooked, deeply flavored apple spread made with sugar and spices—perfect for toast or baked goods.
73. Anmitsu
Anmitsu is a Japanese dessert featuring agar jelly, sweet red bean paste, assorted fruits, and a sweet syrup called mitsu.
74. Almond Croissant
An almond croissant is a flaky pastry filled with almond paste or frangipane and topped with sliced almonds and powdered sugar.
75. Apple Dumpling Roll-ups
Apple dumpling roll-ups combine grated cinnamon apples rolled in a flaky crust—an easy, seasonal treat for fall breakfasts and gatherings.
Enjoy exploring these foods that start with A. Try a few recipes, experiment with new ingredients, and savor the variety this letter has to offer.