Foods that start with X
The letter X may be the rarest in the culinary alphabet, but it delivers some of the most extraordinary, exotic, and exciting foods from around the world. Unlike other letters overflowing with familiar ingredients, “X” invites you into a global journey — from Chinese dumplings and Vietnamese sticky rice to African fruits, Portuguese porridges, Mexican chocolate, and Mediterranean seafood.
Many of these foods come from other language origins, including Mandarin, Vietnamese, Catalan, Galician, Greek, and African dialects, making the “X” category one of the most culturally rich and educational parts of the alphabet series.
These foods span every category — fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, seafood, dairy, oils, nuts, seeds, grains, legumes, spices, condiments, herbs, beverages, and international dishes — all alphabetized for easy learning.
Harvard Healthy Eating Plate emphasizes balanced eating that incorporates global diversity — which the foods in this list represent beautifully.
Let’s explore the extraordinary world of foods that start with X — and expand your culinary vocabulary in the most delicious way possible.
Foods that start with X
Quick-Reference Table: Foods That Start With X
Foods that start with X
| Category | Foods That Start With X |
| Fruits | Xigua, Ximenia Fruit, Xylocarp (Coconut) |
| Vegetables | Xi Lan Hua (Chinese Broccoli), Xanthosoma (Taro Family) |
| Grains & Starches | Xôi (Vietnamese Sticky Rice), Xampinyons (Catalan Mushrooms) |
| Legumes & Beans | Xacuti Chickpeas, Xonocostle Beans |
| Nuts & Seeds | Xerus Nuts |
| Meats & Poultry | Xinjiang Lamb Skewers, Xacuti Chicken |
| Seafood | Xouba (Galician Sardines), Xerém Seafood Stew |
| Dairy & Cheese | Xygalo Cheese (Crete) |
| Herbs & Spices | Xiangcao (Vanilla Leaf), Xylopia Aethiopica (African Pepper) |
| Condiments & Sauces | Xalapa Sauce, Xnipec Salsa |
| Oils | Ximenia Oil |
| Beverages | Xalapa Punch, Xylitol Drinks |
| International Dishes | Xiaolongbao, Xacuti, Xi Fan (Rice Porridge), Xarém, Xiphias (Swordfish Steak) |
Foods that start with X
Alphabetical List of Foods That Start With X
1. Xacuti
A fragrant Indian curry from Goa, made with roasted spices, coconut, and chilies. Traditionally paired with chicken, lamb, or chickpeas, xacuti delivers rich warmth and layered flavor.
2. Xalapa Punch
A spiced Mexican drink made with black tea, rum, citrus, and clove. Serve warm or chilled — aromatic and festive.
3. Xalapa Sauce
A smoky Mexican sauce made with chipotle, garlic, and tomatoes. Adds heat to meats, sandwiches, and beans.
4. Xampinyons
Catalan for mushrooms. Used in Spanish tapas, pasta dishes, omelets, and stews. Earthy, versatile, and nutrient rich.
5. Xanthan Gum
A natural thickening agent made from fermented sugars. Common in gluten-free baking, sauces, and dressings for texture.
6. Xanthium Seeds
Used in Chinese herbal traditions. Earthy, grounding, and sometimes added to porridges or medicinal teas.
7. Xanthosoma
A starchy root vegetable similar to taro, used in Caribbean and Latin American cooking. Mild, creamy, great for frying or boiling.
8. Xarel-lo Grapes
A Spanish white grape variety used in Cava wines. Crisp, bright, and refreshing — ideal for sparkling wines.
9. Xarém
A Portuguese–Brazilian cornmeal porridge made with clams, beans, or vegetables. Creamy and comforting.
10. Xi Cao
A Chinese herb used in jellies and desserts. Cooling, lightly sweet, and common in herbal cuisine.
11. Xi Fan (Rice Porridge)
Chinese savory porridge is similar to congee. Served with scallions, ginger, and sometimes eggs or meats.
12. Xi Lan Hua (Chinese Broccoli)
Leafier, more tender than Western broccoli. Stir-fried with garlic or steamed with oyster sauce.
13. Xia Mi (Dried Shrimp)
Tiny dried shrimp used to add umami to soups, fried rice, and stir-fries. Salty, savory, and aromatic.
14. Xiaolongbao
Foods that start with X
Foods that start with X
Shanghai soup dumplings filled with broth and meat. Steamed to perfection — delicate, juicy, and beloved worldwide.
15. Xiaoshu (Tiny Red Dates)
A small Chinese jujube fruit used in teas and desserts. Sweet, chewy, and high in antioxidants.
16. Xidoufen
A spicy Chinese pea soup from Yunnan. Warm, comforting, and rich in plant protein.
17. Xigua
The Mandarin word for watermelon. Extra juicy and high in hydration — a refreshing tropical fruit packed with vitamins.
18. Xihetang (Sweet Ginger Drink)
A warm Chinese beverage made with ginger, sugar, and sometimes red dates.
19. Ximenia Fruit
A bright African fruit with a sweet-tart flavor. Used in jams, drinks, and traditional remedies.
20. Ximenia Oil
A fragrant African oil pressed from the seeds of the ximenia fruit. Used in cooking and skincare — high in antioxidants.
21. Xinjiang Lamb Skewers
Famous Chinese street food seasoned with cumin, chili, and salt. Grilled over open flames for smoky richness.
22. Xinomavro Grapes
A bold Greek grape variety used in red wines. Known for deep tannins and aging potential.
23. Xnipec Salsa
A fiery Yucatán salsa made with habaneros, tomatoes, and sour orange. Its name means “dog’s nose,” referring to how spicy it is!
24. Xo Sauce
A luxurious Cantonese condiment made with scallops, shrimp, chilies, and garlic. Rich and intensely savory.
25. Xoconostle
A sour cactus fruit from Mexico. Used in stews, salsas, and candies — tangy and antioxidant rich.
26. Xocolatl
The ancient Nahuatl word for chocolate drink, made from cacao, water, and spices. The original hot chocolate!
27. Xoi (Vietnamese Sticky Rice)
A beloved Vietnamese dish made with glutinous rice, coconut, beans, or meat toppings. Sweet or savory.
28. Xouba
Small Galician sardines enjoyed grilled or packed in olive oil. Briny, flavorful, and omega-rich.
29. Xtabentún
A Mexican anise-honey liqueur made from fermented honey and rum. Sweet, herbal, and traditional in Yucatán.
30. Xunrou (Smoked Meat)
A Chinese preparation technique where pork or duck is smoked. Aromatic and deeply savory.
31. Xylocarp
A botanical term for a fruit with a hard, woody shell — like coconut. Used worldwide for milk, oil, and dessert bases.
32. Xylopia Aethiopica (African Pepper)
An aromatic African spice used in soups, stews, and teas. Smoky, peppery, and medicinal.
33. Xylitol Drinks
Low-calorie beverages sweetened with xylitol. Common in health drinks and sugar-free juices.
Foods that start with X
Health Benefits of Foods that Start With X
Foods beginning with X come from many cultures and offer unique benefits:
Brain & Heart Health
- Xarel-lo grapes
- Walnuts used in Waldorf variations
- Ximengia oil
Digestive Support
- Xacuti spices
- Xylopia aethiopica
- Xidoufen
Energy & Nutrition
- Xoi
- Xanthosoma
- Xi fan porridge
Antioxidants
- Xoconostle
- Ximenia fruit
- Xi Cao herbs
Fun Food Facts
- Xocolatl was consumed by Aztec royalty — bitter, spicy, and energizing.
- Xiaolongbao requires expert technique to trap broth inside the wrapper.
- Xinjiang lamb skewers are so iconic they’re considered street-food heritage.
- Xouba sardines are smaller than normal sardines but packed with omega-3 fats.
Foods that start with X
The Final Thought: The Letter X Opens a Door to Global Flavor
While “X” is rare in English, it’s a superstar in global cuisine — offering exotic fruits, aromatic spices, street-food favorites, ancient dishes, and unique beverages.
Whether you savor xiaolongbao, explore xoi sticky rice, enjoy the tang of xoconostle, or sip Xtabentún, these foods prove one thing:
X marks the spot for extraordinary flavor.
This letter brings cultural richness and culinary adventure — a reminder that food is a universal language of discovery.