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Food provides essential nutrition and added pleasure to life. As a celebration of all things food, we’ve compiled a list of 24 food items that start with the letter K. How many of these foods have you tried?
Below is a compiled list of 24 foods that start with the letter K, along with a short description of them. Is there anything missing from the list that I should add? Leave a comment with what I missed and I’ll be sure to give you credit in the blog post for coming up with it!
- Kebabs
Kebabs are cooked meat dishes, with originally came from the Middle East. Grilled meat and vegetables are combined with seasonings and sauces to create kebab variants around the world. Asia, India, the Middle East, and other cultures have all adopted this dish. Most kebab dishes contain ingredients that are cooked and served on long, wooden skewers. - Kaffir Lime
The kaffir lime is a citrus fruit that is grown in tropical Southeast Asia and parts of southern China. Both the fruit and its leaves are used in Southeast Asian cuisine. The essential oil derived from this fruit is used for perfumes and other scented products. Unlike a regular lime, the kaffir lime has sweet edible leaves and a stronger aroma.
- Kale
Kale is a green leafy vegetable that belongs to the same family as cabbage. Kale can have green or purple leaves. This green can be cooled or eaten raw and can have a variety of flavors. While some kale may be sweet, it can also be quite bitter. - Katsudon
Katsudon is a Japanese dish that tops a bowl of rice with a deep-fried pork cutlet, egg, vegetables, and condiments. The top of this dish, katsu, can be served alone or over the top of a rice bowl. Typically, katsu is simmered with onions and egg in a savory broth.
- Ketchup
Ketchup is a tomato-based condiment, although some ketchup recipes also use egg whites, mushrooms, oysters, grapes, mussels, walnuts, and other ingredients. Modern ketchup is most often created with tomatoes, sugar, and vinegar. It is often used on burgers and as a dip for French fries. - Kettle Corn
Kettle corn is a type of sweet popcorn that has a glaze made from sugar, salt, and oil. It was originally made in cast iron kettles, giving it the name kettle corn. This sweet and salty treat is a popular food at fairs and festivals.
- Key Lime Pie
Key lime pie is a dessert made from Key lime juice, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk. The mixed lime filling is put in a pie crust and often has a whipped meringue topping. While regular lime juice can be used to create this dish, Key limes are tart and have a stronger flavor, making them the ideal option for this sweet dessert.
- Kidneys
The kidneys from many animals are eaten for their rich nutrients and proteins. Because eating kidneys can reduce inflammation and improve heart health, animal kidneys are recommended for those with certain medical deficiencies. Kidneys have a unique taste that some find unpleasant. They can be grilled or sautéed with vegetables and seasoning to improve flavor.
- Kidney Bean
Kidney beans are a type of bean named for the visual similarities between the bean and a human kidney. These beans are typically read and may be confused for other red beans, such as adzuki beans. They are commonly used in chili, soup, and other savory dishes.
- Kielbasa
Any type of meat-based sausage from Poland can be classified as kielbasa. For Americans, it typically refers to a U-shaped smoked sausage (which is more like England’s Wiejska). Compared to traditional sausage, kielbasa is known for its garlic taste. It may also use flavors like smoke, cloves, pimentos, and marjoram to lend to a unique taste.
- Kimchi
Kimchi is a Korean side dish made from salted and fermented vegetables. These vegetables, such as napa cabbage and Korean radish, are seasoned with gochugaru, spring onions, garlic, ginger, and jeotgal. Kimchi may be served as a side dish or be used in a variety of Korean soups. - King Crab
King crabs are typically found in cold seas. They are larger than the average crab species and have a pleasant taste. These crabs are often caught and sold for food. Its flavor is typically more rich and sweet than other crab varieties. The lobster-like texture of its meat makes it a more luxurious option for seafood lovers. - Kingfish
Kingfish are one particular type of fish commonly eaten in seafood dishes. They provide consumers with large and thick filets that tend to be especially oily. Kingfish are best prepared smoked or grilled, so long as care is taken to preserve their natural oils. The flavor of kingfish is most similar to several varieties of mackerel.
- Kipper
Kipper is a type of small, oily fish. This fish often has a salty, fishy vinegar flavor. It is often salted or pickled and cold-smoked over woodchips to preserve its natural flavor. Unfortunately, this fish has an exceptionally strong fishy smell. Despite the smell, it can be added to dishes without adding a fishy flavor. - Kiwi Berries
Kiwi berries are small berries that look like a combination of kiwi fruit, grapes, and kumquats. They are small enough to be eaten whole, but are often served sliced. They can be eaten plain or as part of a fruit salad or dessert. Unlike regular kiwifruit, the thin skin of kiwi berries can be eaten.
- Kiwifruit
Kiwifruit is the edible berry of a species of woody vine. It is typically oval-shaped and roughly the size of a large egg. It has a sweet and sour taste and can be used in a variety of fruit dishes and desserts. The outer skin of a kiwifruit cannot be eaten, as it is thick and hairy.
- Kiwifruit
Kiwifruit is the edible berry of a species of woody vine. It is typically oval-shaped and roughly the size of a large egg. It has a sweet and sour taste and can be used in a variety of fruit dishes and desserts. The outer skin of a kiwifruit cannot be eaten, as it is thick and hairy.
- Kokam
The kokam fruit comes from a tree that has multiple food and medicinal uses. Kokam fruit can be dried or used to add a sour taste to foods. Syrup from the kokam fruit can be used to flavor ice cream and beverages.
- Kool Aid
Kool Aid is a brand of fruit-flavored drink. It mixes sugar, flavorings, and dyes to make a fun summer drink. The small flavoring packets are mixed with water and sugar. It can also be purchased ready-to-drink in pouches. - Kudzu
The leaves, roots, flowers and vine types of the kudzu plant are edible. They can be eaten raw in salad or cooked in dishes like other greens. Kudzu roots can be eaten much like potatoes, since this starchy root has a similar consistency. The green leaves of this plant taste similar to spinach, although some feel it has a milder flavor. - Kumquat
Kumquats are a grape-sized citrus fruit. In the Chinese language, the word kumquat means “golden orange.” Unlike other citrus fruits, the kumquat’s peel is sweet and edible. The juicy flesh inside the fruit is tart. They can be eaten raw or used in sweet dishes. Some even use this sweet and tart fruit for mixed alcoholic drinks.
- Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao chicken is a stir-fried Chinese dish that combines chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers. It is often served with rice or noodles. The strong flavor of this dish is sweet, sour, savory, and a little bit spicy (due to the chili peppers used). Some variations of this dish use meats like shrimp or beef in place of the chicken. - Kit Bat Bar
- Kahlua
