30+ Foods That Start With K

Take a second to think about foods that start with K. I bet you’re picturing kabobs, kettle corn, and Key Lime pie, right?

But there are so many others, including kaffir lime, kasha, kedgeree, and kumquat.

You might never have thought about foods that start with K.

Or maybe you’re a foodie looking to broaden your palate.

Either way, this article is all about the various delicious foods that start with the letter K.

And from fruits to pies, it’s a pretty varied list.

30+ Foods That Start With The Letter K

1. Kabobs

Kabobs are popular all over the world and often feature tasty meats and veggies on skewers.

That said, you’ll also see it spelled ‘kebab,’ and that is more often döner meat.

In this case, meat is marinated, then skewered onto a large spike, and cooked vertically.

It’s then served in a pita, with fries and salad, or in a wrap.

2. Kaffir Lime 

Kaffir lime is a citrus fruit indigenous to Southeast Asian countries.

The leaves and fruits are used to make essential oils, while the leaves are most commonly used in Asian cooking to enhance the fragrance.

3. Kahlua

I know this is a list of foods that start with K, but we can’t not talk about this popular liqueur.

Kahlua is a popular Mexican drink with coffee flavor and plenty of boozy warmth.

A combination of arabica coffee, rum, and sugar, it’s excellent on its own or in a tasty cocktail.

4. Kale

Of all the foods that start with K, kale is probably the most famous.

It’s a nutrient-dense leafy green that’s loaded with powerful antioxidants, vitamins A, K, B6, and C, potassium, and manganese.

For a superstar meal packed with nutrition, grab some kale and throw in some apple slices, cranberries, and chopped pecans.

Drizzle with honey mustard, and you’ve got a crisp, crunchy salad that is sure to delight.

5. Kasha

Kasha is a type of cooked porridge made from roasted buckwheat groats.

It’s a famous Russian and Eastern Europe dish that’s often served with salt and butter. However, it can be sweet, with milk and sugar.

6. Kava

Stemming from the Polynesian word “awa,” kava loosely means bitter.

It’s a crop found in the Pacific islands, usually in drink or extract form.

Also called kava kava, it is a popular social drink served at ceremonies for relaxation. 

7. Kecap Manis

This sweet soy sauce is a popular condiment from Indonesia.

It’s made by fermenting soybeans, roasted grain, salt, a type of mold, and palm sugar.

The addition of the sugar gives it that dark color and thick, molasses-like consistency.

8. Kedgeree

This European dish of flaked fish, hard-boiled eggs, and rice infused with curry, parsley, and butter or cream.

It originated in India as a simple dish of rice and lentils.

But it quickly gained popularity in Britain, where hard-boiled eggs and rich cream sauce were added.

It’s considered a breakfast dish but can also be enjoyed for lunch or dinner.

9. Ketchup

Okay, I know I promised you exotic foreign foods, but you can’t have a list of foods that start with K without mentioning ketchup, can you?

I’m sure you already know everything about this sweet and tangy condiment, so here’s an interesting fact:

Back in the day, the primary ingredients of ketchup were kidney beans, anchovies, walnuts, and mushrooms!

10. Ketembilla

Also known as the Ceylon gooseberry, a ketembilla is a berry indigenous to Sri Lanka and Southern India.

Just like other berries, the ketembilla is juicy and has a combination of sweet and acidic flavors.

It may be eaten fresh or used to make jams, jellies, and preserves.

11. Kettle Corn

Kettle corn was once made in cast iron kettles. Hence the name.

And while modern cooking methods have taken over, the seasonings of sugar, salt, and oil still give this snack its signature sweet and salty flavor.

12. Key Lime Pie

Who would have thought combining Key Lime juice, condensed milk, and egg yolks would make such a fabulous dessert?

If you’ve never tried Key Lime pie, go make one asap! It’s rich, creamy, tangy, and to die for.

13. Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are great in soups and chili, and they’re a terrific source of plant-based protein.

But while they may be nutritious, it’s important to know they can’t be eaten raw. They’re toxic if they’re not cooked properly!

14. Kielbasa

In Poland, the word “kielbasa” means any type of sausage. But here, we usually refer to it as a Polish sausage flavored with garlic. 

They’re incredible fresh off the grill and make excellent hot dogs!

15. Kimchi

Kimchi is a Korean staple made with fermented cabbage and Korean radish.

It’s got such a distinct spicy and tangy flavor, and I admit to not liking it initially. But after giving it a few tries, I’ve now become kimchi-dependent.

16. King Crab

This humongous crustacean is undoubtedly delicious. And it’s best served with lots of butter and hot sauce.

Wild-caught Alaskan red king crab is some of the most expensive. But it’s more than worth it for a special occasion!

17. Kingfish

Also known as the king mackerel, this fleshy fish makes a delicious alternative to tuna and salmon.

It’s large, fatty, and tastes great grilled, poached, or broiled.

18. Kipper

Unlike the kingfish, the kipper is a much smaller fish. It’s usually split in butterfly fashion and smoked to give it flavor.

What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in flavor. And it’s often served for breakfast in the U.K.

19. Kirsch

Kirsch is a type of brandy that, while colorless, packs a punch!

And just because it’s made with cherries doesn’t mean it’s sweet. Instead, it has a refined flavor with notes of cherry and almond. 

20. Kit Kat

Sticks of crisp wafers covered in rich and decadent chocolate – it doesn’t get much better than that.

I love Kit Kats so much that I try to find unique flavors whenever I travel. And Japan is the king of Kit Kat flavors.

My faves are green tea, cookies and cream, and wasabi!

21. Kiwi

Oh, how I love this sweet and tangy fruit!

Here’s a fun fact: while kiwi is more commonly linked to Australia and New Zealand, it originated in China.

In fact, the kiwi is also called the Chinese gooseberry!

22. Kiwiberries

Yup, kiwi and kiwiberries are two different things.

While they do belong to the same genus, the kiwiberry is much smaller and sweeter than its more popular cousin.

Also, it doesn’t have that hairy skin, which allows you to eat it unpeeled.  

23. Knish

Pronounced as kuh-nish, this savory dumpling is a staple in Jewish cuisine.

It’s made with a pastry dough stuffed with a meat and potato filling and is then baked or deep-fried. Yum!

24. Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is a German turnip that falls under the same species as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and collard greens.

They can be eaten raw or cooked and taste similar to broccoli stems, albeit a tad sweeter.

25. Kosher Pickles

The name may be a little deceiving because kosher pickles are not prepared following the Jewish diet.

Instead, these pickles are made in Jewish New York City fashion – infused with lots of garlic and dill.

26. Koshihikari Rice

That’s quite a mouthful, I know.

Koshihikari rice is a type of Japanese short-grain rice with a moist and sticky texture.

It’s also got a mildly sweet flavor and is typically used as sushi rice.

27. Kudzu

Kudzu is a type of herb traditionally used in Chinese medicine.

Studies have shown it to have anti-inflammatory properties.

But it’s been used for years to treat alcoholism, heart disease, menopausal symptoms, diabetes, and more.

28. Kumera

I bet you’ll be surprised to find out that the kumera is just another term for sweet potato in New Zealand.

The most popular variety has red skin and white flesh. But you’ll also see orange kumera, which is much sweeter, as well as the less sweet purple kind.

29. Kumquat

This tasty orange-like fruit is popular in Southeast Asia and has a unique blend of sweet and sour notes.

They do taste a little like oranges and look like them too. But you can eat the skin of a kumquat, which is a fun difference.

30. Kung Pao Chicken

Foods that start with K don’t have to grow on trees, right? So I think we can include a dish that starts with K!

Kung Pao Chicken is a type of stir-fry and a staple in Chinese cuisine. It’s made with cubes of chicken, peanuts, veggies, and chili peppers.

Its distinct sweet flavor is thanks to a combination of hoisin sauce, Chinese black vinegar, soy sauce, and Chinese Shaoxing wine.

31. Kvass

Ending this list is a Russian beverage made from fermented rye bread.

Kvass has a nice sour and refreshing flavor similar to beer but without alcohol. Though you may also find it flavored with berries, fruits, herbs, or honey.

Foods that Start with K

I love exploring new foods and dishes, which is why I decided to go through the alphabet!

From the anchovy pear to zig-zag vine fruit, I’ve come up with some really fun finds.

And this list of foods that start with K is no exception! I mean, had you ever heard of Kedgeree before?

Even if you had, I bet you’ve got a sudden craving!