Aug 18, 2025

A to Z Food Names in English with Pictures

Food is something we all enjoy every single day. From the apples in your fruit basket to the warm rice on your plate, each food has its own name. Knowing these names in English is not just fun, it helps kids talk about what they eat, makes it easier to order food when travelling, and even helps parents teach healthy eating habits.

A to Z Food Names in English

Learning food names from A to Z is a fun way to remember them. Here’s a list of common foods for each letter, along with short meanings and how to say them.

A - Food Names Starting with A

Apple (AP-uhl)	A sweet, crunchy fruit
Almond (AHL-muhnd)	A healthy nut often eaten raw or roasted
Avocado (ah-voh-KAH-doh)	A creamy green fruit used in salads and spreads
Apricot (AY-prih-kot)	A small orange fruit that is sweet and tangy

B - Food Names Starting with B

Banana (buh-NAH-nuh)	A soft, sweet yellow fruit.
Bread (bred)	A baked food made from flour and water.
Broccoli (BRAH-kuh-lee)	A green vegetable with a tree-like shape.
Butter (BUH-ter)	A creamy spread made from milk.

C - Food Names Starting with C

Carrot (KAIR-uht)	An orange vegetable that is crunchy and sweet.
Cheese (cheez)	A dairy food made from milk.
Cherry (CHAIR-ee)	A small round fruit that is sweet or sour.
Cucumber (KYOO-kum-ber)	A green vegetable eaten raw or pickled.

D - Food Names Starting with D

Dates (dayts)	Sweet brown fruit from the date palm tree.
Donut (DOH-nuht)	A sweet, fried treat often covered with sugar or glaze.
Dragon Fruit (DRA-gun froot)	A bright pink fruit with white or red flesh.

E - Food Names Starting with E

Egg (eg)	A protein-rich food from hens.
Eggplant (EG-plant)	A purple vegetable also called aubergine.
Edamame (eh-duh-MAH-may)	Young green soybeans often served in pods.

F - Food Names Starting with F

Fig (fig)	A sweet fruit with tiny seeds inside.
Fish (fish)	Meat from water animals, eaten grilled, fried, or steamed.
French Fries (french friez)	Fried potato sticks, crispy and salty.

G - Food Names Starting with G

Grapes (grayps)	Small, juicy fruit that can be red, green, or purple.
Garlic (GAR-lik)	A small bulb with a strong flavor, used in cooking.
Ginger (JIN-jer)	A spicy root used in food and drinks.

H - Food Names Starting with H

Honey (HUH-nee)	Sweet syrup made by bees.
Hamburger (HAM-bur-ger)	A sandwich with a meat patty inside bread.
Hazelnut (HAY-zuhl-nuht)	A nut used in chocolates and spreads.

I - Food Names Starting with I

Ice Cream (eye-s kreem)	A frozen sweet dessert.
Idli (id-lee)	A soft South Indian steamed rice cake.
Italian Bread (ih-TAL-yun bred)	Bread made in Italian style.

J - Food Names Starting with J

Jam (jam)	Sweet fruit spread for bread.
Jackfruit (JAK-froot)	A large tropical fruit with a sweet taste.
Jelly (JEL-ee)	Soft, sweet, and wobbly dessert.

K - Food Names Starting with K

Kiwi (KEE-wee)	A small fruit with brown skin and green flesh.
Kale (kayl)	A leafy green vegetable.
Kebab (kuh-BAHB)	Meat or vegetables grilled on a skewer.

L - Food Names Starting with L

Lemon (LEH-muhn)	A sour yellow fruit.
Lentils (LEN-tilz)	Small round beans used in soups and curries.
Lollipop (LOH-lee-pop)	A sweet candy on a stick.

M - Food Names Starting with M

Mango (MAN-go)	A juicy tropical fruit.
Milk (milk)	A white drink from cows, goats, or plants.
Muffin (MUH-fin)	A small sweet bread, often baked with fruits or chocolate.

N - Food Names Starting with N

Noodles (NOO-dlz)	Long, thin pasta.
Nuts (nuh-ts)	Hard-shelled foods like almonds, cashews, walnuts.
Nectarine (NEK-tuh-reen)	A sweet fruit like a peach but with smooth skin.

O - Food Names Starting with O

Orange (OR-anj)	A round citrus fruit.
Oatmeal (OHT-meel)	Cooked oats eaten for breakfast.
Olives (AH-livz)	Small fruits used in salads and cooking oil.

P - Food Names Starting with P

Pineapple (PIE-nap-uhl)	A sweet tropical fruit with spiky skin.
Potato (puh-TAY-toh)	A root vegetable used in many dishes.
Peas (peez)	Small green seeds eaten as vegetables.

Q - Food Names Starting with Q

Quinoa (KEEN-wah)	A healthy grain-like seed.
Quail Eggs (kwail egs)	Small eggs from a quail bird.
Quesadilla (keh-suh-DEE-yah)	A Mexican dish with cheese inside a tortilla.

R - Food Names Starting with R

Rice (rahy-s)	A grain eaten with curries and vegetables.
Raspberry (RAZ-ber-ee)	A small red berry.
Radish (RAD-ish)	A crunchy root vegetable.

S - Food Names Starting with S

Strawberry (STRAW-ber-ee)	A red, juicy fruit.
Spinach (SPIN-ich)	A green leafy vegetable.
Soup (soop)	A warm, liquid dish.

T - Food Names Starting with T

Tomato (tuh-MAY-toh)	A red fruit used in cooking.
Tea (tee)	A hot drink made from tea leaves.
Tofu (TOH-foo)	Soft white protein made from soybeans.

U - Food Names Starting with U

Udon Noodles (OO-don noo-dlz)	Thick Japanese noodles.
Ugli Fruit (UH-glee froot)	A citrus fruit from Jamaica.
Upside-down Cake (up-sahyd down kayk)	Cake baked with fruit on the bottom.

V - Food Names Starting with V

Vanilla (vuh-NIL-uh)	A sweet flavor from a plant.
Vegetables (VEJ-tuh-buhlz)	Plants eaten as food.
Vermicelli (ver-muh-CHEL-ee)	Thin pasta or noodles.

W - Food Names Starting with W

Watermelon (WAW-ter-mel-un)	A large, sweet fruit with red flesh.
Walnut (WAWL-nuht)	A nut with a hard shell.
Wheat (weet)	A grain used to make flour.

X - Food Names Starting with X

Xacuti (sha-COO-tee)	A spicy Indian curry.
Xiaolongbao (shyow-long-bao)	Chinese steamed dumplings.
Ximenia (zi-MEE-nee-uh)	A wild fruit found in Africa.

Y - Food Names Starting with Y

Yogurt (YO-gurt)	A creamy dairy product.
Yam (yam)	A starchy root vegetable.
Yellowtail (YEL-oh-tail)	A type of fish.

Z - Food Names Starting with Z

Zucchini (zoo-KEE-nee)	A green vegetable also called courgette.
Ziti (ZEE-tee)	A type of pasta.
Za’atar (zah-AH-tar)	A Middle Eastern spice mix.

50 Food Names Everyone Should Know

Food is a universal language, it connects cultures, tells stories, and delights our senses. Here's a curated list of 50 food names that range from everyday staples to exciting, lesser-known delicacies from around the globe.

Everyday Classics

Pizza - Italian flatbread topped with sauce, cheese, and toppings.
Burger - Sandwich with a grilled meat patty, usually beef.
Pasta - Italian staple made from durum wheat, often served with sauce.
Rice - A global grain and versatile side dish.
Bread - The world's most common baked food.
Soup - Liquid dish made from vegetables, meats, or seafood.
Salad - Fresh or cooked vegetables mixed with dressing.
Sandwich - Bread with fillings like meat, cheese, and veggies.
Ice Cream - Sweet frozen dessert made with milk or cream.
Cake - Sweet baked dessert for celebrations.

Popular Global Favorites

Sushi - Japanese dish of vinegared rice with fish or vegetables.
Tacos - Mexican tortilla filled with meat, beans, or veggies.
Dumplings - Dough pockets filled with meat, vegetables, or sweets.
Curry - Spiced stew popular in India, Thailand, and beyond.
Falafel - Deep fried chickpea balls from the Middle East.
Paella - Spanish rice dish with seafood, meat, and vegetables.
Kimchi - Fermented Korean cabbage with chili and spices.
Pho - Vietnamese noodle soup with herbs and meat.
Kebab - Grilled meat skewers popular in the Middle East and Asia.
Hummus - Creamy Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas.

Unique & Lesser Known Delights

Bibimbap - Korean rice bowl with assorted toppings.
Pavlova - Meringue based dessert from Australia/New Zealand.
Tamales - Mexican corn dough filled with meats or beans, wrapped in corn husks.
Pierogi - Polish dumplings with sweet or savory fillings.
Ratatouille - French vegetable stew.
Shakshuka - North African dish of poached eggs in tomato sauce.
Gnocchi - Italian potato dumplings.
Borscht - Eastern European beet soup.
Baklava - Middle Eastern pastry with nuts and honey.
Churros - Fried dough pastry dusted with sugar.

Sweet Treats & Desserts

Tiramisu - Italian coffee flavored dessert.
Mochi - Japanese rice cake with sweet filling.
Crème Brûlée - French custard with caramelized sugar topping.
Kulfi - Indian frozen dairy dessert.
Pudding - Sweet or savory dish with a soft texture.
Donut - Fried sweet dough ring or ball.
Macaron - French almond meringue cookie.
Cheesecake - Creamy dessert with a biscuit base.
Brownie - Dense, chocolate square-shaped dessert.
Gulab Jamun - Indian fried milk-solid balls in syrup.

Indian Food Names in English

India's culinary heritage is a flavorful blend of spices, textures, and traditions. Here's a curated list of famous Indian dishes with their English names and short descriptions, covering regional specialties from South India, North India, and popular street foods.

North Indian Dishes

Butter Chicken - Tender chicken cooked in a creamy tomato based gravy.
Paneer Butter Masala - Cottage cheese cubes in a rich, buttery tomato sauce.
Rogan Josh - Aromatic lamb curry with Kashmiri spices.
Dal Makhani - Slow cooked black lentils in a buttery, spiced gravy.
Chole Bhature - Spicy chickpea curry served with deep fried fluffy bread.
Aloo Paratha - Flatbread stuffed with spiced mashed potatoes.
Rajma Chawal - Kidney beans curry served with steamed rice.
Shahi Paneer - Cottage cheese in a creamy, royal-style cashew gravy.

South Indian Dishes

Masala Dosa - Crispy rice crepe filled with spiced mashed potatoes.
Idli - Steamed rice cakes, usually served with chutney and sambar.
Vada - Savory fried lentil doughnuts.
Sambar - Spiced lentil and vegetable stew.
Upma - Savory semolina porridge.
Rasam - Tangy tamarind-based soup with spices.
Appam - Soft, bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice batter.
Pongal - Comforting rice and lentil dish, mildly spiced.

Street Food Favorites

Pani Puri - Hollow crispy puris filled with tangy, spicy water and fillings.
Bhel Puri - Puffed rice snack with tangy tamarind sauce.
Vada Pav - Spicy potato fritter in a bun, Mumbai style.
Pav Bhaji - Spicy mashed vegetable curry served with buttered bread rolls.
Samosa - Fried pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas.
Kachori - Deep fried snack stuffed with lentils or peas.
Dabeli - Spiced potato filling in bread, topped with pomegranate seeds and peanuts.
Sev Puri - Crisp puris topped with chutneys, potatoes, onions, and sev.

Popular Curries & Gravies

Chicken Tikka Masala - Grilled chicken pieces in creamy tomato gravy.
Mutton Curry - Slow cooked goat meat in spiced gravy.
Fish Curry - Fish cooked in coconut or tamarind-based sauce.
Palak Paneer - Cottage cheese cubes in spinach puree.
Kadai Paneer - Spicy stir-fried paneer with peppers and onions.
Egg Curry - Boiled eggs in rich, spiced gravy.

Rice & Biryani Varieties

Hyderabadi Biryani - Aromatic rice with marinated meat and spices.
Vegetable Pulao - Lightly spiced rice with vegetables.
Curd Rice - Rice mixed with yogurt and tempered spices.
Lemon Rice - Rice flavored with lemon juice and curry leaves.
Jeera Rice - Cumin flavored basmati rice.

Breads & Snacks

Naan - Soft, leavened flatbread cooked in a tandoor.
Roti - Unleavened whole wheat flatbread.
Puri - Deep fried puffed bread.
Thepla - Spiced flatbread from Gujarat.
Bhakri - Thick, rustic flatbread made from millet or jowar flour.

Sweets & Desserts

Gulab Jamun - Fried milk solid balls soaked in sugar syrup.
Jalebi - Deep fried spiral sweets soaked in saffron syrup.
Rasgulla - Soft cheese balls soaked in sugar syrup.
Payasam - Sweet South Indian pudding made with milk, rice, or vermicelli.
Kaju Katli - Cashew nut fudge.
Ladoo - Sweet balls made from flour, sugar, and ghee.
Barfi - Fudge like sweet made with milk solids.
Mysore Pak - Rich ghee-based sweet from Karnataka.
Peda - Soft milk based sweet.
Shrikhand - Sweet yogurt dessert flavored with saffron and cardamom.

Types of Food with Names & Examples

Food can be classified into many categories based on nutrition, taste, and origin. Below are some common types of food with examples to help you learn different food names in English.

Healthy Food Names in English

Healthy foods provide essential nutrients that help our bodies grow, repair, and stay strong. Examples include:

Fruits: Apple, Banana, Mango, Orange, Grapes, Watermelon
Vegetables: Carrot, Spinach, Broccoli, Tomato, Cabbage
Grains: Rice, Oats, Quinoa, Wheat, Barley
Proteins: Eggs, Chicken, Lentils, Beans, Fish

Junk Food Names in English

Junk food is tasty but should be eaten in moderation as it often contains high sugar, fat, and salt. Examples include:

Fast Food: Burger, Pizza, Hot Dog, Sandwich
Snacks: French Fries, Chips, Nachos, Popcorn (buttery)
Sweets: Ice Cream, Donuts, Chocolate, Candy, Cupcakes

Unique & Funny Food Names

Some foods have unusual or funny names that can make you smile:

Bubble and Squeak (UK) - Fried leftover vegetables
Toad in the Hole (UK) - Sausages baked in batter
Ants on a Log (USA) - Celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins
Dragon Beard Candy (China) - Hand pulled sugar strands filled with nuts
Magic Soup (Japan) - Color changing herbal tea broth

Cute Food Names

Food lovers often create cute names for their favorite bites:

Choco Bombs - Chocolate truffles
Sugar Clouds - Cotton candy
Berry Bliss - Strawberry smoothie
Honey Drops - Sweet cookies or candies
Cheesy Puffs - Cheese flavored snacks

Popular Food Names

From comforting street food to luxurious fine dining, here are some popular food names from different cuisines, along with what makes them special.

Italian Cuisine

Pizza - A baked flatbread topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and a variety of toppings.
Pasta - Versatile noodles made from durum wheat, served with sauces like marinara, alfredo, or pesto.
Tiramisu - A coffee flavored dessert layered with mascarpone cheese and cocoa.

French Cuisine

Croissant - A buttery, flaky pastry perfect for breakfast.
Coq au Vin - Chicken slow cooked in red wine with mushrooms and onions.
Crème Brûlée - A rich custard topped with a layer of caramelized sugar.

Chinese Cuisine

Dim Sum - Bite sized dumplings and snacks, often served in bamboo steamers.
Kung Pao Chicken - Stir fried chicken with peanuts, chili peppers, and vegetables.
Spring Rolls - Crisp rolls filled with vegetables and sometimes meat.

Mexican Cuisine

Tacos - Corn or wheat tortillas filled with meat, beans, and fresh toppings.
Guacamole - Creamy dip made from mashed avocados, lime juice, and seasonings.
Churros - Fried dough sticks coated in cinnamon sugar.

Japanese Cuisine

Sushi - Vinegared rice paired with raw fish, vegetables, or egg.
Ramen - Noodle soup with broth, meat, and vegetables.
Tempura - Lightly battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables.

20 Food Names for Beginners

Here's a simple and fun list of 20 food names perfect for kids, language learners, or anyone starting to explore English vocabulary. These are easy to say, remember, and spot in daily life:

Apple	Bread	Milk
Banana	Rice	Egg
Cheese	Cake	Pizza
Ice Cream	Fish	Chicken
Soup	Potato	Orange
Salad	Tomato	Water

Fun Ways to Learn Food Names

Learning food names can be both fun and interactive for kids. Here are some engaging ways to make the process exciting:

Flashcards with Pictures - Use colorful flashcards that show the food item along with its name to make visual learning easier.
Food Chart on the Wall - Create or buy a food chart and place it where kids can see it daily.
Cooking Together and Naming Ingredients - Involve kids in simple cooking activities, letting them name each ingredient as you add it.
Food Vocabulary Games - Play games like "I Spy," "Food Bingo," or memory matching to reinforce their learning.

Learning food names in English helps kids improve their vocabulary, develop better communication skills, and gain confidence when talking about what they eat. It also makes mealtimes and grocery trips more fun and interactive.

FAQs on food names in English

1. What are the 20 basic food names?

Here are 20 commonly used food names in English: rice, bread, milk, egg, cheese, butter, apple, banana, mango, carrot, potato, tomato, onion, fish, chicken, meat, sugar, salt, tea, coffee.

2. How do you teach kids about food names?

Start with everyday meals, point to each food and say its name clearly. Use colorful flashcards, songs, storybooks, and food charts. Fun activities like matching games or pretend cooking can make learning engaging.

3. What are the most popular food names in India?

Some popular food names in India include chapati, rice, dal, curry, dosa, idli, biryani, paneer, samosa, and poha. These are staples in various parts of the country.

4. Which foods have funny names?

Some foods have amusing or unusual names, like lady’s finger (okra), monkey bread, bubble and squeak, toad in the hole, and ants on a log. These names can be a fun way to spark curiosity while learning.

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