Have you ever played the alphabet game with your kids?
You know, the one where you have to come up with a different word for each letter in the alphabet for a certain category?
X is always the hardest. But today, X marks the spot! I’ve done my research and gathered a list of 25 food names that start with the letter X.
So, if you’re feeling a bit bored and want to try something new, try out some of these X-cellent foods. And don’t forget to save this list for the next time you play that game, and you’ll have everyone thinking you’re a genius.
FOODS THAT BEGIN WITH X
Contents
1. Xigua
A.K.A. watermelon. Xigua is Chinese for the word “watermelon,” which directly translates as “western fruit.” Xigua is a bit smaller than the watermelons found in the U.S.
They’re often seedless, and their color can range anywhere from the reddish-pinkish color we know and love, all the way to a pale-yellow color.
2. Xinomavro Grapes
Raise your glasses to our next fruit that starts with X, “Xinomavro!” Xinomavro is the signature grape used in most red wines.
We can thank Greece for growing and tending to these grapes.
They’re acidic and high in tannins, making them a perfect option for a red wine (and your evening “wine” down).
3. Ximenia Caffra
Sweet or sour? Ximenia caffra is for all you sour candy lovers, as it’s also known as the “sourplum.”
It’s native to South Africa and best served when overripe.
Its pulp is often used for porridge, jams, desserts, and jellies. It’s also super high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory benefits.
4. Xoconostle
Another sour fruit that starts with X! Think of these as a sweet prickly pear’s counterpart, as they’re also found on cactus.
They’re native to Central Mexico and have vibrant, colorful flesh and seeds.
Unlike Ximenia caffra, Xoconostle is often used in savory dishes like mole de olla (Mexican beef stew) to add a tart flavor element.
5. Xanthia
Feeling Xtra? Whip up a Xanthia cocktail. This bright drink can come in highlighter yellow or cherry red, depending on how you mix it.
You can make your own Xanthia cocktail using equal parts Yellow Chartreuse, Cherry Brandy, and Gin.
Combine them all in a cocktail shaker with ice, then shake, strain, and serve.
6. Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is something you mainly only see on the back of a nutrition label.
It’s an additive that thickens or stabilizes a recipe or food.
It comes as a powder that works its magic once added to a liquid. It works wonders for gluten-free recipes and desserts. helps gluten-free bread and dough turn out fluffy as if traditional flour was used.
7. Xalapa punch
A little more classy than your high school prom punch bowl, Xalapa Punch is a mix of rum, brandy, red wine, black tea, and orange.
It’s a classic drink with a lot of history behind it.
The different ingredients provide a complex range of flavors and create a citrusy Sangria taste.
8. Xigua Popsicles
Okay, we just found the perfect summertime treat. This uses our first fruit that starts with X, Xigua.
You can make these Xigua popsicles by simply cutting your watermelon into triangles, inserting a popsicle stick into the rind, and then freezing.
A healthy, refreshing, simple dessert that will keep you and your family X-tra cool!
9. XO Sauce
XOXO, your new favorite sauce.
XO Sauce comes from Hong Kong. It’s made from crushed, dried shrimp and scallops, Jinhua ham, garlic, shallots, oil, and chili. When it’s complete, it has a jam-like consistency and all the umami flavor you crave.
10. Xocolatl
If you think we worship chocolate nowadays, just wait. In Mayan culture, chocolate was the food of the gods.
It was a sacred staple of the culture and time.
The Mayan word “Xocolatl” means “bitter water.” It was basically their coffee.
They mixed crushed cocoa beans, chili peppers, and water and served it cold.
11. Xi Gua Lao
Think we’d run out of X foods by now? We’re still going. Xi Gua Lao is a sweet dessert that originated in Beijing.
It’s made with watermelon (Xigua), cherries, agar-agar, sugar, and vanilla-flavored powder. Any jello fans? It resembles a sort of watermelon jello.
12. Xiaodianxin
You know those melt-in-your-mouth, buttery cookies you often eat at the holidays?
Here is yet another simple Chinese dessert similar to those! Xiaodianxin translates to “cookies” in English.
It is a Chinese almond and butter cookie. They bring good luck and fortune!
13. Xingren donfu
Here is another gelatin dessert! Xingren Donfu is a very popular Chinese dish.
It’s primarily found in Beijing, but it’s making its way around the world.
It’s also quite simple to make! You just need almond milk, agar agar, gelatin, and sweetener to make this sweet and soft treat.
14. Xacuti
Let’s take a quick break from the sweets, shall we? We’re spicing our X foods up with Xacuti.
Xacuti is a curry dish that is very common in Goa, India. You can make it using signature curry spices, white poppy seeds, coconut, dried red chilies, and your choice of meat.
It’s packed with complex and powerful flavors, perfect for anyone who loves curry and spicy food.
15. Xiao Long Bao
Grab your chopsticks. You’re going to want to dig in! Xiao Long Bao is the ultimate comfort food.
Often referred to as bao dumplings or soup dumplings, they’re known for their umami flavor and rich pork and soup filling.
Xiao Long Bao is very significant to Chinese culture. The process and compilation of the dumplings represent wholeness and togetherness.
They say if you make and eat them, you and your family may experience more connection and bonding.
16. Xmas Cookies
Xmas cookies had to make the list (don’t worry, we checked it twice!) Every family has their own favorite cookies they make around the holidays.
Whether gingerbread, frosted sugar cookies shaped like snowmen, or just a classic chocolate chip, Xmas cookies are a holiday staple!
Here’s one of my favorite recipes: Cut-out Sugar Cookies!
17. Xavier Soup
Know any Xaviers? Invite them over for dinner to enjoy Xavier Soup!
It is a comforting Italian soup with homemade dumplings! These dumplings mix in some parmesan cheese for a stronger and amazing flavor.
Xavier soup was named after the 16th-century missionary Saint Francis Xavier. Its rich history definitely matches its rich flavor.
18. Xiphias
This X dish is ready to put up a swordfight. Xiphias is a type of swordfish found and sourced in the Mediterranean Sea.
If you’ve never tried swordfish, it’s a dense yet tender fish.
Very delicious! It’s often grilled and served Mediterranean style with fresh fruits and vegetables.
19. Xavier Steak
It’s already time to invite Xavier over again! Xavier steak starts with a simple grilled steak.
Cook it to your desired flavor and color. Then, top your steak with juicy asparagus and swiss cheese for extra flavor and pizazz.
It combines all the restaurant-style flavors and richness you crave.
20. Xidoufen
Save this one for soup season! Xidoufen is a Chinese soup most commonly served in Yunnan.
It’s often made with boiled peameal, garlic, ginger, coriander, spring onion, dry chili flakes, and oil.
It’s best when served with deep-fried youtiao — a savory Chinese donut!
21. Xnipec
When it comes to spice, Xnipec gives the Spice Girls a run for their money.
Xnipec is a spicy salsa, popular in Yucatan, Mexico. Xnipec is Mayan for “dog’s nose” because its spice level will make you sweat like a dog’s nose in July!
Make it with fresh tomato, onion, habanero pepper, cilantro, orange, and lime.
22. Xampinyons En Salsa Mushrooms
Call it “Xampinyons En Salsa Mushrooms,” if you’re fancy. Call it “Mushrooms in sauce,” if you want to keep it simple.
This Spanish dish is actually quite easy and noncomplex.
It consists of mushrooms sauteed in sherry wine, tomatoes, and garlic. It’s often served as a tapas, or Spanish appetizer, with a fresh glass of wine.
23. Xoi
Meet Xoi, the most versatile of our foods that begin with X! Basically sticky rice found at the base of many meals and snacks in Vietnam.
It’s primarily street food, so if you visit, you’ll likely see it sold on many street corners but with diverse toppings and flavors.
24. Xouba
Anyone out there a fan of sardines? Xouba originated in Galicia, Spain.
Our X dishes have taken us all around the world! Xouba is composed of fried and stewed sardines, oil, tomato, onion, red pepper, wine, flour, and spices.
25. Xiang Cao Jing
Last but not least, we have to end our list of food names that start with the letter X on a sweet note. If you’re shopping for vanilla in China or at a Chinese grocery store, look for Xiang Cao Jing.