Top 30 Foods That Start With K

Cooking these days is monotonous and boring, so why not try a different approach? You’d be surprised at the thousands of options out there for foods that you didn’t think of before. That’s why using a list of foods that start with the letter K may be a good starting point. 

List of Foods that Begin With The Letter K

Here’s our list of fruits, vegetables, cooked food, and whole foods that begin with letter K:

Condiments, Spices, and Additives

#1 Ketchup

This sweet and delicious tomato sauce is a staple of American food, but it can also be used to add a touch of flavor to many dishes.

Ketchup isn’t just made of tomatoes, though, some varieties come from mushrooms and soy sauce. Buy this sauce in any convenience or grocery store. 

#2 Kosher Salt

Kosher salt is just regular salt that is prepared under Jewish guidelines. It usually contains no additives and is fortified with iodine. You can buy kosher salt in any grocery store and use it in any meal, as the flavor is the same as normal salt. 

#3 Khrenovina sauce

This spicy horseradish sauce is a popular condiment in Siberia. It contains tomatoes, garlic, horseradish, and salt, but some people also add pepper, paprika, bell peppers, vinegar, and sugar. You can make this sauce yourself, as it will be hard to find. Khrenovina sauce tends to accompany meat and potato dishes. 

#4 Kala namak

Kala namak is a rock salt from South Asia that has a very pungent and sulfur-like smell. It is sometimes called “Himalayan black salt”, and you may be able to find it in Asian food markets or specialty stores. This condiment is added to chutneys, curry, and chaats. 

#5 Kaong Palm Vinegar

This is a traditional Filipino vinegar made from the sap of the kaong sugar palm. Kaong palm vinegar is sweet and only a bit acidic, so it is commonly part of sauces, dressings, and marinades. While it may not be easy to find, you can try a Filipino market or restaurant. 

#6 Kaymak

Kaymak is a creamy dairy product that looks and tastes like clotted cream. It is original from some Balkan countries, Turkey, and Iran, and it is used in sauces, stews, and as a main dish. Kaymak may be around in some Middle Eastern markets or restaurants. 

#7 Kokam

This is the dry, soft, and outermost skin of the acidic fruit with this name. Kokam is popular in South Indian food, as it resembles tamarind in its sweet and tart flavor. This condiment is part of curries, chutneys, and sauces, and you can try to find it in some Indian stores or online. 

#8 Kudzu

Kudzu is an edible root similar to ginger that is part of Japanese cooking and is part of thickening sauces. This root is said to be good for digestion, just as ginger, so it can be part of tea as well. You can find kudzu in some Asian food markets or health stores. 

#9 Kecap Manis

This is a thick, syrup-like sauce that is often referred to as “sweet soy sauce” and it is part of Indonesian cooking. Kecap Manis contains palm sugar, garlic, and star anise. You may find it in some Asian food markets, but your best bet may be to make it at home. 

Fruits and Vegetables

#10 Kale

This vegetable has become incredibly popular in the last few years and is considered a superfood. Kale is a member of the cabbage family and it is very high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. You can find kale in the produce section of any grocery or organic store. 

#11 Kaffir Lime Leaves

These leaves are an essential part of Thai cuisine, and they have a fragrant smell and taste. Kaffir lime leaves are great in fish dishes and stir-fries. You can find these leaves in organic markets and Thai food stores. 

#12 Kombu

This member of the kelp family is a popular addition to Japanese cooking, particularly when making dashi. You can buy kombu in some organic stores or Asian food markets. Use fresh or dry kombu when you prepare soups, stews, salads, and more. 

#13 Kiwi

This fleshy round fruit has a soft green inside with small black seeds and tastes sweet and sour. Originally from New Zealand, you can now find kiwi virtually everywhere, but most likely a grocery store or farmer’s market. You can eat kiwi fresh on its own, though some people add it to meat as a tenderizer. 

#14 Kalettes

Kalettes are a hybrid between kale and Brussels sprouts and have a green and purple color with small leaves. These leaves are delicious raw, grilled, sauteed, or even steamed. You can find kalettes in some grocery stores, but an organic or farmer’s market may be the best choice. 

#15 Kidney Beans

If you like Latin American food, then you surely have tried kidney beans before. These red, thick beans are traditional in chili con carne, meat dishes, and more. You can buy them in any grocery store, but they must be soaked overnight if you want to make them fresh, otherwise, you can buy them precooked. 

#16 Koshihikari Rice

Also called sushi rice, this is a short-grain rice that tastes slightly sweet. Koshihikari rice is soft as well, making it perfect for sushi, bowls, and as a base for stir-fry. You can find this type of rice in any Asian food market and some grocery stores. 

#17 Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi means cabbage turnip, and it belongs to the cabbage, turnip, and Brussels sprouts family. This vegetable is sweet and mild, so it can be prepared in various ways. You can find kohlrabi in some organic markets. 

#18 Kumera

This root is original from the West Indies and looks and tastes similar to a sweet potato. It comes in purple, white, and the most common color, orange. You can prepare kumera like you would sweet potatoes, and you may be able to find it in some organic markets. 

#19 Ketembilla

This is a gooseberry from Sri Lanka and India that has a purple pulp and it is often part of preserves, desserts, or jams. This fruit is tart, sweet, and a bit bitter, which makes it very versatile. You may not be able to find ketembilla often, but you can try an Indian food market or organic store. 

#20 Kalamata Olive

This large and dark purple type of olive comes from the city of Kalamata in Greece. These olives are usually kept in a preserve of wine vinegar and olive oil, making them sweet and tart. You can find Kalamata olives in any grocery store or convenience store. 

Prepared Dishes

#21 Kimchi

This Korean dish consists of cabbage that is fermented with salt, spices, and other vegetables. These days kimchi is everywhere, as it is considered an extra healthy meal that is prebiotic and helps digestion. You can buy kimchi in most grocery or organic stores, or you can make it at home easily. 

#22 Knish

Knish is a traditional Jewish food that consists of a fried or baked turnover that is filled with meat, potatoes, or cheese. This food is usually a snack, though it can also serve as an appetizer or side dish. You may find knish in some Jewish restaurants or a deli, or you can prepare it yourself. 

#22 Kebab

A kebab is a type of prepared meat that originates from the Middle East. Usually, a kebab is a beef, chicken, or fish that is grilled and seasoned. You can buy kebabs in many grocery stores or make them at home. 

#23 Kipper

Kipper is a smoked or salted herring that is split into a butterfly style. This fish is a traditional breakfast food in England, Ireland, and some parts of North America. You may be able to try kipper in a restaurant or prepare it yourself. 

Fish, Poultry, Meat, and Others

#24 Kingfish

Also known as King Mackerel, this is a white fish that is soft and subtle. You may be able to find kingfish in grocery stores, particularly if they are in season. You can prepare this fish grilled, sauteed, baked, and sometimes people eat it raw.  

#25 Kishke

Kishke refers to a type of sausage that contains stuffed intestines and a grain. While this dish is traditionally Jewish, it is also popular in Northern Europe. You can find kishke in some butcher shops or restaurants. 

#26 Knackwurst

Knackwurst refers to a short and wide sausage from Germany made from either veal, pork, a mix of both, and garlic. These sausages are usually aged for a couple of days and then smoked over oak wood. You can find these sausages in some butcher shops or German restaurants. 

Cocktails and Beverages

#27 Kahlua

This is a coffee liqueur originally from Veracruz, Mexico, but now very popular across the world. Kahlua contains rum, sugar, and coffee, and it is often part of cocktails, including the White Russian or espresso martini. You can buy Kahlua in any liquor store and some grocery stores. 

#28 Kombucha

Kombucha is a very popular fermented drink that usually comes from black tea or green tea. Many people make this at home now, but you can find kombucha in any grocery, health, or organic store. This drink is believed to have prebiotic and digestive properties. 

#29 Kvass

This is a Bavarian, Slavic, and Baltic fermented beverage that comes from rye bread. Some variations are brewed with fruits and spices, so the flavor can vary from tart to sweet or bitter. You can sometimes find kvass in a restaurant, bar, or specialty stores. 

#30 Kava

Kava is a beverage that comes from the aromatic root of the kava shrub. This drink comes from the Pacific Islands and is a bitter drink that is often social. Your best bet is to try and make this at home, or a specialty store. 

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FAQs

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Conclusion 

As you can see, the list of foods with the letter K is extensive and varied, so it can be a good start to get some variety in your meals. Make sure you try these foods before you cook with them, but feel free to mix and match. Enjoy!