Looking for foods that start with the letter P? You’re in the right place! From popular pantry staples to unique global dishes, this A-to-Z-style guide features 100 foods that start with P. Whether you’re a home cook, a food blogger, or just curious about new ingredients, this list is packed with delicious inspiration.
Discover flavorful fruits, hearty meals, tasty snacks, and international favorites—all beginning with the letter P. Let’s dive into this fun and flavorful food journey!
1. Paella
Paella is a famous Spanish rice dish that started in Valencia, Spain. It’s made with saffron-flavored rice and a mix of ingredients like chicken, seafood, rabbit, or vegetables. Paella is often cooked in a wide, shallow pan, which helps the rice cook evenly and form a tasty crust at the bottom called socarrat.
People love paella for its rich flavors, colorful look, and the way it brings people together—it’s often shared at family gatherings or festivals. Whether it’s seafood paella, mixed paella, or vegetarian paella, it’s a dish full of heart and tradition.
2. Pancakes
3. Pancetta
Pancetta is a type of Italian bacon made from pork belly that’s been salt-cured and seasoned with spices like pepper and nutmeg. Unlike regular bacon, pancetta is not usually smoked. It can be eaten thinly sliced and uncooked (like in antipasto) or cooked and added to dishes like pasta, soups, and risottos for a rich, savory flavor.
People love pancetta for its deep, salty taste and how it adds a burst of flavor to both simple and fancy meals. It’s a classic ingredient in Italian cooking, especially in recipes like carbonara and amatriciana.
4. Paneer
5. Panettone
6. Panini
7. Papaya
8. Paprika
9. Parfait
10. Parmesan cheese
11. Parsley
12. Parsnip
Parsnip is a root vegetable that looks like a pale carrot and has a sweet, nutty flavor, especially after cooking. It’s commonly used in soups, roasted vegetable dishes, or mashed like potatoes. Parsnips have been eaten in Europe for centuries and are especially popular in the fall and winter.
People enjoy parsnips for their soft texture and naturally sweet taste. They’re also a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, making them a healthy and comforting choice for cold-weather meals.
13. Passion fruit
14. Pasta
15. Pasta salad
16. Pastrami
17. Pate
18. Pâté choux
19. Pav bhaji
20. Pavlova
21. Peach cobbler
22. Peaches
23. Peanut butter
24. Peanut sauce
25. Peanuts
26. Pear tart
27. Pears
28. Peas
29. Pecan pie
30. Pecans
31. Peking duck
32. Pelmeni
Pelmeni are traditional Russian dumplings filled with ground meat like pork, beef, or lamb, mixed with onions and spices. The dough is thin and soft, and the dumplings are usually boiled and served with sour cream, butter, or a splash of vinegar. Pelmeni are a comforting, hearty meal, especially popular during cold winters in Russia and Eastern Europe.
People love pelmeni for their tender texture and rich, savory flavor. They’re often made in big batches and shared with family, making them a beloved part of home cooking and Russian food culture.
33. Penne pasta
34. Pepper
35. Pepperoni
36. Perch
37. Pesto
38. Pesto sauce
39. Pho
Pho is a warm and flavorful Vietnamese noodle soup made with a rich, slow-cooked broth, rice noodles, and slices of meat—usually beef (pho bò) or chicken (pho gà). It’s topped with fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, bean sprouts, lime, and chili. The broth is often simmered for hours with spices like star anise, cloves, and cinnamon, giving pho its signature taste.
People love pho because it’s both comforting and refreshing. It’s a popular street food in Vietnam, but also enjoyed worldwide as a soothing, hearty bowl that brings warmth with every bite.
40. Piccata
41. Pickled cucumbers
42. Pickled herring
Pickled herring is a small, oily fish that has been cured in salt and then preserved in vinegar, often with onions, spices, and sometimes sugar. It’s a popular traditional food in Scandinavian, Dutch, German, and Eastern European cuisines, often served as an appetizer or with bread and potatoes.
People enjoy pickled herring for its bold, tangy flavor and tender texture. It’s also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy choice for heart and brain health. For many, it’s more than food—it’s a taste of heritage and home.
43. Pickles
44. Pico de gallo
45. Pie
46. Pie crust
47. Pilaf
Pilaf is a flavorful rice dish made by cooking rice in broth with added spices, vegetables, and sometimes meat, chicken, or seafood. It’s popular in many regions, including the Middle East, Central Asia, India, and Eastern Europe. What makes pilaf special is that the rice stays fluffy and doesn’t stick together.
People love pilaf because it’s both comforting and full of flavor. It’s often served at family meals, holidays, and special gatherings, making it a beloved dish that brings people together.
48. Pimiento
49. Pine nuts
50. Pineapple
51. Pinto beans
52. Pistachios
53. Pita bread
54. Pita chips
55. Pizza
56. Pizza dough
57. Plantains
Plantains are starchy fruits that look like large bananas but are usually cooked before eating. They can be boiled, fried, or baked, and are popular in Caribbean, Latin American, African, and Southeast Asian cuisines. Unlike sweet bananas, plantains are firmer and less sugary, making them perfect for savory or sweet dishes depending on how ripe they are.
People love plantains for their versatility and comforting taste. From crispy tostones to sweet fried maduros, plantains bring warmth and tradition to the table in every bite.
58. Plum
59. Plum cake
60. Po’ boy sandwich
A po’ boy sandwich is a classic Louisiana sandwich made with a crispy French baguette and filled with tasty ingredients like fried shrimp, oysters, roast beef, or catfish. It’s usually dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayonnaise or remoulade sauce. This hearty sandwich has its roots in New Orleans and is a beloved part of Southern cuisine.
People enjoy po’ boys for their bold flavors and satisfying crunch. Whether seafood or meat-filled, each bite brings a taste of New Orleans comfort and street food tradition.
61. Poblano peppers
62. Polenta
63. Pollock
64. Pomegranate
65. Pomelo
66. Popcorn
67. Poppy seeds
Poppy seeds are tiny, round seeds that come from the opium poppy plant. They’re commonly used in baking and cooking, especially in European, Middle Eastern, and Indian cuisines. These seeds have a slightly nutty flavor and add a nice crunch to foods like bagels, muffins, cakes, and salad dressings.
People like poppy seeds not only for their taste but also because they’re a good source of calcium, iron, and fiber. A little sprinkle can turn simple recipes into something special.
68. Pork
69. Porridge
70. Portabella mushrooms
71. Porterhouse steak
72. Portuguese tart
73. Potato chips
74. Potato salad
75. Potato soup
76. Potatoes
77. Poultry
78. Prawns
79. Pretzels
80. Prime rib
81. Prosciutto
Prosciutto is a type of dry-cured Italian ham that’s thinly sliced and eaten raw. It’s made from pork leg and aged for several months, which gives it a soft texture and rich, salty flavor. Prosciutto is often enjoyed in antipasto platters, wrapped around melon, added to sandwiches, or placed on pizzas and salads.
People love prosciutto for its melt-in-your-mouth feel and savory taste. It’s a beloved part of Italian cuisine and brings a touch of elegance and tradition to any meal.
82. Protein bars
83. Provolone cheese
84. Prune juice
85. Prunes
86. Pudding
87. Pudding pops
88. Puff pastry
89. Pulao
90. Pulled pork
91. Pumpernickel bread
92. Pumpkin
93. Pumpkin bread
94. Pumpkin seeds
95. Pumpkin soup
96. Punch
97. Pupusas
98. Purée
99. Purple cabbage
100. Puy lentils
Jean Smith is a fitness enthusiast and blogger who focuses on fitness and a healthy lifestyle. She is passionate about assisting people in living healthier lifestyles and is constantly on the lookout for new and creative methods to stay fit and healthy. Her articles are excellent resources for anyone interested in improving their health and fitness.