Welcome to a tasty adventure through foods that start with the letter V! From creamy vanilla ice cream to hearty vegetable soup, this list features 100 flavorful dishes, drinks, and ingredients—all beginning with the letter V.
Whether you’re a food lover, a curious cook, or a parent teaching the alphabet through food, this visual guide is for you. Each item comes with a photo to make it easy to recognize and fun to explore.
Get inspired by a variety of vegetables, snacks, fruits, and desserts. You might even find a few surprises that spark your taste buds or give you ideas for your next meal.
Let’s explore these vibrant V foods and uncover some delicious new favorites along the way!
1. Vanilla
Vanilla is a popular flavor that comes from the seed pods of a plant called the vanilla orchid. This plant grows in warm places like Mexico, Madagascar, and Indonesia. Inside the long, brown pods are tiny black seeds. These seeds and the pod are used to make vanilla extract, which gives food a sweet and rich flavor.
People love vanilla because it tastes smooth, comforting, and slightly sweet. It’s used in many desserts like vanilla ice cream, cakes, cookies, and custards. You can also find vanilla in drinks like milkshakes and even in some perfumes. Even though it smells simple, vanilla brings warmth and joy to many recipes, making it a favorite in kitchens around the world.
2. Vanilla bean
Vanilla bean is a long, dark brown pod that comes from the vanilla orchid, a tropical plant mostly grown in places like Madagascar, Mexico, and Indonesia. Inside the pod are tiny black seeds that have a sweet and rich smell. These seeds and the pod are used to add flavor to many desserts like ice cream, cakes, and custards.
People love vanilla bean because it gives food a natural, deep vanilla flavor that feels comforting and special. It’s different from vanilla extract because it comes straight from the plant, making it more pure and aromatic. Vanilla bean is often seen as a luxury ingredient, but even a small amount can make your dish taste amazing.
3. Vanilla ice cream
Vanilla ice cream is a sweet, cold dessert made with milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. The vanilla flavor comes from vanilla beans, which grow mainly in countries like Madagascar and Mexico. It’s one of the oldest and most popular ice cream flavors in the world.
People usually eat vanilla ice cream in a bowl, on a cone, or with other desserts like pies and cakes. It’s smooth, creamy, and has a simple, comforting taste that many people love. Some enjoy it with toppings like chocolate syrup, sprinkles, or fresh fruit. Vanilla ice cream is often the base for milkshakes, sundaes, and ice cream sandwiches.
4. Veal
Veal is a type of meat that comes from young calves, usually less than a year old. It is known for being very tender and having a light pink color. Veal is different from regular beef because it’s softer and has a milder flavor. It’s often used in fine dining or special meals in many parts of the world, especially in European countries like Italy and France.
People enjoy veal in many ways, such as in dishes like veal parmesan, veal scallopini, or veal stew. It’s usually cooked by grilling, baking, or pan-frying. Veal is often served with sauces, herbs, or vegetables to bring out its delicate taste. While some people choose it for its texture and flavor, others prefer different meats for personal or ethical reasons. Whether or not you’ve tried it, veal remains a classic part of many traditional recipes around the world.
5. Vegemite
Vegemite is a thick, dark brown spread made from leftover brewer’s yeast extract, along with vegetable extracts and spices. It was first made in Australia and has become a popular part of Aussie culture. People often eat it on toast, crackers, or sandwiches, usually with butter underneath.
Vegemite has a strong, salty taste that many Australians grow up loving, but it can be surprising for first-time eaters. Some say it’s an acquired taste, but others love its bold flavor and connection to home. It’s also rich in B vitamins like B1, B2, B3, and folate, making it a nutritious choice for many.
6. Vegetable oil
Vegetable oil is a type of oil made from plants, like soybeans, sunflowers, or canola. It is often used in cooking and baking because it has a mild flavor and high heat tolerance, making it perfect for frying, sautéing, or even making salad dressings. People love it because it’s easy to find, affordable, and works well in a variety of dishes.
It’s a popular choice in kitchens around the world because it helps make food crispy and delicious. Vegetable oil also contains healthy fats, though it’s important to use it in moderation. Whether you’re making your favorite fried food or baking a cake, vegetable oil is a versatile ingredient you can rely on for great-tasting meals.
7. Vegetable soup
Vegetable soup is a simple and nutritious dish made from a mix of fresh vegetables like carrots, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and celery. It can also include leafy greens like spinach or kale. The vegetables are cooked in broth or water, and seasonings are added to bring out the flavors. It’s often enjoyed as a warm, comforting meal, especially on cold days.
This dish is popular all around the world and has many variations depending on the country or region. In some places, it’s eaten as a light lunch or dinner, while in others, it’s served as a side dish with bread. People love vegetable soup because it’s healthy, low in calories, and easy to make. It’s a great way to get a variety of nutrients, like vitamins and fiber, from different vegetables in one bowl.
8. Vegetable stew
Vegetable stew is a comforting, warm dish made from a variety of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, peas, and beans. These vegetables are cooked together in a flavorful broth, often seasoned with herbs and spices. Some people like to add tomatoes, onions, and garlic to give it extra flavor. It’s a perfect meal for those looking for a healthy, plant-based option that fills you up without being heavy.
This dish is enjoyed around the world, with different countries putting their own twist on it. People love vegetable stew because it’s easy to make, full of nutrients, and can be served with bread, rice, or even eaten on its own. It’s a dish that brings warmth to the heart, especially on cold days, and is often a favorite among those looking for comfort food.
9. Vegetable stock
Vegetable stock is a savory liquid made by simmering vegetables, herbs, and spices in water. It’s often made with ingredients like carrots, onions, celery, and garlic. People use vegetable stock as a base for soups, stews, sauces, and risottos. It adds rich flavor without meat, making it a perfect choice for vegetarians and vegans.
This versatile ingredient is popular in kitchens around the world because it’s easy to make and enhances the taste of many dishes. You can buy it in stores, or even make it at home by boiling vegetables and seasoning them to your liking. Whether you’re cooking a comforting soup or a gourmet dish, vegetable stock is the secret to adding depth and flavor without extra calories.
10. Vegetarian chili
Vegetarian chili is a comforting, hearty stew made with a mix of vegetables, beans, and spices, instead of meat. It’s usually made with kidney beans, black beans, tomatoes, and vegetables like onions, peppers, and zucchini. The dish is seasoned with chili powder, garlic, and sometimes cumin for extra flavor. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a meatless meal or a tasty alternative to traditional chili.
This dish is often served hot and can be enjoyed on its own, with cornbread, or topped with cheese, sour cream, or avocado. It’s a popular choice in many parts of the world, especially in the United States, where chili is a classic comfort food. People love it for its rich, savory taste and its ability to warm you up on a cold day. It’s also packed with protein and fiber, making it both nutritious and filling.
11. Vegetarian lasagna
12. Vegetarian meatballs
13. Vegetarian pizza
14. Vegetarian stew
15. Veggie burger
16. Veggie chips
17. Velouté sauce
18. Velvet bean
19. Velvet cake
20. Velveting (technique in Chinese cooking)
21. Venetian cream
22. Venetian spice
23. Venison
24. Venison jerky
25. Venison stew
26. Verdelho (grape variety)
27. Verdure (Italian for greens)
28. Verjuice
29. Vermicelli
30. Vermicelli pudding
31. Vermillion snapper
32. Vermont cheddar
33. Vermont maple syrup
34. Vermouth
35. Vermouth-steamed clams
36. Versatile vinaigrettes
37. Vertical salad
38. Vesper (cocktail)
39. Vesper cocktail
40. Vichyssoise
41. Victoria sponge cake
42. Vidalia onions
43. Vienna bread
44. Vienna coffee
45. Vienna sausage
46. Vietnamese caramel chicken
47. Vietnamese coffee
48. Vietnamese noodles
49. Vietnamese pho
50. Vietnamese spring rolls
51. Vinaigrette
52. Vindaloo
53. Vindaloo curry
54. Vine leaf wraps
55. Vine leaves
56. Vine tomatoes
57. Vinegar
58. Vinegared rice
59. Vino (wine)
60. Vinson Massif (grape)
61. Vintage cheese
62. Viognier (type of wine)
63. Viola flowers (edible)
64. Viper fish
65. Viper’s grass salad
66. Virgin mary (drink)
67. Virgin olive oil
68. Virgin piña colada
69. Virginia ham
70. Visayan deer
71. Viscera (in culinary, refers to offal)
72. Viscotta (traditional Italian cookies)
73. Viscount biscuits
74. Vitamin water
75. Vitello tonnato
76. Vla (Dutch custard)
77. Vodka
78. Vodka lime
79. Vodka martini
80. Vodka penne
81. Vodka sauce
82. Vodka tonic
83. Vogel bread
84. Volaille (French for poultry)
85. Vol-au-vent
86. Volcano cake
87. Volcano chicken
88. Volcano potatoes
89. Volcano roll (sushi)
90. Volga pike
91. Vollkorn (whole grain in German)
92. Vollkornbrot (German whole grain bread)
93. Vols-au-vent
94. Vongole (clams in Italian)
95. Voodoo doughnuts
96. Vori vori (Paraguayan soup)
97. Vorwerk chicken (breed, but also prepared as food)
98. Voul-a-vent
99. Vouvray (type of wine)
100. Vulcan fire salt
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.