Welcome to our A to Z food series! Today, we’re diving into a flavorful list of foods that start with the letter W. From worldwide dishes to comforting home-style favorites, the letter “W” brings a wonderful mix of tastes, textures, and ingredients to the table.
Whether you’re curious about classic W-named foods like waffles and walnuts, or ready to discover new recipes and global cuisine beginning with W, this list is packed with culinary inspiration. From sweet treats to savory bites, every item offers its own twist of flavor and history.
So, get ready to explore a delicious variety of foods that start with W—each one bringing something special to your plate!
1. Waffle cones
2. Waffle fries
3. Waffles
4. Wakame (seaweed)
Wakame is a type of edible seaweed that comes from the ocean, mostly found near Japan, Korea, and China. It’s a green, leafy vegetable from the sea that’s been used in Asian cooking for hundreds of years. People often add wakame to soups, salads, and rice dishes because of its soft texture and mild, slightly salty taste.
Wakame is popular not just for its flavor but also for being healthy. It’s low in calories but full of vitamins and minerals like iodine, calcium, and magnesium. You’ll often find it in miso soup, seaweed salad, or served with tofu and sushi. For many, wakame brings a taste of comfort and tradition, especially in Japanese cuisine.
5. Waldorf salad
Waldorf salad is a classic American salad that first became popular in New York City. It was created in the 1890s at the Waldorf Hotel, which is now part of the famous Waldorf Astoria. The original recipe was very simple and included just apples, celery, and mayonnaise. Over time, people added more ingredients like grapes and walnuts to give it more flavor and crunch.
This salad is usually served cold and often enjoyed as a side dish or a light lunch. People like Waldorf salad because it’s fresh, a little sweet, and has a nice mix of textures. The crispy apples, crunchy celery, and creamy dressing make it both tasty and refreshing. It’s still a favorite at picnics, holiday meals, and family gatherings.
6. Walla Walla onions
Walla Walla onions are a type of sweet onion grown in Walla Walla, Washington. They are known for their mild flavor, juicy texture, and large, round shape. These onions are less spicy than regular onions, which makes them great for eating raw in salads, sandwiches, or as a topping for burgers.
People love Walla Walla onions because they don’t make your eyes water as much and add a gentle, sweet taste to meals. They are usually harvested in the summer and are part of the allium family, like garlic and shallots. Grown in rich volcanic soil with plenty of sunshine, Walla Walla onions are a local favorite and a proud part of Pacific Northwest farming.
7. Walnut cake
8. Walnut oil
9. Walnut pesto
10. Walnut shrimp
11. Walnuts
12. Wasabi
Wasabi is a spicy green paste that comes from a plant found in Japan. It’s made from the root of the wasabi plant, which is part of the same family as mustard and horseradish. Real wasabi has a sharp, clean heat that hits your nose more than your tongue. Most of the wasabi people eat outside Japan is actually made from horseradish, mustard powder, and green food coloring because real wasabi is rare and expensive.
Wasabi is often served with sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes. It adds a strong flavor that many people enjoy with raw fish. Besides its bold taste, wasabi is also loved for its fresh, tingly sensation and how it clears the senses. In Japanese food culture, it’s more than just a spice—it’s part of the full dining experience.
13. Wasabi peas
14. Wasabi sushi
15. Water chestnuts
16. Water spinach
17. Watercress
18. Watercress salad
Watercress salad is a light and healthy dish made with fresh watercress leaves, which are small, green, and slightly peppery in taste. Watercress is a leafy green vegetable that grows in water and is packed with vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium. The salad often includes other ingredients like tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, or boiled eggs, and it’s usually topped with a simple olive oil or lemon dressing.
Watercress salad comes from parts of Europe and Asia, where the plant has been used for centuries in cooking and traditional medicine. People enjoy this salad not just for its crisp taste but also for its many health benefits. It’s often served as a side dish with meat or fish, or even eaten on its own for a light meal. Many love it for how fresh and clean it makes them feel after eating.
19. Watercress soup
20. Watermelon
21. Watermelon radish
22. Watermelon seeds
23. Wax beans
24. Wax gourd
Wax gourd, also known as winter melon, is a large, green vegetable with a thick waxy skin. It’s mostly made up of water, which makes it super refreshing to eat. This vegetable is often used in Asian cuisine, especially in Chinese and Indian dishes. People enjoy it in soups, stews, and stir-fries. It has a mild, slightly sweet taste that absorbs the flavors of other ingredients, making it versatile in cooking.
Wax gourd is native to Asia, but it is now grown in many parts of the world. It’s liked for its cooling properties, especially in hot climates. Many people also use wax gourd in traditional medicine for its health benefits, like supporting digestion and hydration. Whether you’re looking to try a new ingredient or enjoy its refreshing taste, wax gourd is a great choice for any meal!
25. Welsh cakes
26. Welsh rarebit
Welsh rarebit is a warm and comforting dish from Wales made with a cheesy sauce poured over toast. The sauce is usually made from cheddar cheese, milk, butter, and seasonings like mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Sometimes, a little beer or egg is added to give it extra richness and flavor. It’s often enjoyed as a quick snack or a light meal, especially when you’re craving something cheesy and satisfying.
People love Welsh rarebit because of its creamy, rich texture and the perfect combination of tangy cheese and savory seasonings. It’s simple, yet filling, and has been a favorite comfort food in the UK for centuries. Whether served as a cozy dinner or a tasty snack, it’s a dish that’s sure to warm you up on a cold day.
27. Westphalian ham
Westphalian ham is a type of smoked ham that comes from the Westphalia region in Germany. It’s made from pork that is carefully cured and smoked over a wood fire for several weeks. The result is a rich, smoky flavor that people love. The ham is usually sliced thin and eaten cold, often as part of sandwiches, salads, or served on a charcuterie board.
What makes Westphalian ham special is its traditional preparation process, which gives it a unique, deep taste. It’s popular not just in Germany, but also in many other parts of Europe. People enjoy it for its tenderness, savory flavor, and the way it pairs well with cheeses, bread, and even fruits. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or you’ve had it before, Westphalian ham is a treat that adds an authentic touch to any meal.
28. Wheat
29. Wheat bread
30. Wheat flakes
31. Wheat pasta
32. Wheatgerm
33. Wheatgrass
34. Whelks
Whelks are a type of shellfish that live in the sea. They have a hard, spiral-shaped shell and are often found in coastal waters, especially around Europe and North America. Whelks are part of the gastropod family, similar to snails, and are often caught in the wild. The meat inside is firm and chewy, with a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
People enjoy eating whelks in many different ways. They can be boiled, steamed, or added to soups and salads. In some places, whelks are served as a snack with dipping sauces, or even eaten as part of seafood platters. Known for their sustainability and affordable price, whelks are popular in countries like the UK, where they’re often sold at seafood markets. Many seafood lovers like whelks because of their unique texture and taste, making them a tasty and interesting addition to any meal.
35. Whey
Whey is a liquid that comes from milk. It’s the part of milk that separates when cheese is made. Whey contains proteins, vitamins, and minerals that are great for your health. People usually drink whey in the form of whey protein shakes or use it in baking and cooking. It’s often found in protein powders and smoothies because it helps build muscles and can keep you feeling full longer. Many people like it because it’s an easy way to add extra protein to their diet, especially if they’re active or trying to stay healthy.
Whey is a natural byproduct of cheese-making, so it’s linked to dairy products like cheese, milk, and yogurt. Whether you’re an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or just looking for a healthy snack, whey can be a simple and nutritious addition to your daily routine.
36. Whey protein
37. Whipped butter
Whipped butter is simply regular butter that has been whipped to make it light, airy, and easy to spread. It’s made by beating unsalted butter with air, which makes it softer and smoother than regular butter. This makes it perfect for spreading on things like toast, muffins, or pancakes without tearing them apart.
People love whipped butter because it’s easy to spread and adds a rich, creamy flavor to many dishes. It’s commonly used in baking or as a topping for bread or corn on the cob. While butter has been around for centuries, whipped butter has become popular because of its light texture and the convenience it brings to everyday meals. Whether you’re enjoying breakfast or a snack, whipped butter makes every bite more delicious and satisfying.
38. Whipped cream
39. Whipped topping
40. Whiskey
41. Whiskey sour
42. White asparagus
43. White balsamic vinegar
44. White beans
45. White bread
46. White cheddar
47. White chocolate
48. White clam sauce
49. White corn
50. White currants
51. White grapes
52. White pepper
53. White pudding
54. White sauce
55. Whitebait
56. Whitefish
57. Whitefish roe
58. Whitefish salad
59. Whitetail deer
60. Whole cloves
61. Whole grain bread
62. Whole milk
63. Whole wheat pasta
64. Wiener sausages
65. Wiener schnitzel
66. Wild blueberries
67. Wild boar
68. Wild garlic
69. Wild honey
70. Wild mushrooms
71. Wild rice
72. Wild strawberries
73. Wildflower honey
74. Wildflower mead
75. Williams pear
76. Wilted spinach
77. Wine
78. Wine vinegar
79. Wing beans
80. Winged beans
81. Winter melon
82. Winter squash
83. Wintergreen
84. Witches cheese
85. Witloof (Belgian endive)
86. Wok vegetables
87. Wolfberry (goji berry)
88. Wombok (Chinese cabbage)
89. Wontons
90. Wood apple
91. Wood ear mushrooms
92. Wood pigeon
93. Wood-fired pizza
94. Woodruff
95. Worcestershire sauce
96. Worcestershire sauce
97. Wormwood
98. Wraps
99. Wrinkle pea
100. Wurst
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.