Welcome to another exciting part of our A to Z food series! Today, we’re exploring the rare and fascinating world of foods that start with the letter X. While “X” isn’t a common letter in food names, you’ll be surprised by the flavorful and unique dishes we’ve found. From the bold and spicy Xacuti curry from Goa, India, to refreshing fruits like Xigua (a type of watermelon) and even curious items like Xnipec salsa and the historic Xalapa punch, this list highlights 100 interesting and diverse foods that begin with X.
Each food on this list reflects the creativity of global cuisines, with flavors and stories that might be new to you. Whether you’re a food lover, a trivia fan, or just curious about rare ingredients, these foods starting with X are sure to spark your interest and maybe even inspire your next meal. Dive into this extraordinary list and discover which “X” foods make it to your favorites!
1. Xacuti (a spicy curry from Goa, India)
Xacuti is a spicy and flavorful curry from Goa, India. It’s made with meat like chicken, mutton, or beef, cooked in a rich sauce made of roasted coconut, red chilies, poppy seeds, and lots of spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and coriander. These spices give Xacuti a deep, warm taste that’s both spicy and aromatic.
People in Goa usually eat Xacuti with steamed rice or Goan poee (local bread). It’s a popular dish for family meals and special occasions. What makes Xacuti special is its bold flavor and the way it brings people together. For many Goans, it’s not just food—it’s a part of home, tradition, and shared memories.
2. Xacuti chicken (Indian curry dish made with chicken)
Xacuti chicken is a rich and spicy Indian curry that comes from Goa, a state on the western coast of India. It’s made with chicken, a mix of roasted spices, coconut, onions, and poppy seeds. These ingredients are ground into a thick paste to create a flavorful curry sauce. The dish is known for its deep taste and warm spice, often including turmeric, chili, coriander, and cloves.
People usually eat Xacuti chicken with steamed rice or Indian bread like chapati or naan. It’s loved for its bold flavor and creamy texture, making it a favorite comfort food in Goan homes. For many, it brings back memories of family meals and festive occasions. Xacuti is more than just a curry—it’s a taste of Goan tradition and warmth.
3. Xacuti lentils (lentils prepared with the Goan xacuti spice mix)
Xacuti lentils are a flavorful Indian dish made by cooking lentils with the Goan Xacuti spice mix. This special spice blend comes from Goa, a coastal state in India, and includes ingredients like coconut, cloves, coriander seeds, poppy seeds, and red chilies. When mixed with lentils like masoor dal or moong dal, it creates a rich, slightly spicy, and aromatic curry that’s both comforting and full of flavor.
People usually enjoy Xacuti lentils with steamed rice or roti (Indian flatbread). It’s a hearty, plant-based meal that’s popular among vegetarians and spice lovers. Many enjoy it not just for the taste, but also because it brings the warmth of home-cooked Indian food and the bold flavors of Goan cuisine to the table.
4. Xacuti mushrooms (a variation of the Goan curry made with mushrooms instead of meat)
Xacuti mushrooms is a vegetarian version of the famous Goan Xacuti curry from India. Instead of meat, this dish uses mushrooms cooked in a rich, spicy sauce made with ingredients like coconut, onions, roasted spices, and poppy seeds. The curry has a deep, bold flavor with a mix of heat and sweetness, which comes from the unique blend of Indian spices and ground coconut.
People often enjoy Xacuti mushrooms with steamed rice or Goan bread (pão). It’s a great choice for vegetarians who want to enjoy traditional Goan cuisine without meat. Many love this dish not only for its delicious taste but also for the comfort and warmth it brings, especially when shared during family meals. It’s a flavorful way to explore the taste of Goa, one of India’s most loved coastal regions.
5. Xacuti paneer (a variation of the Indian paneer dish made using xacuti spices)
Xacuti Paneer is a flavorful Indian dish made by cooking paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a rich and spicy Xacuti curry. Xacuti is a traditional spice blend from Goa, known for its mix of coconut, red chilies, coriander seeds, and poppy seeds. When combined with soft paneer cubes, it creates a creamy and bold dish that’s full of warm, earthy flavors.
People usually enjoy Xacuti Paneer with rice, naan, or roti. It’s a vegetarian twist on the classic Goan Chicken Xacuti, making it perfect for those who love Indian food but prefer meat-free options. This dish is loved for its deep, comforting taste and the way it brings together Goan spices with a popular Indian ingredient. For many, it’s a delicious reminder of home-style cooking and festive meals.
6. Xacuti spiced rice (rice seasoned with xacuti spice mix)
Xacuti spiced rice is a flavorful rice dish made using the Xacuti spice mix, which comes from Goa, India. The spice mix usually includes coconut, poppy seeds, cloves, coriander, nutmeg, and other warm Indian spices. These spices are toasted and ground into a powder, then mixed with cooked rice to give it a rich, spicy taste.
People often enjoy Xacuti spiced rice with grilled meats, vegetables, or a side of Goan curry. It’s loved for its deep flavor and comforting warmth. This dish is perfect for anyone who enjoys bold spices and wants to try something different from regular rice. For many Goan families, the smell of Xacuti spices brings back warm memories of home-cooked meals and festive gatherings.
7. Xacuti tofu (a vegan version of the Goan curry dish made with tofu)
8. Xacuti-flavored popcorn (popcorn seasoned with a xacuti spice blend)
9. Xacuti-flavored tofu (tofu seasoned with the spices used in xacuti curry)
10. Xalapa chili (a type of hot pepper named after the capital of Veracruz, Mexico)
11. Xalapeno (a creative, fictional variation on jalapeños for playful culinary use)
12. Xampinyons en salsa (mushrooms in sauce, a dish from Catalonia, Spain)
13. Xander fish fillet (in areas where pike is referred to as xander)
Xander fish fillet comes from the zander fish (also called xander in some areas), a freshwater fish found in parts of Europe and Western Asia. It’s closely related to the pike and perch family and is known for its firm, white meat. The fillet is boneless and mild in flavor, making it perfect for many cooking styles like grilling, frying, or baking.
People enjoy xander fish fillet because it’s light, healthy, and easy to cook. It’s popular in dishes across countries like Hungary, Germany, and Russia, where it’s often served with potatoes or fresh herbs. Many love it for its clean taste and smooth texture, which can bring comfort and warmth to a home-cooked meal.
14. Xango mango (a fictional mango variety for creative culinary use)
15. Xangos dessert (a cheesecake-filled, deep-fried tortilla from Mexican-American cuisine)
16. Xanthan gum (a food additive used as a thickener or stabilizer)
17. Xanthan gum ice cream (ice cream made using xanthan gum as a stabilizer)
18. Xanthia cocktail (a cocktail made with bourbon, cherry brandy, and dry vermouth)
19. Xanthia salad (a fictional salad with ingredients starting with ‘X’ like xigua)
Xanthia Salad is a fun, fictional dish made using ingredients that start with the letter X. The main star of this salad is Xigua, a juicy fruit that’s similar to watermelon and popular in Africa and China. Other creative ingredients might include Xacuti-spiced chickpeas, xerophyte herbs (drought-tolerant greens), and a drizzle of Xalapa punch-inspired dressing for a tangy kick. It’s usually served cold and makes a refreshing, colorful dish perfect for hot days.
Even though Xanthia Salad isn’t a real traditional food, people like the idea because it’s playful, healthy, and encourages creative cooking. It’s especially popular in alphabet-themed food challenges or educational cooking activities. Plus, it’s a fun way to learn about rare ingredients like xigua, xanthan gum, and xnipec salsa—all while enjoying a light and tasty salad.
20. Xanthone-rich mangosteen (highlighting the health benefits of mangosteen fruit)
21. Xarope (syrup in Portuguese, used in culinary contexts for desserts and drinks)
22. Xavier soup (an Italian chicken broth with dumplings)
23. Xavier steak (a dish topped with asparagus and cheese sauce)
24. Xaxaba (a type of wild cucumber in Botswana)
25. Xaxim (a type of fern, not typically eaten but used here as a creative, fictional food element)
Xaxim is a type of tree fern found in the rainforests of Brazil and other parts of South America. While it’s not a food people normally eat, we’ve included it in our creative list of foods that start with the letter X as a fun and imaginative entry. In the real world, Xaxim is known for its sponge-like trunk, which holds water and is often used in gardening to grow orchids and other plants.
In our fictional food twist, Xaxim is imagined as an earthy, sponge-textured ingredient that could be used in forest-themed dishes or herbal teas. This playful idea helps spark curiosity and shows how even non-edible plants like Xaxim can inspire creative thinking in food culture. It’s a reminder that the natural world is full of fascinating elements—even if they’re not on our dinner plates.
26. Xe (Vietnamese lager, commonly enjoyed with food)
27. Xec (Mayan citrusy chopped salad)po
Xec (pronounced “shek”) is a fresh and citrusy chopped salad from the Mayan region of Yucatán, Mexico. It’s made with juicy fruits like oranges and grapefruit, mixed with jicama (a crunchy root vegetable), and often seasoned with lime juice, chili powder, and a bit of salt. Some versions also include radish or coriander leaves for extra flavor. Everything is chopped into small pieces, making it easy to eat with a spoon or fork.
People love Xec salad because it’s light, refreshing, and full of natural flavor. It’s often served during special Mayan festivals or as a side dish on hot days. The mix of sweet, sour, and spicy tastes brings a burst of flavor that feels both healthy and satisfying. For many families in the Yucatán, it’s a simple dish that brings back memories of tradition, warmth, and home.
28. Xec xec curry (a creative play on Goan xacuti for a different style of curry)
29. Xena cheese (fictional, named playfully after the warrior princess, for a strong-flavored cheese)
30. Xerelete (a type of fish found in Brazil)
31. Xerém (a type of Brazilian corn dish)
32. Xeres vinegar (sherry vinegar, used in cooking for its distinctive flavor)
33. Xerophyte salad (a salad made from drought-resistant plants, could technically include cacti like nopales)
34. X-factor smoothie (a name for a nutritionally boosted smoothie)
35. X-hot chili (extremely hot chili)
36. Xi lan hua (broccoli in Mandarin, used here for a broccoli-based dish)
37. Xia (shrimp in Mandarin Chinese)
38. Xia mi (dried shrimp used in Chinese cuisine)
39. Xi’an kabob (a type of spicy lamb kabob from Xi’an, China)
40. Xiangcaojing (vanilla essence in Mandarin Chinese)
41. Xiangjiao (banana in Mandarin Chinese)
42. Xiangjiao banana bread (using the Mandarin word for banana, ‘xiangjiao’)
43. Xiao bai cai (bok choy, a type of Chinese cabbage)
44. Xiao long bao (soup dumplings from the Jiangnan region of China)
45. Xiao mi (a term for millet in Chinese)
46. Xiaolongbao (Chinese steamed dumplings)
47. Xidoufen (a soup from China made with crushed peas)
48. Xigua (watermelon in Mandarin Chinese)
49. Xigua jelly (a jelly made from watermelon)
50. Xigua smoothie (a smoothie made with watermelon)
51. Xigua sorbet (sorbet made from watermelon, using the Chinese name ‘xigua’)
52. Xilantro garnished dishes (a creative use of cilantro, using an X for playful menu spelling)
53. Xim xim de galinha (a Brazilian chicken stew)
Xim xim de galinha is a traditional Brazilian chicken stew that’s full of rich flavor. It’s made with chicken, peanuts, shrimp, onions, garlic, and palm oil. These ingredients are cooked together to make a thick, tasty sauce. Sometimes, it also includes tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices for extra flavor. This dish is especially popular in Bahia, a region in Brazil known for its Afro-Brazilian culture and food.
People in Brazil often eat Xim xim de galinha with white rice, farofa (toasted cassava flour), or acarajé (fried black-eyed pea balls). It’s a comfort food that brings families together, especially during celebrations. Many love it for its warm, nutty, and slightly spicy taste. For those who enjoy trying new dishes, Xim xim de galinha is a flavorful way to explore the rich food traditions of Bahian cuisine.
54. Ximenia (a type of fruit found in Africa known as the sour plum)
55. Ximenia cake (a cake made with the fruit of the ximenia plant)
56. Xingren bao (almond-stuffed buns, a twist on traditional Chinese bao)
57. Xingren doufu (almond tofu dessert from China)
58. Xinomavro grapes (used in Greek wine making)
59. Xinomavro wine (a type of Greek wine made from the Xinomavro grape)
60. Xiphias (swordfish)
61. Xiphias salad (salad made with swordfish, known scientifically as Xiphias gladius)
62. Xiphoid pie (a playful name for a pie shaped like the xiphoid process)
63. Xmas cake (traditional Christmas cake)
64. Xmas cookies (a playful inclusion for any cookies made during the Christmas season)
65. Xmas fruit salad (a festive fruit salad made during Christmas)
66. Xmas mince pies (mince pies made for Christmas)
67. Xmas pudding (another term for Christmas pudding)
68. Xmas roast (a roast prepared for Christmas dinner)
69. Xmas turkey (turkey prepared for Christmas celebrations)
70. Xnipec (a Yucatecan salsa made with habanero peppers and citrus juice)
71. Xni-pec dip (a variation of the Yucatecan xni-pec salsa as a dip)
72. Xnipec salsa (a fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and habaneros from Yucatán, Mexico)
73. Xo sauce (a spicy seafood sauce from Hong Kong)
74. Xo sauce rice (rice dish flavored with Hong Kong-style xo sauce)
75. Xocolatl (a traditional Aztec chocolate drink)
76. Xocolatl (ancient Aztec chocolate drink)
77. Xoconostle (sour prickly pear fruit from Mexico)
78. Xoconostle salsa (salsa made from the sour cactus fruit xoconostle)
79. Xouba (small sardine-like fish from Spain)
80. Xouba fish grilled (a dish made with the small Spanish fish)
81. Xouba fried (fried xouba fish)
82. Xouba in brine (canned xouba fish, preserved in brine)
83. Xouba paté (a fish paté made from xouba)
84. Xouba pizza (pizza topped with the small fish, similar to anchovy pizza)
85. Xouba stew (a stew made using xouba fish)
86. Xpress pizza (implying a quickly made or fast-food style pizza)
87. Xtra cheesy nachos (playfully named extra cheesy nachos)
88. Xtra crisp cookies (cookies made to be extra crispy)
89. X-tra large eggs (a classification of large eggs in cooking and recipes)
90. Xtra nutty granola (granola with an extra amount of nuts)
91. Xtra spicy salsa (another playful inclusion for a salsa made extra spicy)
92. Xtreme heat peppers (a playful term for extremely spicy peppers)
93. Xylaria polymorpha (a type of edible fungus, though primarily known for medicinal uses)
94. Xylitol (a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener)
95. Xylitol mints (mints sweetened with xylitol)
96. Xylitol-sweetened yogurt (using the sugar alcohol xylitol as a sweetener)
97. Xylocarp (coconuts, technically considered a type of xylocarp, suitable for dietary lists)
98. Xylophone-shaped cookies (novelty cookies shaped like musical instruments)
99. Xyst cheese (another playful, fictional cheese)
100. Xystum figs (fictional, alluding to a made-up variety of figs)
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.