et ready to explore our carefully curated list of 100 Foods That Start with the Letter N. From nutritious ingredients to unique global dishes, this list is perfect for home cooks, chefs, and curious food lovers alike. Whether you’re planning your next recipe, expanding your culinary knowledge, or just looking for something new to try, these “N” foods offer plenty of flavorful ideas and creative inspiration for your kitchen. Let’s dive into this delicious collection and discover what the letter N brings to the table!
1. Naan
2. Naan bread
3. Nacho cheese
4. Nacho chips
5. Nachos
6. Naengmyeon (Korean cold noodles)
Naengmyeon is a popular Korean dish made of thin, chewy noodles served in a cold broth. The noodles are usually made from buckwheat or sweet potato starch. It’s a refreshing meal, often eaten during hot summer days in South Korea. The broth is cold, sometimes with ice, and has a slightly tangy taste. It’s topped with ingredients like sliced beef, a boiled egg, cucumber, and Asian pear.
People enjoy naengmyeon because it’s light, cool, and full of flavor. It’s often served in Korean restaurants, especially with Korean BBQ, as a refreshing end to a heavy meal. This traditional Korean cold noodle soup is not only tasty but also comforting, reminding many Koreans of home and family meals.
7. Nankhatai (Indian cookies)
8. Nanking cherry
9. Napa cabbage
10. Napoleon cake
11. Napoleon dessert
12. Napolitan pizza
13. Narangi (Indian orange)
14. Nargisi kofta
15. Nashi pear
16. Nashifruit (Bengal quince)
17. Nasi goreng
18. Nasi lemak
Nasi lemak is a beloved Malaysian dish that consists of fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk, giving it a rich, creamy texture. It is traditionally served with fried anchovies, boiled eggs, and a side of spicy sambal (a chili-based sauce). The dish is often accompanied by cucumber slices to add a refreshing crunch. Nasi lemak is a versatile meal, enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and can be served with additional proteins like chicken, beef, or prawn. People love nasi lemak for its combination of flavors—creamy, spicy, savory, and crunchy—making it a comforting and satisfying dish that’s considered a staple in Malay cuisine.
19. Nasi ulam
Nasi ulam is a traditional Malaysian rice dish known for its refreshing, aromatic flavors. The rice is mixed with a variety of fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables, such as mint, lemongrass, coriander, and cucumber. It often includes fried shallots, toasted coconut, and sometimes peanuts or fish for added texture and flavor. This dish is usually served at room temperature and can be enjoyed on its own or as a side to meats or seafood. People love nasi ulam for its light, herbaceous taste and the way it combines fragrant spices and ingredients, offering a healthy and vibrant option in Malaysian cuisine.
20. Natilla
21. Natural yogurt
22. Navarin (lamb stew)
23. Navel oranges
24. Navette cookies
25. Navy bean soup
Navy bean soup is a hearty and comforting dish made with navy beans, vegetables, and often ham or bacon for added flavor. The beans are slow-cooked until tender and combined with ingredients like carrots, celery, onions, and garlic, creating a flavorful broth. Sometimes, herbs like thyme or bay leaves are added for extra depth. Navy bean soup is loved for its rich, creamy texture and nutritious qualities, as it’s packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins. It’s a perfect meal for colder weather, offering warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. People enjoy navy bean soup for its simplicity, delicious taste, and ability to be customized with various meats or vegetables.
26. Navy beans
27. Neapolitan ice cream
28. Nebbiolo (grape)
Nebbiolo is a red grape variety primarily grown in the Piedmont region of Italy. Known for producing some of the world’s most prestigious wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco, Nebbiolo grapes have a distinctive aromatic profile with notes of cherry, rose, and tar. The wine made from Nebbiolo is often full-bodied, high in acidity, and known for its tannins, which allow it to age beautifully over time. People love Nebbiolo for its complex, bold flavors and its ability to develop deeper, more nuanced tastes as it matures. It’s a favorite among wine connoisseurs looking for a rich, elegant wine that pairs well with rich meats, aged cheeses, and Italian cuisine.
29. Necco wafers
30. Nectar
31. Nectarine
A nectarine is a smooth-skinned fruit closely related to the peach, but with a firmer texture and slightly tangier flavor. It has a sweet, juicy flesh that can range from yellow to white, with a central pit that is not edible. Nectarines are packed with vitamins A and C, making them a healthy, refreshing snack. They can be eaten fresh, added to fruit salads, baked into desserts, or grilled for a deliciously caramelized treat. People love nectarines for their sweetness, tenderness, and versatility in both savory and sweet dishes. This summer fruit is perfect for enjoying as a light, nutritious snack or as part of a dessert.
32. Nectarine juice
33. Nectarine pie
34. Neep (Scottish term for turnip)
35. Negimaki (Japanese grilled skewers)
Negimaki is a popular Japanese dish made by wrapping thin slices of beef around scallions (green onions) and then grilling or pan-frying them. The beef is often marinated in a savory-sweet sauce made of soy sauce, sake, and mirin, which adds depth of flavor. Once cooked, negimaki is typically served as an appetizer or main dish, often alongside rice or vegetables. People love negimaki for its combination of tender beef and crunchy scallions, along with the delicious flavors that come from the marinade. It’s a satisfying dish that offers a savory, umami-rich taste in every bite.
36. Negroni (cocktail)
37. Neopolitan pizza
38. Nepali momos
39. Nesselrode pie
40. Nettle soup
41. Nettle tea
42. Neufchâtel cheese
43. New England clam chowder
44. New potatoes
45. New York cheesecake
46. New York strip steak
47. Newburg sauce
48. Newcastle Brown Ale
49. Newfoundland cod
50. Nibbles
51. Niçoise salad
52. Nicosia salad
53. Nigella seeds
54. Nigerian jollof rice
55. Nightshade vegetables
56. Nigiri
57. Nigiri sushi
58. Nihari (Pakistani stew)
59. Nikujaga (Japanese meat and potatoes)
60. Nilaga (Filipino boiled beef soup)
61. Nilgiri tea
62. Nilla wafers
63. Nimki (Indian snack)
64. Nine-layer dip
65. Nisperos (loquat in Spanish)
66. Niter kibbeh (Ethiopian clarified butter)
67. Nixtamal (processed corn)
Nixtamal is corn that has been treated through a traditional process called nixtamalization, where the kernels are soaked and cooked in alkaline water, usually with lime (calcium hydroxide). This process removes the husk from the corn and makes the kernels more nutritious by increasing the availability of niacin (vitamin B3) and other nutrients. Nixtamalized corn is often ground into masa, which is used to make tortillas, tamales, and other staple foods in Mexican and Central American cuisine. People love nixtamal for its enhanced flavor, rich texture, and nutritional benefits. It is the foundation for many beloved traditional dishes, adding depth and authenticity to every meal.
68. Njuda (spreadable Italian sausage)
69. No-bake cookies
70. Nockerl (Austrian dumpling)
Nockerl are soft, fluffy dumplings that are a staple in Austrian cuisine. Made from a simple mixture of flour, eggs, milk, and butter, nockerl are typically boiled until light and tender. They can be served as a side dish with meats, sauces, or vegetables, or as a sweet dish, often topped with fruit or sugar. There are different variations of nockerl, such as Käsnockerl, which are made with cheese, or sweet nockerl served with powdered sugar and fruit compote. People love nockerl for their soft, pillowy texture and versatility, making them a perfect accompaniment to both savory and sweet meals.
71. No-knead bread
72. Noodle soup
73. Noodles
74. Nori
75. Nori rolls
76. Norwegian salmon
77. Nougat
78. Nouveau wine
79. Nova lox
80. Nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce)
81. Nürnberger sausage
82. Nut bread
83. Nut butter
84. Nut cookies
85. Nut cracker
A nutcracker is a tool used to crack open hard-shelled nuts, such as walnuts, hazelnuts, and pecans. Typically made from metal or wood, it works by using a hinged design that applies pressure to the nut until its shell breaks open. Some nutcrackers also feature decorative designs and are commonly used during holiday seasons, especially around Christmas, as part of seasonal traditions. People love nutcrackers for their practicality and durability, making them an essential tool for anyone who enjoys eating nuts. They are also a popular collectible item due to their unique, often intricate designs.
86. Nut roast
87. Nutcracker (drink)
88. Nutella
89. Nutella crepes
90. Nutella pancakes
91. Nutella spread
92. Nutmeg
93. Nutmeg cake
94. Nutmeg ice cream
95. Nutrient broth
96. Nutrition bars
97. Nutritional yeast
98. Nuts
99. Nuts and bolts (snack mix)
100. Nutter butter
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.