Get ready for a tasty journey through our handpicked list of 100 foods that start with the letter D. From the sweet bite of dates to the hearty flavor of dumplings, this list is packed with a variety of textures, tastes, and ingredients. Whether you’re exploring new recipes, expanding your kitchen vocabulary, or just curious about foods beginning with D, this guide will feed your curiosity and your appetite.
You’ll find everything from desserts like donuts and danishes to savory dishes such as dal and deviled eggs. With a mix of fruits, vegetables, spices, and global dishes, each item offers something unique. Perfect for home cooks, foodies, or anyone who loves discovering new flavors—this list of foods that start with D is sure to inspire your next delicious meal.
1. Dabu-dabu (Indonesian salsa)
Dabu-dabu is a flavorful and spicy Indonesian salsa made from fresh ingredients like tomatoes, chilies, lemongrass, and lime juice. This tangy condiment is commonly served alongside grilled meats, fish, or rice dishes, adding a zesty kick to any meal. The combination of fresh herbs and chili gives dabu-dabu a bold, refreshing taste that complements the richness of Indonesian cuisine. Popular in regions like Sulawesi, it’s a must-try for anyone looking to explore traditional Indonesian flavors. People love dabu-dabu for its versatility, as it can be adjusted to suit different spice levels, making it a perfect addition to many dishes.
2. Dacquoise (French dessert)
Dacquoise is a delicate and delicious French dessert made from layers of meringue and almond or hazelnut flour. The meringue layers are light and crispy, while the filling is typically made of buttercream, whipped cream, or chocolate ganache. Often served as a layered cake, dacquoise is a popular choice for special occasions, offering a perfect balance of textures with its crunchy exterior and smooth, creamy center. This elegant dessert is a true delight for anyone with a sweet tooth, loved for its rich flavor and sophisticated presentation.
3. Daikon radish
Daikon is a large, white radish commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a crisp texture, making it perfect for salads, soups, or pickling. Daikon can be eaten raw, grated, or cooked, and it’s often served alongside sushi or used in miso soup. This root vegetable is low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to any meal. People enjoy daikon for its versatility and refreshing taste, and it’s especially popular in dishes like daikon salad or takikomi gohan (seasoned rice).
4. Dairy
5. Dal
6. Dandelion greens
Dandelion greens are the edible leaves of the dandelion plant, known for their slightly bitter flavor and nutritional benefits. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium, they are often used in salads, soups, and teas. In many cultures, dandelion greens are foraged from the wild, adding a fresh, earthy taste to dishes. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and are a common ingredient in spring recipes. People love dandelion greens for their health benefits and their ability to detoxify the body. They provide a natural and nutritious way to boost your meals with vitamins and minerals.
7. Danish blue cheese
8. Danish feta
9. Danish pastry
10. Dark chocolate
11. Dashi
12. Date bars
13. Date syrup
14. Dates
15. Daube (French stew)
Daube is a traditional French stew made with beef or lamb, slow-cooked in red wine along with vegetables like carrots, onions, and garlic. Often flavored with herbs such as thyme and bay leaves, this hearty dish is simmered for hours to create a rich, tender texture. Daube is typically served with potatoes or bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Popular in regions like Provence, it’s a comforting meal enjoyed during colder months or special occasions. People love daube for its deep, complex flavors that develop through the slow cooking process, making it a satisfying and memorable dish.
16. Decaf coffee
Decaf coffee is coffee that has been processed to remove most of the caffeine while retaining the rich flavor and aroma of regular coffee. The process of decaffeination typically involves water, solvents, or carbon dioxide to extract the caffeine from the coffee beans. Decaf coffee provides the comforting taste of coffee without the stimulating effects of caffeine, making it a popular choice for those who are sensitive to caffeine or prefer to enjoy coffee later in the day. People love decaf for its ability to satisfy coffee cravings while offering a milder, less jittery experience. It’s perfect for relaxing or enjoying with a meal without the risk of affecting sleep.
17. Deep-dish pizza
18. Deli meat
19. Demerara sugar
20. Dessert
21. Devil’s food cake
22. Deviled eggs
23. Dhokla
24. Diavolo sauce
Diavolo sauce is a spicy Italian tomato-based sauce, often served with seafood or pasta. The word “diavolo” means “devil” in Italian, reflecting the sauce’s fiery, bold flavor. It’s typically made with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and a generous amount of red pepper flakes or chili peppers to give it a spicy kick. Sometimes, it’s paired with ingredients like shrimp, mussels, or linguine. People love diavolo sauce for its tangy, spicy taste that adds excitement to any dish. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a little heat and want to bring a bit of bold, Italian flair to their meals.
25. Digestive biscuits
26. Dijon mustard
27. Dijonnaise
28. Dill
29. Dim sum
30. Dim sum platter
31. Dip
32. Dirty rice
33. Disco fries
34. Dish (as in a type of prepared food)
35. Distilled water
36. Dolce de batata
37. Dolci
38. Dolmades
39. Donuts
40. Doppio (double espresso)
41. Dorado (fish)
42. Doritos
43. Dosa
44. Dosa batter
45. Double beans
46. Double cream
47. Double Gloucester cheese
48. Dough
49. Doughnuts
50. Dover sole
51. Dragees
52. Dragon fruit
53. Dragon roll (sushi)
54. Dressing
55. Dried apricots
56. Dried cherries
57. Dried coconut
58. Dried cranberries
59. Dried figs
60. Dried mango
61. Dried mushrooms
62. Dried prawns
63. Drizzle cake
64. Drunken noodles
65. Dry fruits
66. Dry-aged beef
67. Dry-cured ham
68. Dubliner cheese
69. Duchesse potatoes
70. Duck
71. Duck confit
72. Duck eggs
73. Duck pate
74. Dukkah (Egyptian spice mix)
75. Dulce de batata
76. Dulce de leche
77. Dulcimer (sweetener)
78. Dulse (seaweed)
79. Dum aloo
80. Dumpling soup
81. Dumpling wrappers
82. Dumplings
83. Dun pea shoots
84. Dundee cake
85. Durban curry
Durban curry is a flavorful, spicy dish that originates from the city of Durban in South Africa. It’s known for its rich, deep flavor, often made with lamb, beef, or chicken, and cooked with a variety of spices like coriander, cumin, turmeric, and curry leaves. What sets Durban curry apart is its distinct heat, with plenty of chili peppers added to give it a fiery kick. This curry is typically served with rice or roti to balance out the spices. People love Durban curry for its bold, complex flavor profile and the perfect combination of heat and aromatic spices. It’s a must-try for those who enjoy robust, spicy curries.
86. Durian
Durian is a tropical fruit known for its strong smell and unique taste. It has a spiky, hard outer shell that protects its creamy, yellow flesh inside. Often referred to as the “king of fruits” in Southeast Asia, durian has a flavor that’s a mix of sweet and savory, with some people describing it as rich and custard-like. However, its pungent odor can be overwhelming for some, which is why it’s banned in many public places in countries like Singapore. Despite its strong smell, durian is loved by many for its nutritional benefits, including vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats. It’s typically eaten fresh, in desserts, or used in cooking for its distinct taste. Durian is a must-try for adventurous eaters seeking a bold, exotic flavor.
87. Durian cake
88. Durian ice cream
89. Durum wheat
Durum wheat is a hard variety of wheat that is primarily used to make pasta, bread, and semolina flour. It has a high protein content, which gives it a firm texture and makes it ideal for pasta that holds its shape when cooked. Durum wheat is typically golden in color and has a slightly nutty flavor. It’s most commonly grown in Mediterranean regions and other parts of the world with warm climates. People love durum wheat for its ability to produce high-quality, durable pasta that doesn’t break apart easily during cooking, making it a staple ingredient in Italian cuisine and beyond.
90. Dusting (sugar or flour)
91. Dutch apple pie
92. Dutch baby pancake
93. Dutch cheese
94. Dutch cocoa
95. Dutch crumb pie
96. Duxelles (mushroom paste)
Duxelles is a savory French paste made from finely chopped mushrooms, onions, shallots, and herbs, typically cooked in butter and white wine. The mixture is simmered until it becomes a rich, thick paste with an earthy, flavorful taste. Duxelles is often used as a filling for pastry dishes like beef Wellington, or as a topping for meats, poultry, or vegetables. People love duxelles for its deep, umami flavor and its ability to enhance the taste of various dishes. It’s a versatile ingredient that adds a sophisticated touch to many savory meals, making it a popular choice in French cuisine and gourmet cooking.
97. Dwarf beans
Dwarf beans, also known as bush beans, are a variety of green beans that grow in compact, low-growing plants. Unlike climbing bean varieties, dwarf beans don’t require support structures like trellises. They produce small, tender beans that are typically harvested in a shorter time—usually around 50 to 60 days after planting. Dwarf beans are easy to grow in smaller garden spaces or containers, making them ideal for home gardeners. They’re commonly eaten fresh, steamed, or sautéed and are known for their crisp texture and mild, sweet flavor. People enjoy dwarf beans for their quick-growing nature and versatility in cooking, adding a healthy, nutrient-rich component to meals.
98. Dyed Easter eggs
99. Dynamic dish (a creatively presented dish)
100. Dziriat (Algerian almond pastry)
FAQs:
What foods begin with D?
From tasty fruits like dates and dragon fruit to well-known Indian dishes like dal and dosa, there are many foods that start with the letter D.
What is a breakfast food that starts with D?
Dry fruits, deviled eggs, donuts, and dosa are foods that start with D and are often eaten for breakfast.
What fast food starts with D?
Fast foods that start with D include Domino’s Pizza, Dairy Queen, Del Taco, Dunkin’, and Dave’s Hot Chicken.
What fruits start with D?
Dates, dragon fruit, damson plum, and dewberry are examples of fruits that start with the letter D.
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.