Ketchup, kidney beans, and kiwi are just a few of the foods that start with k that you might already know about.
But how much do you know about the other kinds of foods that begin with this letter?
In this article, we’ll take a look at the surprising foods that start with k to help you expand your culinary knowledge.
1. Koeksisters
The koeksister is a traditional South African snack. It’s an elongated, deep-fried dough treat often shaped into a spiral and coated in syrup. Equally important, this starts off our list of foods that start with k.
Further, the dessert is made by dipping fresh dough, which has been mixed with yeast, sugar, and butter, in a pot of boiling grape juice or sugar water.
After being fried to a golden brown color on both sides, it’s dipped in sugar syrup before being served hot.
2. Kabob
Kabobs, or kebabs as they are sometimes called, are a great option for summer grilling. They can be made from various types of meat and vegetables, making them easy to customize to suit your tastes. Plus, they’re easy to grill over an open flame.
Here’s how you can make some tasty kabobs at home: First, gather up the ingredients: chunks of any type of meat (chicken, beef, pork), veggies like red peppers, and onions cut into 1-inch pieces.
Also, cubed zucchini or yellow squash, olive oil for marinade and basting on the grill, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. Kingfish
Kingfish is a type of fish that is often served in Asian dishes. Kingfish can be found in markets as both fillets and whole fish.
It has an oily, meaty texture and a mild flavor. Moreso, Kingfish tastes great when grilled or pan-fried, but it can also be used for ceviche or étouffée.
It’s best to buy kingfish the same day you plan to eat it because it does not have a long shelf life.
The first time I tried kingfish was during my senior year of college on a fishing trip off the Florida Keys with my friends from school.
We had caught an abundance of fish, but I think we were all drawn to this one creature. After seeing its gorgeous and colorful scales as we pulled it out of the water.
In fact, it tasted just like salmon, if not better! Since then, I’ve been hooked on cooking it up for myself and making sure to have some in the freezer.
This is definitely one of the sumptuous foods that start with k that I bet you must try out!
4. Kipper
The kipper, or herring, is a type of fish; thus, on our list of foods that start with k. It is a member of the Clupeidae family and is most commonly found in cold waters such as those found in the North Sea.
The kipper has been around for centuries and was first commercialized by Scottish fishers. This was during the 19th century when they developed it as a preservation method.
What’s more? This fish is typically smoked but can also be cooked and eaten fresh. When smoked, it turns into what many people know as smoked salmon. It can also be processed into fillets, often known as jerky, which can be eaten dry or fried.
5. Kit Kat
What’s better than a chocolate-covered wafer? One that starts with the letter K! Kit Kats has been around since 1935, and they’ve come a long way from their original 4 finger shape.
They now come in different flavors and shapes, including fun words. Who doesn’t love to unwrap a new word?
Uniquely, the Kit Kat bar was introduced by Rowntree and is marketed as a treat. It is made of four wafers, which are covered in milk chocolate.
Other ingredients include sugar, cocoa butter, skim milk powder, wheat flour, vegetable fat (palm oil), cocoa mass, emulsifier (sunflower lecithin), and natural vanilla extract.
The name Kit Kat comes from its initial product packaging: a box with two rows of four bars inside. Since 1935, several variations have been on the original Kit Shake recipe and other Kit Kats types.
6. Kung Pao Chicken
This Chinese dish from Sichuan Province has become popular in North America. It is most often served as a meal, though it can also be used as an appetizer.
Surging, the sauce for this dish is made up of soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, chilis, and scallions. Traditionally, peanuts are also added to give it a little bit more flavor and texture. Not to forget, it is also one of the foods that start with k!
7. Kosher Pickle
Kosher pickle is like on our roll of foods that start with k. The ingredients to prepare are few and easy to get, and the procedure to make them is simple too.
- Slice up some cucumbers into spears and then soak them overnight in a mixture of water, apple cider vinegar, and salt.
- Wrap a grape leaf around each spear for added flavor (optional).
- Place it in a jar or other sealable container in the fridge. Did you know? Kosher pickles will last at least six months if stored properly!
- Or you can make your own sweet-and-sour sauce to add on top of your koolickles (recipe below):
- You’ll need sugar, white vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, cornstarch and red wine.
- Combine all ingredients together in a saucepan over medium heat until boiling.
- Next, allow it to boil for about one minute and stir constantly.
- Then, pour over koolickles as desired.
- Enjoy!
8. Knish
A knish is a baked, savory pastry of Eastern European Jewish origin. It is related to both the Jewish kreplach and Russian pirozhki. Knishes come in various flavors and fillings, such as potato, cheese, kasha, meat, or fish.
In addition, the dough is typically made from flour, yeast or sourdough starter, salt, and water. The dough is often filled with mashed potatoes and other ingredients, which vary by country.
In America, knishes are traditionally fried in oil until crispy on the outside before being baked for 10-15 minutes in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
The word knish is derived from the Yiddish word knep, meaning to pinch or press something together.
9. Kiwi Berries
You know several foods start with k, and definitely, Kiwi Berries are included. Studies show Kiwis have many health benefits, including promoting healthy skin and hair and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Coupled with that, Kiwis are rich in potassium which helps maintain normal blood pressure levels. This makes this fruit great for people who want to avoid high blood pressure or who already experience hypertension.
How do you eat Kiwi? The most common way to eat Kiwi is either sliced up on its own or combined with other fruit (think banana). You can also use it as a topping for ice cream!
10. Kuli-Kuli
For those who want to venture into an unknown food territory, we’ve got you covered. From kiwi to kuli-kuli, here are some of the weirdest foods that start with k in existence.
What is a kuli-kuli? A kuli-kuli is a traditional Hawaiian plant with small fruits that are green and taste like cucumbers. Also, it’s used as a seasoning on seafood dishes. It can be found in Asian markets or grocery stores.
11. Kansas City-Style BBQ
Kansas City-style BBQ is a regional variation of American BBQ originating in Kansas City, Missouri. Their styles of cooking have influenced Kansas City-style BBQ.
The most recognizable element of KC-style barbecue is the distinctive sweet and spicy flavors achieved through a dry rub. This includes an abundance of brown sugar and black pepper.
Basically, it also often includes tomato sauce as well as molasses or honey for sweetness. For years, this style was not considered authentic due to its inclusion of tomato sauce.
However, it has since been recognized as part of the traditional regional variations of American barbecue.
12. Kasiri
The kaseri is not left out of our list of foods that start with k. It is first soaked in water to soften up the coconut fibers.
The grated coconut and sugar are then cooked on low heat until they form a thick paste-like consistency (you can also use an electric blender).
After adding cardamom, the mixture is allowed to cool down before being shaped into small round pieces. You can do this using fingers, or it could be molded into cubes using butter paper as molds.
13. Kasha
Thinking of going all out with foods that start with k? Kasha is a great option! Kasha is a dish made from buckwheat, a type of grain. It’s often eaten as a breakfast cereal or as an alternative to rice or couscous.
Meanwhile, it has a slightly nutty taste and can be served hot or cold. Some people like to add butter and onions, but it’s not considered traditional. Buckwheat is gluten-free, so it’s good for those who are gluten intolerant.
14. Kecap Mani
A key aspect of kecap mani, a food that starts with k, is its flavor profile. The sauce has a salty taste with a sweet aftertaste which helps balance out any bitterness or sourness in the food it’s being added to.
In addition to that, it can be used as a condiment for various dishes, such as nasi goreng and tempeh. Kecap mani is also used as an ingredient for soups and salads and can even be found on the menus of some Chinese restaurants in Indonesia.
15. Kale
No matter how you cook your kale or how you eat it, adding this leafy green to your diet will help keep you healthy and feeling great all year long. It contains vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Some people love their kale raw in a salad; others enjoy it sautéed with garlic in olive oil. Still, others bake theirs into a crisp dish like chips.
Try each of these delicious recipes out for yourself! Since it’s Kale, on the roll of foods that start with k, you are sure to enjoy your meal!
16. Kedgeree
Another common version of kedgeree includes shrimp instead of fish. This variation is more popular in India than in England. In addition to these ingredients, this variation often also contains coconut milk which gives it a richer flavor.
That being said, this dish can be eaten for breakfast or as a hearty lunch. It makes for a nice change from most other breakfast foods, but eating too much can leave you feeling sluggish.
17. Ketembilla
There are many variations of this dish. However, most will have some form of sugar coating and fry before being dusted with more sugar. Some versions also include honey before frying to give the Ketembilla a sweeter taste.
In addition, some recipes call for adding grated coconut to the dough before shaping it into pieces, but these are typically fried in vegetable oil instead of ghee.
The dish is often eaten for breakfast or as a dessert because it is not very filling due to its high sugar content.
But if you choose to eat them as an after-dinner snack, you should only consume one or two. So when next your appetite calls for foods that start with k, answer it with Ketembilla!
18. Kumquat
We are still on the list of foods that start with k. A kumquat is a small, round citrus fruit. It’s part of the citrus family, just like oranges and lemons.
Additionally, Kumquats are oval in shape and have a sweet-tart flavor when they’re ripe. They’re also high in Vitamin C, which is important for immunity and growth. The skin must be peeled off before eating, which can be tricky!
19. Kurrat
They’re best served hot and make for an excellent side dish to accompany a stew or casserole.
It’s also worth mentioning that the word kurrat means to purify, which is appropriate since these vegetables are often boiled before being prepared in this way.
With Kurrat on the list of foods that start with k, you are sure not to go wrong with anything!
20. Kwai Muk
The kwai muk dish originated in Thailand and was originally eaten by people of all social classes for lunch or dinner.
Today it is considered a traditional Thai food dish. It contains minced pork, beef, shrimp, eggs, soy sauce, sugar, garlic paste, salt, and pepper.
The protein ingredients are then mixed together before being grilled. This is to give the meat a crispy outer layer while maintaining its tenderness on the inside.
21. Kenponashi
Next to be discussed on our list of foods that start with k is the Kenponashi. This rice cake is made from rice flour, sugar, and salt.
Ken means to pound in Japanese, which refers to how these cakes are made: by kneading rice flour and water together until they form a paste.
The paste is then placed between two pieces of parchment paper and pounded with a mallet before it’s cooked in boiling water.
The Kenponashi is traditionally served during the New Year period as it’s seen as a symbol of good luck and fortune.
In fact, some families make this their New Year dish because many see it as an integral part of celebrating the new year.
22. Kalyna
We offer an extensive selection of products, including bars, protein powders, oil blends, snacks, and more.
We craft all of our Kalyna items from scratch using high-quality ingredients to ensure they are nutritionally superior.
Our mission is to make healthy living easy by providing convenient plant-based food options at every turn. Our goal is to provide natural foods for everyone!
Are you still confused about which meal of the foods that start with k to choose? Kalyna stands a good chance.
23. Kelewele
kelewele is another version of this dish which has been cooked in coconut milk and curry leaves. This gives it a stronger flavor than traditional kelewele.
For this recipe, onions are sauteed first before adding crushed garlic and then adding the fried plantains.
Finally, add salt to taste and simmer for five minutes before serving. Kelewele can be enjoyed as a side dish or snack but also makes for an excellent appetizer if served warm with rice on the side.
24. Kielbasa
Wondering, “what are other foods that start with k?” Kielbasa is another one. It is a type of smoked sausage made from pork, beef, or a mixture of the two.
The meat is usually encased in natural casings and spiced or seasoned, depending on how it will be used. Kielbasa has a dark reddish color and is usually eaten at breakfast time.
This delicious dish originated in Germany, but there are many variations of kielbasa throughout Eastern Europe and Russia.
It is often served alongside potatoes and onions as a hearty breakfast food. Kielbasa can also be used as an ingredient in other dishes to add extra flavor.
25. Ketchup
Ketchup is made from tomatoes, salt, vinegar, and other spices. The term ketchup was first used in 1876 as a derivation of the Chinese word ketsiap.
It became popular during World War II when tomato production was halted, and people were looking for an alternative to make their meals taste better.
Ketchup is typically a go-to condiment for burgers and fries, but it can also be used as an ingredient in soups or sauces.
It’s commonly found alongside other American staples such as mayonnaise, mustard, and relish. So yes, Ketchup is one of the foods that start with k.
26. Kettle Popcorn
Although a snack, Kettle Popcorn is classified as one of the various foods that start with k. This is a great snack to have on hand when you want something crunchy, salty, and flavorful.
Plus, it’s perfect for packing in your lunch or taking it along to a party. Additionally, it’s also easy to make- just pop some kernels in your pot, and voila! You’ll have fresh popcorn in minutes.
27. Kidney Beans
Kidney beans are an ideal food for people on a vegan diet or anyone who is trying to avoid red meat. They have a rich flavor and can be used in various dishes like chili, stews, and even salads!
Kidney beans are so versatile they can be eaten hot or cold, depending on your preference.
Also, you can get creative by adding kidney beans to any dish you already enjoy, like macaroni and cheese! Kidney beans are not only healthy but taste good too!
If you’re looking for a fun way to change up your palate this winter season with foods that start with k, why not give them a try?
28. King Crab Legs
King crab is a delicacy in many parts of the world, but it’s hard to find fresh king crab legs at your local grocery store. Instead, they are usually sold frozen.
Let’s take a look at how to cook these foods that start with k!
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.
- Then, add salt and pepper to taste. The seasonings will help flavor the meat as well as make it tastier for dipping sauces later on.
- Add salt to boiling water.
- Finally, add other spices or seasonings according to your tastes.
29. Kosher Dill Pickles
Dill pickles are traditional Jewish foods that start with k. They are cucumbers that are soaked in brine (salt water) and then stored in vinegar. The pickles get their signature flavor from the dill, garlic, and spices they’re soaked in.
Further, Dill is a leafy green herb native to Europe and Asia but can now be found throughout North America as well. It’s not uncommon for recipes to call for both fresh dill weed and dried dill seed when making pickles.
30. Kimchi
Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish made from fermented vegetables and spices. It can be spicy or mild, depending on your taste buds.
Traditionally, kimchi is eaten as a side dish, but it can also be used in soups, stews, and stir-fries. It is rich in probiotics and vitamin C, which are great for digestion! These are not only relishing but also nourishing foods that start with k!
31. Knockwurst
Knockwurst is an unusual food on the list of foods that start with k. Knockwurst is a German sausage made of ground pork and beef, seasoned and stuffed into a beef intestine or synthetic casing.
It is typically boiled or grilled before eating but can also be served in sandwiches. It’s traditionally served on a hot dog bun topped with sauerkraut and accompanied by mustard (either Dijon-style or German).
32. Kachumbari
Kachumbari is a traditional African dish, and it’s made up of chopped tomato, onion, and cucumber mixed in with either lemon or lime juice. The other ingredients you might want to include are pepper, cilantro, parsley, and garlic.
Usually, this is served as a side dish, and it can also be used as an accompaniment to meat dishes. It’s commonly eaten in many African countries, such as Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda.
33. Kedjenou
Kedjenou is a hearty dish from Côte d’Ivoire. It’s typically made with goat, onion, tomato paste, and peanut butter.
Meanwhile, the meat is stewed in a mixture of vegetable oil and peanut butter until tender. It’s then served over rice or couscous. It’s an excellent dish for cold winter evenings; an enjoyable one of the foods that start with k!
34. Kicha
Foods that start with k are also medicinal; here’s one of them. Kicha is a traditional tea in Kenya that is brewed from roasted and ground coffee beans.
Traditionally, kicha was consumed as a substitute for coffee during periods of fasting such as Ramadan.
The drink has been said to have many medicinal properties. And consequently used to help treat illnesses such as diabetes, cardiac problems, and insomnia.
35. Kitfo
Kitfo is a dish in Ethiopian cuisine consisting of chopped raw beef seasoned with various spices and heated clarified butter.
It’s usually eaten communally from a large plate or bowl, accompanied by enset rice, collard greens, and sour milk.
Oftentimes, Kitfo is served alongside two other dishes: wat (stew) and injera (a type of fermented flatbread). These dishes are also shared communally from large platters or bowls.
36. Koki
Koki is a small and tender variety of sweet potatoes native to Japan. They are pale pink in color and have a delicate, nutty flavor.
The skin of koki is thin and smooth, so you can easily eat them without peeling them. To prepare these potatoes, peel then slice them into pieces about one inch thick, and cook for about 10 minutes in boiling water or until soft.
Koki is often served raw as sashimi or sunomono (vinegared salad) alongside other vegetables such as cucumbers or carrots.
Also, it’s common to cut koki into bite-sized cubes before frying them in oil until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. All in all, they are on our list of foods that start with k.
37. Konkonte
Konkonte is a type of rice, and it’s eaten in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Jamaica. Konkonte rice is short-grain rice grown in the Caribbean. It’s hard, white rice that has a low amylose content.
In addition, Konkonte is often used to make dishes such as conkie (a sweet dish made from cornmeal) or keddo (a savory dish made from cornmeal).
We aren’t done with our list yet. There are still many foods that start with k that we want you to explore. Don’t stop reading!
38. Koshari
Koshari is an Egyptian dish of rice, lentils, macaroni noodles, and tomato sauce. It can be eaten as a main dish or as a side to another dish. Some variations include adding chickpeas or beef to the mix.
The only ingredients needed are rice, macaroni noodles, lentils, and tomato sauce. This simply means this is one of those foods that start with k that you can make on even your tightest budget!
39. Kuchela
Kuchela is a spicy Indian dish made of chickpeas. It’s usually served as a side dish or appetizer to an Indian meal. But kuchela can also be eaten as a stand-alone dish for lunch or dinner.
The chickpeas are boiled and then fried in oil until they become crispy. They’re then mixed in with spices such as cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric, and chili pepper before being served.
Kuchela is definitely one of the amazing foods that start with k, and you should try it today!
40. Kenkey
Kenkey is a Ghanaian dish made from boiled cornmeal dough shaped into a long roll, sometimes wrapped in leaves and steamed. The kenkey is then cut into pieces and served as an accompaniment to stew or soup.
Kenkey can be eaten as an appetizer or like bread – dipped into soup or sauce. It can also be used to scoop up food. There are many ways you can use Kenney, one of the foods that start with k!
41. Kvass
It’s usually served cold in a small glass or jar. The taste is sour and mildly alcoholic (1-2% alcohol content).
There are some concerns about whether kvass contains enough nutrients to provide all the necessary vitamins for an individual’s daily diet needs.
Other people have suggested drinking it instead of fruit juice, which has a high sugar content. Unlike fruit juice, kvass doesn’t contain any added sugars, so it can be enjoyed without guilt!
42. Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a type of root vegetable that is popular in Eastern and Central Europe. Kohlrabi has a mild, cabbage-like flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked.
It’s available year-round in most grocery stores, but it’s usually offered at a lower price during winter months.
When choosing kohlrabi, look for ones with green leaves still attached to them, which signifies they’re fresh. Avoid kohlrabi that has soft spots or browned leaves, as these are indications of rotting vegetables.
Of the foods that start with k, Kohlrabi is a surprisingly versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. Try using it to make some healthy and tasty kohlrabi fries to get started!
Here are the ingredients:
- Kohlrabi head
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder and
- Cumin
43. Kabocha Squash
Kabocha squash is one of the many foods that start with k. It is a winter squash that is grown in many parts of Asia but especially in Japan.
This squash has light green skin, and it ranges in color from light yellow to orange when cooked. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and beta-carotene!
Kabocha squash can be eaten raw or cooked, but it’s much better when cooked. One popular way to cook this veggie is to oven-roast it.
Just preheat your oven to 425°F for 20 minutes before adding the kabocha squash on a lined cookie sheet (sprinkle with olive oil if you want) and roast for about 45 minutes.
44. Kabosu
We are talking about foods that start with k here, and Kabosu is one! This is a fruit native to Japan. Its name translates to vinegar grapefruit because it is sour like vinegar and sweet like grapefruit.
Kabosu’s skin can range from greenish-yellow to orange, and its flesh can be either white or pink. It has very low acidity and has been used as medicine in Japan for centuries.
In fact, it is one of the most popular drinks in Japan during cold months because of its ability to fight off flu viruses due to its high levels of vitamin C. Nowadays, kabosu is consumed mostly as a condiment or seasoning because of how well it pairs with other flavors.
45. Khaki
A khaki is a delicious fruit that occurs on our list of foods that start with k. It is a type of persimmon or Japanese winter squash.
They are typically harvested in late fall or winter and are a popular New Year’s dish in Japan. Furthermore, they have orange-colored flesh inside, and their skin is bright green on the outside.
They can be eaten raw as well as cooked and typically have a sweet flavor to them, with some people noticing a tart taste as well.
One fun thing about this fruit is that it has thin brown stripes running along its length, which gives it its name khaki.
46. Kamote
As we are coming to the end of the list of foods that start with k, the Kamote shouldn’t be left out. This Filipino tuber is green on the outside but white on the inside and tastes like a cross between a potato and an artichoke.
It’s often used as an ingredient in dishes but also eaten plain, boiled, or fried. When cooked, it becomes much softer and somewhat sweeter.
47. Kefir
Kefir is a fermented milk drink that’s beneficial for immunity and gut health. It’s loaded with probiotics, calcium, protein, B12, and other nutrients.
Additionally, Kefir can be enjoyed in many different ways: as a milk substitute for cereals or coffee. Or as an ice cream base, or even as a dip for fresh fruit like bananas and strawberries!
48. Kiwano
To end our list of foods that start with k, we have the Kiwano. This is a fruit that belongs to the genus Cucumber, which has been named after New Zealand’s national bird. The kiwano was first grown in South Africa and became more popular once it was introduced to Europe.
The fruit resembles a cucumber, but its skin is green, prickly, and fuzzy. One of the most interesting things about this fruit is that it tastes sweet and sour at the same time.
Kiwanos are native to tropical regions of Africa, where they grow on vines. As soon as you cut open this strange looking fruit, you will find soft segments inside as well as tiny black seeds.
Conclusion
Many foods start with K, and they’re not all as you might expect! While foods like kale, kiwis, and kefir may be familiar to you, there are also plenty of lesser-known foods that start with the letter K—from kabocha squash to Kamut berries to kosher salt.
You’ve seen the various ones well listed and explained above. We are sure you have learned one or two new foods that start with K, and we hope you try them as well!
