Last Updated on June 26, 2023

Top 25 Foods That Start With The Letter K

Having a hard time finding foods that begin with the letter K? If so, you came to right place. We did the research for you and compiled a list of some of the best foods that begin with the letter K. From healthy kale to the not so healthy but really yummy Kit Kat bar. Whatever you’re looking for, we have you covered!

1. Kaffir Lime

Kaffir Lime looks a bit like a lime that’s had a rough life. However, beneath the bumpy surface of this indigenous Southeast Asian citrus fruit lies a world of deliciousness. Both the leaves of the Kaffir Lime tree and the fruits themselves are perfect for crafting essential oils. However, in many Asian recipes, you’ll find that Kaffir lime is the ingredient of choice for creating citrus-like fragrances.

2. Kabobs

[toc]There are places in the world where Kabob shops populate just as many street corners as Starbucks coffee shops do here in America. While kabobs come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors, the idea of a kabob is that you’ll find tasty cubes of meat and roasted veggies skewered over a stick, whether made of metal or wood. Kabobs are very popular traditional dishes in Middle Eastern cuisine, though you can find kabobs just about anywhere on Earth.

3. Kale

Kale became a bit of a joke a few years ago as it seemingly became the poster-child for the health-conscious. However, kale is no joke. In fact, this green lettuce is one of the most nutrient-dense foods that exist on Earth today. Kale is loaded to the brim with powerful antioxidants that people need to be at their healthiest, including Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Manganese, and Potassium. If you’re looking to add something extremely healthy to your diet, kale is key.

We recommend drizzling some honey mustard on your kale to make a crisp, crunchy, and flavorful salad.

4. Kahlua

There’s nothing that says paradise quite like a cocktail with Kahlua. This Mexican liqueur might just be one of the most popular coffee drinks in the world today. You can make delicious cocktails to enjoy at the bar or throw a splash in your morning coffee to start your day off right. Kahlua is a combination of rum, sugar, and Arabic coffee. If you don’t think you’ll love it, you haven’t tried it yet.

5. Kava

Take a trip to the Pacific Islands and you’ll find a wide variety of colorful and nutrient-rich foods and drinks. One very popular drink that spans its way across Polynesian culture is Kava. The word “kava” comes from the word “awa,” which is a Polynesian word for “bitter.” You might even hear it referred to as kava kava when you visit. It is one of the most popular social drinks in the Pacific Islands.

6. Kasha

While it might not look like the most exciting food in the world, Kasha is one of the most versatile foods on this list. It is a type of grain that is incredibly popular throughout certain regions of Europe. Kasha comes from buckwheat and has a yellow-brown color. The grains are very small, which is why many often use them to make porridge or cereal. Simply toast some Kasha and you’ll have a wonderful foundation for granola!

7. Kedgeree

Hard-boiled eggs — you either love em or hate em. Take it one step further and you have a dish known as Kedgree. Kedgeree is a European dish that is made up of hard-boiled eggs, flaked fish, and rice, which is infused with parsley, curry, cream, and butter. As you can probably tell from the curry, Kedgeree has its origins in India. It started out as a simple dish made of lentils and rice, though quickly gained popularity in Britain, where they began adding rich cream sauce and eggs.

While many consider it to be a breakfast dish, it can be enjoyed at any time of day.

8. Kecap Manis

When regular soy sauce can’t get the job done, you might want to consider Kecap Manis. This popular soy sauce dish is incredibly popular in Indonesia. It is made through a long process of fermenting soybeans, salt, roasted grain, palm sugar, and a type of mold. The reason it has such a dark color and thick consistency, very similar to molasses, is that they add sugar.

9. Ketembilla

Ketembilla might just be the cutest food on this list with its grape-like look. Also known as the Ceylon Gooseberry, Ketembillas are berries indigenous to Southern India and Sri Lanka. As you might expect from looking at them, they have a flavor that is a combination of acidic and sweet, very similar to other berries. While you can eat Ketembilla berries on their own, many people like to use them to make preserves, jams, or jellies.

10. Ketchup

While it may seem like we’re cheating using such a common condiment, we couldn’t leave this list without making a mention of ketchup. Ask any American and it’ll likely be the first thing that comes to mind when you ask them to name a food that starts with the letter K.

We probably don’t need to tell you anything about ketchup, as you probably know just about everything you could possibly know and this sweet, tangy condiment. From fries to hamburgers to hot dogs, it’s a condiment that can be used just about anywhere.

Rather than divulging the ingredients, here is a fun fact for you:

While the recipe for ketchup has changed dramatically over the years, it started out as a mixture of anchovies, kidney beans, mushrooms, and walnuts. Pretty different from the sugary, tomato paste we’re used to now, huh?

11. Key Lime Pie

Now, we don’t know about you, but key lime pie is one of our absolute favorite desserts out there. It’s the best pie choice for people who don’t think that they like pie. Plus, who would have ever imagined that a mixture of condensed milk, egg yolks, and key lime juice would have come together so nicely to create such a fantastic dessert? Whoever created the very first key lime pie, you have our greatest respect.

Make sure to pile on the whipped cream to offset the tart flavors!

12. Kettle Corn

There is nothing that reminds us more of a day at the county fair than a giant, cone-shaped bag of kettle corn. If you’ve never had one, we urge you to find the next county fair near you and GO. Kettle corn is pretty simple and most people aren’t aware they can make it at home in a cinch. Kettle corn is regular popcorn that has been seasoned with sugar, salt, and oil, giving it a mixture of sweet and salty flavors that are loved by so many.

The reason they refer to it as “kettle” corn is that a cast iron skillet or “kettle” was the original vessel it was made in.

13. Kielbasa

While we might be used to Hanks and Dodger Dogs here in America, the sausage game is quite vast. Go just about anywhere on Earth and you’ll find unique types of sausages to enjoy. If you have a sausage stuffer, you can pretty much replicate any type of sausage you want. Heck, even vegan sausages are a popular option for non-meat eaters out there! Kielbasa is the word for sausage in Poland. It refers to just about any type of sausage they have.

However, here in America, when someone mentions Kielbasa, they are more than likely referring to a Polish sausage that has been flavored with garlic. With so much flavor, you won’t even need any extra condiments!

14. Kidney Beans

Kidney beans get their name from — you guessed it — the fact that they look very similar to the human kidney! These small, red beans are incredibly nutritious and can be used in a wide variety of cooking. However, one thing to keep in mind is that you should never eat kidney beans raw. If they are not cooked properly, these harmless-looking little beans can be incredibly toxic.

15. King Crab

The king crab gets its name from being the true ruler of the crustacean world. As one of the largest crustaceans around, it is quite an impressive meal and undoubtedly one of the most delicious ocean treats around. However, there are more impressive facts about king crabs prior to when they hit our dinner plates. While king crabs live their lives in a solitary fashion, they will form a towering pile with thousands of other king crabs when they feel threatened, as it helps to intimidate their prey or enemies. Pretty awesome, huh?

16. Kimchi

Ahhh, Kimchi — the one thing that you never want to be sitting next to while someone is eating it. Kimchi is a bit of a staple in Korean cuisine. The flavor of kimchi is just as distinct as the scent, which many people describe as tangy and spicy. We recommend giving it a few tries even if you do not like it the first time. Many people can’t latch onto it at the first try, though after a couple of rounds, it becomes a true food addiction. Plus, there is no better side to compliment a Korean main course.

17. Kipper

Now, unlike the King Crab, the Kipper is a much smaller sea creature, though still thoroughly enjoyed by many thanks to its versatility. While kipper can be cooked in a number of ways, you’ll typically find it split using the butterfly technique. Chefs will often smoke it to give it a bit of additional flavor. And yes, it definitely makes up for what it lacks in size thanks to its flavorful characteristics.

We highly recommend getting a lemon wedge to squeeze over it and pair it with a glass of white wine if you’re feeling classy.

18. Kingfish

Back to the kings of the ocean, the Kingfish, also referred to as the King Mackerel, is one of the best alternatives to salmon and tuna. With a fleshy and delicious character, it is great on its own, as well as served in dishes with other types of meats or veggies. When you order kingfish, there is no doubt that you make a statement. The Kingfish is large and fatty, meaning you can prepare it in a number of ways.

While Kingfish is often grilled, you can also broil or poach it to bring out different flavors.

19. Kit Kat Bar

Break me off a piece of that Kit Kat Bar!

Kit Kats might just be one of the most popular candies around. The recipe has been around for ages, yet has never needed any changes to stay relevant. This classic bar of crispy wafer sticks covered in rich and decadent chocolate provides a quick and easy passage to deliciousness heaven.

While the main flavor has remained the most popular here in America, you can find unique flavors when you travel around the world. Some of the best Kit Kat flavors that we have found used different types of chocolate and ingredients out there including cookies and cream, green tea, and Wasabi. Spicy kit kat bar? You betcha!

20. Kirsch

Just like you can’t judge a book by its cover, you can’t judge a cocktail by its color. Kirsh is a completely colorless cocktail other than the fact that it is often served with a cherry, similar to how a martini is served with an olive. However, even with its colorless character, it packs a serious punch. It is made with cherries, though does not have the same sweet flavor that you might expect.

Instead, Kirsch has quite a refined flavor that might take a couple of tries to get used to. Many say that they taste small hints of cherry and almond with each sip.

21. Kiwi

The kiwi might just be one of the most fascinating fruits to look at. While hairy on the outside, it has a bright, sweet inside that dazzles and awes. This sweet and tangy fruit, contrary to popular belief, did not originate in Australia or New Zealand, even though just about everyone from those countries loves kiwi. Instead, kiwi came from China, which is why many people refer to the kiwi as the Chinese gooseberry.

Kiwis are not to be confused with kiwi berries, even though both of these fruits belong to the same genus. Kiwi berries are much sweeter and smaller than kiwis and they do not have hair skin, meaning you can eat a kiwi berry without having to peel it.

22. Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is another food that is quite a bit of fun to look at. This German turnip sits under the same genus umbrella as cabbage, collard greens, and Brussels sprouts. Thanks to its soft texture and mild taste, it is one of the most versatile vegetables around. While they are very popular when cooked, you can also eat Kohlrabi completely raw. Many say that kohlrabi has a very similar taste to Broccoli stems, though we think it is a bit on the sweeter side.

Just give it a few years and we’ll see Kohlrabi taking over all the Brussel sprout appetizers found on bar menus now!

23. Kosher Pickles

Pickles are a funny food, as they typically lie on either end of the love or hate spectrum. However, most people aren’t aware that there are many different kinds of pickles out there. One of the most popular pickle types is the Kosher pickle. What you should note is that the Kosher pickle name is a bit deceiving, as these pickles are not prepared in accordance to the traditional Jewish diet.

Instead, Kosher pickles are made in the same fashion as other Jewish foods from New York City, including tons of dill and garlic. Throw some on your bagel or eat one whole! The world is yours.

24. Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken has become a staple of American-Chinese cuisine. From Panda Express to the Panda Inn, it is one of the most popular spicy chicken dishes around. Kung Pao Chicken uses cubes of chicken, veggies, and chili peppers before it is topped off with peanuts. The scent and flavor of Kung Pao Chicken are both wildly distinct. You can give thanks to the mixture of Chinese black vinegar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and Chinese Shaoxing wine for this delicious flavor.

Just make sure to watch out for those chili peppers as you dig in or keep a glass of water nearby!

25. Kumquat

Kumquats may look like miniature oranges, though they have their own unique qualities that make them a completely different fruit with tasty qualities. Kumquats are hard to find in some countries, though they are incredibly popular in Southeast Asia. They have a faint taste of oranges, though tend to be a bit sweeter and less citrus-like. A kumquat is about the size of an olive and is distinguished by its unique, oval shape.

You can eat a kumquat on its own, though we highly recommend trying your hand at baking it into a tart!

There you have it — a list of 25 incredible foods from around the world that start with the letter K. Use these when playing letter games with friends and family, though more importantly, make sure to go out and try as many of these delicious foods as you can to expand your palate! And if you are looking for some foods that start with the letter I, click that link!