These days office and house parties where everyone has to bring in a dish that starts with a certain letter of the alphabet is becoming more and more popular.
If you’ve ever been stumped trying to think of a good food that starts with X to bring to one of these parties, we’ve got you covered. Here are some popular foods that start with the letter X.
Popular food that starts with X are Xacuti, Xanthan Gum, Xavier Soup, Xiangjiao, Xiaolongbao, Xigua, Xingren Doufu, Xinomavro Grapes, X-mas cookies, Xnipec, Xoconostle, Xoi, Xo Sauce, Xylitol, and Xylocarp.
Table of Contents
15 Food That Starts with X
So, is there a potluck party coming up, or are you just curious? Either way, we’ve got 16 popular food that starts with X. We guarantee at least one of these will be new to you!
1. Xacuti
A complex blend of spices, including white poppy seeds, grated or sliced coconut, and huge dried red chilies, are used to make the Goan dish Xacuti or Xacutti.
Typically, beef, lamb, or chicken is used in its preparation. In Portuguese, it is also known as chacuti.
Xacuti, which is derived from the Portuguese word “chacuti,” is pronounced “shakuti.” a special cuisine made with coconut, onions, poppy seeds, coconut oil, and Kashmiri red chilies.
This curry has a fantastic flavor that comes from a wonderful combination of spices and coconut. The texture is also fantastic thanks to the coconut and ground spices.
2. Xanthan Gum
A polysaccharide with numerous industrial applications, including as a typical food ingredient, is xanthan gum. It works well as a stabilizer, emulsifier, and thickening agent to keep ingredients from separating.
Xanthan gum is a component used in the production of several foods and medicines. In these goods, it can enhance thickness, prevent textures from varying, and hold ingredients in place, among other things. Many different kinds of medications contain xanthan gum.
Blood sugar levels may be lowered or stabilized by xanthan gum. Some people might not tolerate it like they would any food or food additive. The majority of people seem to just experience an upset stomach as a possible side effect from xanthan gum.
3. Xavier Soup
It is a dish that is frequently offered on December 3, the feast day of St. Francis Xavier, which falls early in the Advent season. Saint Francis Xavier inspired the name of Xavier Soup.
The Jesuit order was founded by Saint Xavier, who in the 16th century traveled through Asia as a missionary. The patron saint of missionaries is Saint Xavier, which is appropriate.
The meal is straightforward—it consists of parmesan-and-parsley dumplings floating in a transparent broth—warming and filling enough to serve as the main course while remaining elegant and light.
4. Xiangjiao
Bananas are known as xiang jiao (shiang-jeow) in Chinese. The banana is a berry in reality. The most popular fruit in America is the banana. Fiber, potassium, folate, and antioxidants like vitamin C are all present in bananas. These all promote heart health.
Bananas are huge herbaceous blooming plants of the genus Musa that produce an elongated, edible fruit known as a berry. Bananas used in cooking may be referred to as “plantains” in some nations to distinguish them from dessert bananas.
One of the most consumed fruits worldwide is the banana. Although they are packed with vital nutrients, eating too many could harm your health.
An excessive amount of any one food can lead to weight gain and nutrient deficiencies. For the majority of healthy individuals, one to two bananas per day is considered a moderate consumption.
5. Xiaolongbao
Small Chinese steamed buns called xiaolongbao are typically made in a xiaolong, a tiny bamboo steaming basket, hence the name. Although xiaolongbao is sometimes described as a type of “dumpling,” they should not be mistaken for Chinese wonton or jiaozi.
Chinese soup dumplings, also known as Shanghai Soup Dumplings, xiaolongbao, tang bao, or “soupy buns” (as it is comically translated on some menus), are steamed dumplings with a seasoned pork filling and a hot, savory broth inside.
Most people concur that the xiao long bao’s history originates in the Shanghai suburb of Nanxiang more than 150 years ago, even though its roots are sometimes disputed. It’s thought that Huang Mingxian set out to make a dumpling that would surprise and please the diners at his Ri Hua Xuan restaurant.
The Shanghai xiaolongbao can accommodate all tastes thanks to the subtle sweetness and umami characteristics, while the Changzhou version is particularly fresh and the Wuxi style is the sweetest. But the thin skin, flavorful broth, and succulent pork stuffing are what they all share in common.
6. Xigua
The Chinese word for watermelon is Xigua, which is pronounced she-gwah. Although many people associate watermelon with America, China is the world’s leading watermelon consuming country.
Like watermelon, Xigua has flesh that is liquid, cool, and delicious. To combat the scorching heat, you can produce Xigua juice and consume a chunk of this low-calorie summer snack.
It has minerals including lycopene, citrulline, and vitamins A and C, and has a very high water content. Although additional study is required, studies have shown eating this sweet, red melon may potentially improve heart health, lessen muscular stiffness, and reduce inflammation.
7. Xingren Doufu
A soft, jellied confection made of apricot kernel milk, agar, and sugar is known as annin tofu or xingren tofu, which is also frequently translated as almond tofu. It is a typical dessert in both Japanese and Chinese cuisine. Blancmange is a comparable dessert.
One intriguing fact is that sweet apricot seeds instead of regular almonds, are used to make almond tofu. Since almond tofu is so great for your lungs, it makes the perfect summer treat. Its melt-in-your-mouth quality is another reason why it is so adored.
Almond tofu is incredibly tasty and has a texture similar to soft tofu mixed with jello. Soymilk is the key ingredient. Gelatin powder provides the texture. The soymilk and almond extract are responsible for the flavor.
Cold, airy, and revitalizing! If you were to ask me about almond tofu, I would respond in those same words. It truly is the ideal summer treat thanks to the gentle sweetness and the lovely apricot kernel scent.
8. Xinomavro Grapes
A grape variety with dark skin that is frequently cultivated in northern Greece is called Xinomavro (or Xynomavro). A smaller degree of cultivation is also practiced in the Republic of North Macedonia. In its native Greece, the varietal is largely regarded as the best red wine the nation has to offer.
Along with this traditional pairing, Xinomavro goes well with any type of meat stew, grilled beefsteaks, sausages, game, roasted lamb, coq au vin, and even wild mushroom risotto. It also pairs well with Parmesan flakes, cheeses with wine flavors, aged gouda, or cheddar.
It pairs perfectly with dishes of lamb, cattle, or game that are roasted or cooked in red sauce and dried fruits due to its substantial structure, high acidity, strong tannins, and lengthy aftertaste. Every type and style of wine benefits from the charm of Xinomavro and the mouthwatering combinations that it offers.
Christmas cookies, also known as X-mas cookies, are often sugar cookies or biscuits that have been cut into various Christmas-themed shapes. However, other flavors may also be used, depending on family customs and personal preferences.
The custom began in the 1700s when German immigrants to Pennsylvania brought the popular unleavened, conveniently storable dessert from their native continent. Sugar cookie dough is pliable and simple to roll out and cut into shapes, which contributes to its current appeal during the holiday season.
Particularly during the challenging years of the depression, parents wanted to inspire charity in their kids. However, the custom quickly became ingrained, and even today, most families who celebrate Christmas leave out cookies for Santa and his reindeer.
10. Xnipec
The Yucatán peninsula is home to the hot sauce known as Xnipec, which is created of habanero peppers, purple onions, bitter orange juice, and salt. Additionally used ingredients include pepper, vinegar, bay leaf, oregano, and coriander. Lemon juice can be added to sweet oranges to make them more acidic; sour oranges don’t require this step.
Salsa Xnipec, often spelled Xni Pec or Xni-pec is well-liked in Yucatan, Mexico. Tomatoes, onion, fresh habanero peppers, cilantro, and orange juice soured with lime are used in its preparation. Given that eating it will cause you to perspire like a dog’s nose, it is known as Dog’s Nose Salsa and is quite spicy.
11. Xoconostle
‘Xoconostle‘ is another name for Opuntia joconostle. Mexico uses cactus fruit as a traditional diet and medicine. It is less sweet, blander in color, and used more for traditional medicine than for food, in contrast to the common fruit (tunas) from the related Opuntia ficus-indica.
A specific type of cactus produces the tart fruit known as a xoconostle (Opuntia matudae). Xoconostle (show-ko-nost-lay) are inherently sour, in contrast to sweet prickly pears (or tunas, as they are known in Mexico).
A fruit with tremendous nutritional value that resembles a cactus but has an acidic flavor is called a xoconostle. It boosts immunity since it is high in fiber and antioxidants. One xoconostle’s peel contains one-third of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C.
12. Xoi
Vietnamese food known as Xoi is a savory or sweet meal cooked with sticky rice and other seasonings. Xoi is a frequent on-the-go morning food and a well-liked snack throughout the country. In many parts of Vietnam, people eat it as a main dish for lunch or dinner in addition to being frequently provided as a breakfast item or dessert.
Vietnamese people frequently soak the glutinous rice for four hours or more to ensure that the grains have sufficiently absorbed water before cooking “xoi”. The rice will then be drained and dried with steam for the grains to stay whole, soft but not mushy, and stay together in a lump.
What flavor does sticky rice have? Due to its distinctive flavor, which is slightly sweeter than that of other forms of rice, sticky rice is also known as sweet rice. Even though it has a faint sweetness to it, the other food that will be served with it won’t be overpowered by the sweetness.
13. Xo Sauce
XO sauce is a hot, umami-flavored seafood sauce from Hong Kong. In parts of southern China like Guangdong, it is widely practiced.
The concentrated flavor of the dried seafood is one of the reasons XO sauce is so flavorful. It is a fusion of flavors that includes sweet, smokey, and salty and delivers some heat in addition to the savory umami flavor. With its powerful flavor, this condiment will overpower a dish.
Dried shrimp and scallops, salty Jinhua ham, shallots, garlic, chile, and oil are the main ingredients of XO sauce. The Hong Kong-born XO sauce is an explosion of umami and epically wonderful!
The “XO,” which in the fancy-brandy industry stands for “extra old,” appears to have been appropriated to denote (or justify) the price. It is essentially a thick, oily chili sauce that has been enhanced and given texture with shredded dry fish.
14. Xylitol
Sugar alcohol, or polyol, is a class of carbohydrate that includes xylitol. Many fruits and vegetables naturally contain the sweetener xylitol. To use it as a sweetener, birch bark and maize cob are also used in commercial production. A typical component of sugar-free chewing gum is xylitol.
Most of the time, xylitol is safe to consume, especially at food-related levels. Xylitol has been given FDA approval as a food additive or sweetener. You can have diarrhea or flatulence if you consume 30 to 40 grams or more of xylitol.
Although they are found in nature, stevia and xylitol are both regarded as artificial sweeteners. Both are good choices for persons who need to limit their sugar intakes, such as those with diabetes or those attempting to lose weight, as neither contains any actual sugar.
Baked products, peanut butter, drink powders, confectionery, pudding, ketchup, barbecue sauces, and pancake syrups are examples of foods that include xylitol.
15. Xylocarp
Fruits classified as xylocarps have a woody exterior and a fleshy interior. The xylocarp is found in coconut and durian, for instance. These typically tropical fruits can be utilized in a variety of recipes. You can use coconut in drinks, curries, sweets, or even just the flesh.
For baking and cooking, coconut oil is employed. Another beverage full of minerals and antioxidants is coconut water.
Coconut is a common ingredient in Asian cooking as well as in many other cuisines around the world. It has numerous applications in the cosmetics business as well.
Related: Popular Food That Starts with N
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What food or fruit starts with X?
Few foods begin with the letter X, but xigua is one of them. An alternative word for watermelon is xigua.
2. What starts with X in a grocery store?
Something that starts with X in a grocery store are Xylitol, XO Sauce, Xanthan Gum, Xnipec, Xigua, and Xinomavro Grapes.
3. Is there a food with Z?
Zereshk berries, also known as barberries, are edible fruits that start with the letter “z.”
Related: Popular Food That Starts with U
Conclusion
Phew, that’s quite the list for foods that start with X. Have you got the list? Did you feel more knowledgeable about foods that start with X? They’re not common for sure, but I’m sure you can find them if you want to try those foods. If you have more ideas about foods that start with X, don’t hesitate to comment below. Thanks for reading!
