20+ Foods That Start With X
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It’s not a piece of cake to name a food that starts with X. You may think that they don’t even exist! However, you will be surprised to know there are many, and they are famous not only for their unusual names but also for their exquisite taste.
Whether you want to improve your vocabulary or broaden your culinary knowledge, you are in the right place. In this article, I will provide you everything you need to know about these X letter dishes: their origins, their flavors, and the best way to enjoy them.
List Of 28 Scrumptious Foods Starting With X
The following list includes different types of X letter food and beverages that I recommend you to try. Most of them may sound odd to you, but, trust me, they are the best delicacies of different countries, and they will not fail to whet your appetite.
- Xavier soup
- Xiaolongbao
- Xacuti
- Xoi
- Xia mi
- Xidoufen
- Xnipec
- Xiphias
- Xihongshi
- Xampinyon en salsas
- Xiu Mai
- Xigua
- Xinomavro grapes
- Ximenia
- Xoconostle
- XO sauce
- Xocolatl
- Xylocarp cupcakes
- Xmas cookies
- Xiangcaojing
- Xylitol
- Xanthan gum
- Xanthia
- Xalapa punch
- Xellent cocktails
- XO Cherry Cola
- XO Marks The Spot
- XYZ cocktail
Now, let’s go find out what these dishes are!
Lip-Smacking Savory Dishes Starting With An “X”
The dishes that start with the letter X below will stimulate your taste buds. Here are some savory dishes that you can make to stop your hunger pangs.
Xavier Soup
This Italian classic was named after Francis Xavier, a Roman Catholic missionary. It is served on the feast day of St. Francis Xavier every year (the 3rd of December).
It is made with clear chicken broth and served with parmesan dumplings with a dash of parsley on the top. It is one of the easiest Catholic dishes to make, yet still able to keep your mouth drooling.
Xiaolongbao
Xiaolongbao is a kind of steamed bun that has long been enjoyed by the Chinese. They are also known as “soup dumplings” because of their soupy fillings.
So, how exactly do people “inject” the soup into the dumplings? The answer is the method of overboiling chicken or pork stock to the extent that it gets hardened. Once cool and solidified, they are diced into small blocks and put inside the dumplings.
When the dumplings are put in steamers, the high temperatures will melt these gelatin blocks back into liquid.
In order to avoid the fillings from leaking out, the chefs have to be very meticulous in the preparation.
Enjoying Xiaolongbao is more than just a gourmet experience. Take a small bite at the side and slurp that sizzling soup and its lingering tenderness will certainly make you want to take another.
Xacuti
Xacuti is a type of curry made with chillies, chicken (can be replaced with goat meat), onions, potatoes and masalas (Indian spices and herbs).
The xacuti paste is what makes this dish stand out from others – it gives off a tempting, aromatic smell. The flavour is also amplified by the use of fresh, toasted coconut flakes.
Despite being a curry dish, they are not as spicy as other Indian dishes so it is a good choice for you if you can’t take the heat. They are served hot with fresh salad or plain white rice.
Xoi
It’s not difficult to find a xoi vendor when you travel to Vietnam. It is cheaper than you think (it costs you only about one dollar), it’s scrumptious and a serving of xoi will give you the energy you need to start off your day.
Most people will be surprised to find out there are actually two kinds of xoi according to the flavor: the savory kind and the sweet kind.
The savory kind is more common and has become a staple breakfast for many Vietnamese people. It consists of two components: the sticky rice base and the toppings. These toppings vary but you can expect Vietnames pork sausage, pork bologna, salted shredded pork, pate and soy sauce in your savory xoi.
The sticky rice base of the sweet kind is coloured using natural ingredients. If you have a soft spot for sweet treats, sweet xoi is for you: green beans paste is spreaded on the sticky rice bed, followed by shredded coconuts, sugar and coconut milk.
Xia mi
Moving on we have xia mi, which means “shrimp rice” in English. Don’t let the name fool you – this dish has no rice in it. The “rice” is used to measure the size of the shrimp after having been dehydrated, shrinking to the point that it is as small as a grain of rice.
Although they are small and may not make you feel stuffed, it is strong in flavor. The xia is cooked using different methods but in most cases they are stir-fried or served as an add-on for other dishes.
Xidoufen
Another kind of soup that starts with an X is Xidoufen. It comes from Yunnan, a province of China.
It is made of boiled pea flour (pea porridge) and, to enhance the bland taste, they are seasoned with garlic, ginger, coriander, Sichuan pepper oil and chilli flakes. You can have xidoufen with a side of flatbread called cong you bing. Dig in while it’s hot!
Xnipec
You don’t want to eat this dish during a summer day as it is too hot to handle! Xnipec is a salsa made with onions, habaneros, cilantro and orange or lemon juice to tone down the spiciness.
Originating in Yucatan, this salsa has become quite popular worldwide over the years. You can have it with crispy tacos or dip chips in it.
Beware – at first bite, your tongue will burn and you will have to gulp down a glass of water immediately! Habaneros are very hot and they are ranked third on the Scoville scale (a scale used to measure the pungency).
Xiphias
In case you don’t know, Xiphias is actually the scientific term for the swordfish. To everyone’s surprise, swordfish taste just like meat and they are usually sold as fillets.
They are not recommended for regular consumption as they contain a high level of methylmercury.
Traditionally, swordfish is soaked with lemon juice and olive oil and baked until golden. However, they can be cooked using different methods today. They can either be pan-roasted, pan-seared, broiled, or grilled.
Due to its outstanding ability of absorbing the flavors, they are usually encrusted with a particular seed for a smoky aroma.
When served, you can have Xiphias with an array of different sauces such as white pan sauce, lemon butter sauce, or gremolata dressing.
Xihongshi
Another Chinese dish that begins with an X, Xihongshi. The two main ingredients are eggs and tomatoes (cherry tomatoes are preferred as they have a better taste).
It is fairly simple to make this dish. First, crack the eggs and give it a quick whirl. As the wok heats up, pour the eggs into it and start scrambling. Once the texture turns bubbly, remove the eggs from the wok.
Continue to add the diced tomatoes into the wok and stir fry evenly. Adjust the taste with salt, sugar and water. Mix in the eggs when the tomatoes get all juicy. Give your Xihongshi a dash of green with scallion on top.
Xampinyon en salsa
Another salsa from the Latin America. When translated into English, their literal meaning is “Mushrooms in sauce.”
This tapas is, indeed, made with mushrooms, along with tomatoes, garlic and onions. It can be served hot with tacos or burritos or eaten alone when cold.
Xiu Mai
Xiu Mai, or Vietnamese meatballs, is another Vietnamese food that makes it in the list. What makes these meatballs special is that they are very juicy and tender, and the flavor is just chef’s kiss.
In Vietnam, Xiu Mai is usually served with baguette and fresh veggies or plain white rice. Whatever it is, the taste and the flavor of Xiu Mai will not disappoint you.
Juicy Fruits Starting With An “X”
Everyone loves fruits and there’s no denying that they lend flavors to many desserts. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, especially fiber.
Xigua
Surprisingly, Xigua is “watermelon” in Chinese. Xigua usually has juicy red flesh, but, in fact, the color of the flesh can range from yellow to pink. Watermelon is a valuable source of nutrients. It is healthy for you because it is rich in vitamin A & C, as well as lycopene – an antioxidant that protects your genes.
Xinomavro grapes
Coming from the mountainous areas of ancient Greek, this type of grape has long been grown and harvested in order to produce an array of wines: red, rosé, white, etc.
Its by-product is considered to be strong in flavor with medium-high acidity and ages well over the time.
Over the years, they are on their way to become the world’s top red Greek variety, surpassing Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir.
Ximenia
Ximenia is a fruit that is mainly cultivated in tropical countries. Described as rather plummy in taste, this fruit, however, turns bright orange or red like peaches when ripe.
Ximenia fruit has a wide application in the dessert industry: they can be made into jam, juice, or jelly. However, you will be disappointed to know that you cannot find this in some supermarkets in America since they are not yet distributed worldwide.
Xoconostle
Did you know that cactus can yield fruits as well? Xoconostle, a fruit that grows out of the spiky thorns of the cactus with the same name, is available to harvest at the end of summer.
To consume, the spikes are removed, leaving small circular marks on the rind. This Mexican fruit is sour and its mesocarp can be used to make sauces, salsas, or even jam for your bread. Tasty!
Flavorsome Condiment Starting With An “X”
Here I have a first-class sauce designated for the gourmet.
XO Sauce
XO sauce is a flavorsome condiment that will certainly enhance your taste. The sauce was invented by a Chinese restaurant and, gradually, it has grown in popularity and is consumed worldwide nowadays.
If you notice, this type of sauce is usually served at hotpot restaurants.
The sauce is made from a variety of dried seafood like scallops, shrimps, ham, shallots, garlic, chilli and oil to increase its texture. This luscious combination of umami will definitely leave an ever-lasting aftertaste in your mouth.
Delightful Desserts Starting With An “X”
Looking for something to satiate your sweet tooth? Say no more, take a look at these delightful desserts.
Xocolatl
Is this… chocolate, you might be wondering? Yes, it is! In fact, it is the precursor of hot chocolate which you are drinking today.
In the past, Xocolatl could only be enjoyed by the aristocracy.
The original recipe of Xocolatl has not changed much through the flow of history: sweet cocoa is mixed with water, honey, cinnamon, vanilla and spiced up with chillies.
Xylocarp Cupcakes
Your jaws will drop to the ground once you find out what xylocarp is. It is a category of fruit which has a hard, hairy shell, and belongs to the same family with coconuts.
Xylocarp has an enchanting aroma that is hard to resist. In addition, it has a creamy mouthfeel, and its subtle notes of sweetness will bring the tropical breeze into your cupcakes.
Xmas Cookies
This is probably the only one dish you can think of (or almost think of) when you are asked to name a dish beginning with an “X”.
Xmas cookies (short for Christmas cookies) are no stranger to us and, as the name implies, they are served every year during the Christmas holiday.
You can easily spot cookies with gingerbread man shaped, candy canes shaped or Christmas trees shaped on the holiday feast. These crunchy cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and get you in the festive mood right away.
Xiangcaojing
If you are planning on making some sweets while you are in China, go to the store and grab some Xiangcaojing, which literally means “vanilla” in English.
Vanilla extract is one of the most important ingredients that appears in millions of dessert recipes. It has got warm and sensual notes, which has been proved to bring you into a calmer state of mind.
Xylitol
If you’re thinking of a chewing gum brand Xylitol, you are partially correct. Xylitol is, in fact, the name of a sugar alcohol that can be found in most fruits and vegetables.
It is a perfect alternative to sugar because it is much healthier. Despite having the same sweet taste (or slightly less), it contains no sugar and therefore will help improve your dental health.
Due to this function, xylitol is used to make chewing gum, peppermints or floss to prevent your teeth from cavities.
Xanthan Gum
And then we have Xanthan gum, which is, well, not gum either. It acts as a thickening agent for sauce or a stabilizer to prevent the ingredients from separating. They are also present in gluten-free diets.
Refreshing Drinks Starting With An “X”
Are you thirsty yet? If so, here are two drinks to quench your thirst – and it begins with an X as well!
Xanthia
Don’t know what to serve your guests at the next party? Make some Xanthia, a cocktail that has captured the heart of many people.
This cocktail is super easy to make: add 3/4 ounce of yellow Chartreuse, 3/4 ounce of cherry brandy, 3/4 ounce of gin, and some ice cubes. Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass and bottoms up!
Xalapa Punch
No refreshments can beat Xalapa punch. To make a glass of Xalapa punch, you will need hot black tea, honey, Amber Rum, Apple Brandy, Dry Red Wine, along with diced oranges and lemons.
It’s definitely not for you if you are a first-time drinker – it’s a heavy blend of hard drinks and the black tea alone is strong enough to knock you down.
Xellent Cocktails
Xellent is a premium Swiss hard drink that gives your boring glass of cocktails a fresh spin. There are two variants for you to choose, Xellent gin and Xellent vodka.
With Xellent, you can create many different cocktails. From Xellent Flower Power with a potent floral scent of orchid, to a party of berries in Xellent Red Berries, they are all ex-xellent choices that you cannot say no.
XO Cherry Cola
Hugs and kisses to this incredible XO cherry cola! Made from several hard drinks like Patron XO Cafe liqueur, Aperol, Cherry Schnapps blended with lemon juice and cola, this drink will whet your appetite at the very first sip.
XO Marks The Spot
For one glass of XO Marks The Spot, you get more than what you paid – it has got coffee, beer, and Patron tequila. It’s designated for the heavy drinkers only, as it is quite strong in both the taste and the alcohol content.
XYZ Cocktail
It’s such a blast to end this list with a cocktail whose name has three final letters of the alphabet, XYZ. The three letters imply that you only need three ingredients to make this drink, which are lemon juice, orange liqueur, and gin (⅔ oz each). As you finish your XYZ, you will see yourself in an orchard full of fresh lemons and oranges.
More Ideas About Food Starting With An X
I’m sure that you had a blast learning more about these dishes starting by the letter X. Whether it’s sweet, sour or savory, I’m sure that you already have something in mind for your dinner tonight.
Did I miss any dish? If you can think of more, feel free to leave your suggestion below in the comment section for me and the readers!
