Ever found yourself stuck in a word game trying to name foods that start with k? Or maybe you’re planning a themed dinner party and need inspiration for food that starts with k? This comprehensive list is your ultimate cheat code! From exotic international dishes to everyday kitchen staples, we’ve compiled over 100 delicious options that will expand your culinary vocabulary and impress your friends at trivia night.

Whether you’re an ESL learner building your food vocabulary, a quiz enthusiast preparing for the next game night, or simply a food lover curious about global cuisine, this list covers everything from healthy foods that start with k to breakfast foods that start with k and beyond.

Complete Table of Foods That Start with K

Food Name	Category	Origin/Cuisine	Description	Usage/Best For
Kale	Vegetables & Greens	European	Nutrient-packed leafy green superfood	Salads, smoothies, chips
Kohlrabi	Vegetables & Greens	German	German turnip with crisp texture	Roasting, slaws
Kelp	Vegetables & Greens	Asian	Sea vegetable rich in iodine	Japanese soups, Asian cuisine
Kidney Beans	Vegetables & Greens	Global	Protein-rich legumes	Chili, salads, stews
Kaffir Lime Leaves	Vegetables & Greens	Thai/Southeast Asian	Aromatic leaves with citrus flavor	Thai cooking, curries
King Oyster Mushrooms	Vegetables & Greens	Asian	Large, meaty mushrooms	Grilling, sautéing
Korean Chili Peppers	Vegetables & Greens	Korean	Spicy peppers for Korean dishes	Kimchi, Korean cuisine
Komatsuna	Vegetables & Greens	Japanese	Japanese mustard spinach	Salads, stir-fries
Kiwi	Fruits & Berries	New Zealand	Fuzzy brown fruit with green flesh	Snacking, desserts
Kumquat	Fruits & Berries	Asian	Small citrus fruits eaten whole	Snacking, preserves
Key Lime	Fruits & Berries	Caribbean/Florida	Small, tart limes	Key lime pie, cocktails
Kabocha Squash	Fruits & Berries	Japanese	Japanese pumpkin with sweet flesh	Soups, tempura
Korlan	Fruits & Berries	Southeast Asian	Tropical fruit similar to longan	Fresh eating
Kei Apple	Fruits & Berries	South African	Yellow fruit with tart flesh	Jams, fresh eating
Kaffir Lime	Fruits & Berries	Thai	Bumpy green citrus fruit	Thai cooking, zest
Korean BBQ (Bulgogi)	Proteins & Main Dishes	Korean	Marinated grilled beef	Main course, Korean cuisine
Kielbasa	Proteins & Main Dishes	Polish	Polish sausage	Grilling, breakfast, soups
King Crab	Proteins & Main Dishes	Alaska/North Pacific	Luxurious seafood with sweet meat	Special occasions, fine dining
Kabobs	Proteins & Main Dishes	Middle Eastern	Grilled meat and vegetable skewers	Grilling, parties
Katsu	Proteins & Main Dishes	Japanese	Japanese breaded and fried cutlets	Main course, Japanese cuisine
Kedgeree	Proteins & Main Dishes	British	Rice, fish, eggs, and curry spices	Breakfast, brunch
Kung Pao Chicken	Proteins & Main Dishes	Chinese	Spicy stir-fry with peanuts	Chinese takeout, dinner
Knackwurst	Proteins & Main Dishes	German	German sausage with smoky flavor	German cuisine, grilling
Kofta	Proteins & Main Dishes	Middle Eastern	Middle Eastern meatballs	Main course, appetizers
Korean Fried Chicken	Proteins & Main Dishes	Korean	Crispy, double-fried chicken	Party food, Korean cuisine
Kamut	Grains & Starches	Ancient/Mediterranean	Ancient wheat grain with nutty flavor	Baking, healthy grains
Kasha	Grains & Starches	Eastern European	Roasted buckwheat groats	Side dishes, porridge
Kettle Corn	Grains & Starches	American	Sweet and salty popcorn	Snacking, fairs
King Arthur Flour	Grains & Starches	American	Premium flour brand	Baking, bread making
Knödel	Grains & Starches	German	German dumplings	Side dishes, German cuisine
Korean Rice Cakes	Grains & Starches	Korean	Chewy rice cakes	Tteokbokki, Korean dishes
Kamut Pasta	Grains & Starches	Modern/Health Food	Pasta made from ancient wheat	Healthy pasta dishes
Kefir	Dairy & Beverages	Caucasus	Fermented milk drink with probiotics	Health drinks, smoothies
Kombucha	Dairy & Beverages	Asian	Fermented tea beverage	Health drinks, probiotics
Kvass	Dairy & Beverages	Slavic	Traditional fermented bread beverage	Traditional drinks
Korean Banana Milk	Dairy & Beverages	Korean	Sweet, creamy Korean beverage	Korean drinks, snacks
Kahlua	Dairy & Beverages	Mexican	Coffee liqueur	Cocktails, desserts
Kirsch	Dairy & Beverages	German/Swiss	Clear cherry brandy	Fondue, Black Forest cake
Kava	Dairy & Beverages	Pacific Islander	Traditional relaxing beverage	Traditional ceremonies
Key Lime Pie	Desserts & Sweets	American/Florida	Tart lime pie with graham crust	Desserts, special occasions
Kladdkaka	Desserts & Sweets	Swedish	Swedish sticky chocolate cake	Desserts, Swedish cuisine
Kulfi	Desserts & Sweets	Indian	Dense, creamy Indian ice cream	Indian desserts, summer treats
Kanelbullar	Desserts & Sweets	Swedish	Swedish cinnamon buns	Pastries, coffee time
Kransekake	Desserts & Sweets	Norwegian	Norwegian tower cake of almond rings	Celebrations, weddings
Kit Kat	Desserts & Sweets	British/Global	Chocolate wafer candy bar	Snacking, candy
Kettle Cookies	Desserts & Sweets	American	Small-batch crispy cookies	Snacking, gourmet treats
Kouign-amann	Desserts & Sweets	French/Breton	Buttery, caramelized French pastry	French pastries, bakery items
Korean Honey Cookies	Desserts & Sweets	Korean	Traditional honey-flavored cookies	Korean desserts, tea time
Kimchi	International/Asian	Korean	Fermented vegetable dish (cabbage)	Korean cuisine, side dishes
Kaiseki	International/Asian	Japanese	Traditional multi-course Japanese meal	Fine dining, Japanese cuisine
Katsudon	International/Asian	Japanese	Rice bowl with breaded pork and egg	Japanese comfort food
Korean Hot Pot	International/Asian	Korean	Communal cooking in spicy broth	Korean dining, social meals
Khao Pad	International/Asian	Thai	Thai fried rice with seasonings	Thai cuisine, main course
Knish	International/European	Jewish	Pastry filled with potatoes/cheese	Jewish cuisine, snacks
Kibbeh	International/Middle Eastern	Middle Eastern	Bulgur wheat and meat dish	Middle Eastern cuisine
Kassler	International/European	German	German smoked pork chops	German cuisine, main course
Kolache	International/European	Czech	Czech pastry with various fillings	Pastries, breakfast
Kraut (Sauerkraut)	International/European	German	Fermented cabbage	German cuisine, side dishes
Kapusta	International/European	Polish	Polish cabbage dish	Polish cuisine, holidays
Kippers	Breakfast Foods	British	Smoked herring	British breakfast, protein
Kettle-cooked Oats	Breakfast Foods	Global	Slow-cooked hearty oatmeal	Breakfast, healthy morning meal
Korean Pancakes	Breakfast Foods	Korean	Savory pancakes with vegetables	Korean breakfast, brunch

Complete List of Foods That Start with K

🥬 Vegetables & Greens

Kale – This nutrient-packed leafy green has become a superfood sensation, perfect for salads, smoothies, and chips.

Kohlrabi – A German turnip with a crisp texture and mild, sweet flavor that’s excellent roasted or in slaws.

Kelp – This sea vegetable is rich in iodine and commonly used in Asian cuisine, especially Japanese soups.

Kidney Beans – These protein-rich legumes are essential for chili, salads, and hearty stews.

Kaffir Lime Leaves – Aromatic leaves used in Thai and Southeast Asian cooking for their distinctive citrus flavor.

King Oyster Mushrooms – Large, meaty mushrooms with thick stems perfect for grilling or sautéing.

Korean Chili Peppers – Spicy peppers essential for making kimchi and other Korean dishes.

Komatsuna – Japanese mustard spinach with tender leaves and mild flavor.

🍎 Fruits & Berries

Kiwi – This fuzzy brown fruit with bright green flesh is packed with vitamin C and perfect for snacking.

Kumquat – Small citrus fruits that are eaten whole, skin and all, with a sweet-tart flavor.

Key Lime – Small, tart limes essential for the famous Key lime pie and tropical cocktails.

Kabocha Squash – Japanese pumpkin with sweet, creamy flesh perfect for soups and tempura.

Korlan – A tropical fruit similar to longan, with translucent flesh and sweet flavor.

Kei Apple – South African fruit with yellow skin and tart, jelly-like flesh.

Kaffir Lime – Bumpy green citrus fruit whose zest and leaves are prized in Thai cooking.

🍖 Proteins & Main Dishes

Korean BBQ (Bulgogi) – Marinated beef grilled to perfection, one of Korea’s most famous exports.

Kielbasa – Polish sausage that’s perfect for grilling, adding to soups, or breakfast dishes.

King Crab – Luxurious seafood with sweet, tender meat perfect for special occasions.

Kabobs – Grilled meat and vegetable skewers popular in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.

Katsu – Japanese breaded and fried cutlets, typically made with pork or chicken.

Kedgeree – British dish of rice, fish, hard-boiled eggs, and curry spices.

Kung Pao Chicken – Spicy Chinese stir-fry with peanuts and chili peppers.

Knackwurst – German sausage with a snappy casing and smoky flavor.

Kofta – Middle Eastern meatballs made with ground meat and spices.

Korean Fried Chicken – Crispy, double-fried chicken often glazed with sweet and spicy sauce.

🍞 Grains & Starches

Kamut – Ancient wheat grain with a nutty flavor and chewy texture.

Kasha – Roasted buckwheat groats popular in Eastern European cuisine.

Kettle Corn – Sweet and salty popcorn cooked in a kettle with oil and sugar.

King Arthur Flour – Premium flour brand perfect for baking bread and pastries.

Knödel – German dumplings made from bread, potatoes, or flour.

Korean Rice Cakes – Chewy rice cakes used in dishes like tteokbokki.

Kamut Pasta – Pasta made from ancient Kamut wheat with superior nutritional value.

🥛 Dairy & Beverages

Kefir – Fermented milk drink packed with probiotics and tangy flavor.

Kombucha – Fermented tea beverage with probiotics and various flavors.

Kvass – Traditional Slavic fermented beverage made from bread.

Korean Banana Milk – Sweet, creamy beverage popular in South Korea.

Kahúa – Coffee liqueur perfect for cocktails and desserts.

Kirsch – Clear cherry brandy used in fondue and Black Forest cake.

Kava – Traditional Pacific Islander beverage with relaxing properties.

🍰 Desserts & Sweets

Key Lime Pie – Classic American dessert with tart lime filling and graham cracker crust.

Kladdkaka – Swedish sticky chocolate cake that’s gooey in the center.

Kulfi – Indian frozen dessert similar to ice cream but denser and creamier.

Kanelbullar – Swedish cinnamon buns with cardamom and pearl sugar.

Kransekake – Norwegian tower cake made of almond rings, traditional for celebrations.

Kit Kat – Popular chocolate wafer candy bar perfect for sharing.

Kettle Cookies – Crispy cookies cooked in small batches for superior texture.

Kouign-amann – Buttery, caramelized French pastry from Brittany.

Korean Honey Cookies – Traditional cookies made with honey and various flavors.

🌍 International Foods That Start with K

Asian Cuisine

Kimchi – Korea’s national dish of fermented vegetables, typically cabbage with chili peppers.

Kaiseki – Traditional multi-course Japanese foods that start with k representing seasonal ingredients.

Katsudon – Japanese rice bowl topped with breaded pork cutlet and egg.

Korean Hot Pot – Communal cooking experience with various ingredients in spicy broth.

Khao Pad – Thai fried rice with vegetables, meat, and aromatic seasonings.

European Delights

Knish – Jewish pastry filled with potatoes, cheese, or meat.

Kibbeh – Middle Eastern dish of bulgur wheat and meat, often fried or baked.

Kassler – German smoked pork chops, a hearty traditional dish.

Kolache – Czech pastry filled with fruit, cheese, or meat.

Kraut – German sauerkraut, fermented cabbage perfect as a side dish.

Latin American Flavors

Kebab – Mexican foods that start with k include kebabs with Latin spices and marinades.

Kapusta – Polish cabbage dish, often served during holidays.

🎯 Specialty Categories

Breakfast Foods That Start with K

When you’re looking for breakfast foods that start with k, consider these morning favorites:

• Kippers – Smoked herring perfect for a British-style breakfast
• Kolache – Sweet or savory pastries ideal for breakfast
• Kedgeree – British breakfast dish with rice, fish, and eggs
• Kettle-cooked Oats – Hearty oatmeal cooked slowly for creamy texture
• Korean Pancakes – Savory pancakes with vegetables and seafood

Healthy Foods That Start with K

For those seeking healthy foods that start with k, these nutritious options deliver:

• Kale – Superfood packed with vitamins A, C, and K
• Kiwi – High in vitamin C and fiber
• Kidney Beans – Excellent source of plant-based protein
• Kelp – Rich in iodine and minerals
• Kamut – Ancient grain with more protein than regular wheat

Party Foods That Start with K

Planning a party? These party foods that start with k are crowd-pleasers:

• Korean BBQ – Interactive grilling experience
• Kabobs – Easy-to-eat finger food
• Kettle Corn – Sweet and salty snack
• King Crab Legs – Elegant seafood option
• Korean Fried Chicken – Crispy, flavorful party favorite

🧠 Fun Facts About Foods Starting with K

Did You Know? Kale was once considered peasant food but has become one of the most expensive greens in modern supermarkets!

Trivia Time: Kimchi contains more than 200 different types of beneficial bacteria, making it one of the most probiotic-rich foods that begin with k.

Word Game Bonus: “Kumquat” is one of the highest-scoring food starting with k options in Scrabble due to the Q!

Cultural Connection: Many Korean dishes starting with K have become global phenomena, from Korean BBQ restaurants to kimchi appearing in fusion cuisine worldwide.

📊 Quick Reference Table

Food Category	Popular Options	Best For
Vegetables	Kale, Kohlrabi, Kelp	Healthy foods that start with k
Fruits	Kiwi, Kumquat, Key Lime	Snacks, desserts
Proteins	Korean BBQ, Kielbasa, King Crab	Dinner foods that start with k
Grains	Kamut, Kasha	Nutritious meals
Desserts	Key Lime Pie, Kulfi	Special occasions

🎲 Word Game Applications

These foods that start with k are perfect for:

• Scrabble: High-scoring options like “kumquat” and “kielbasa”
• 20 Questions: Popular choices that are easy to guess
• Pictionary: Visual foods like kiwi and kabobs
• Trivia Nights: International dishes impress judges
• ESL Learning: Building food vocabulary systematically
• Crossword Puzzles: Common answers for K-food clues

🌟 Cooking with K Foods

Kitchen Tips

When cooking with food dishes that start with k, remember:

• Kale tastes better massaged with salt before eating raw
• Kimchi continues fermenting in the refrigerator
• King crab requires minimal seasoning to shine
• Kamut flour needs more liquid than regular wheat flour

Meal Planning

Create themed meals using food with k:

• Korean Night: Kimchi, Korean BBQ, Korean rice cakes
• Healthy K Meal: Kale salad, kidney bean soup, kiwi dessert
• Comfort Food: Kielbasa with kraut, knödel dumplings

For more inspiration on foods beginning with other letters, check out our comprehensive guide on foods that start with A.

🔍 Shopping Guide

When shopping for foods that start with k, look for:

• Fresh Produce: Kale should be dark green without yellow spots
• International Aisles: Find kimchi, kombucha, and specialty items
• Frozen Section: King crab legs and Korean dumplings
• Bakery: Fresh kolache and artisan breads
• Meat Counter: Quality kielbasa and specialty sausages

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a food that begins with k?

The most common food that starts with k is probably kale, followed closely by kiwi fruit. Other popular options include kimchi, kidney beans, and key lime pie.

What party food starts with K?

Great party foods that start with k include Korean BBQ, kabobs, kettle corn, king crab legs, and Korean fried chicken. These options are interactive, shareable, and crowd-pleasing.

What fast food starts with K?

Popular fast food options include KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken), Korean fried chicken from various chains, and kebabs from Mediterranean fast-casual restaurants.

What’s a fruit that starts with k?

The most well-known fruits starting with K are kiwi, kumquat, and key lime. Other options include kabocha squash (technically a fruit), korlan, and kei apple.

What are some healthy foods that start with k?

Healthy foods that start with k include kale (superfood green), kiwi (vitamin C powerhouse), kidney beans (protein and fiber), kelp (minerals and iodine), and kamut (ancient grain).

What junk food begins with K?

Junk foods that start with k include Kit Kat bars, kettle chips, Krispy Kreme donuts, and various candies. While tasty, these should be enjoyed in moderation.

Conclusion

From nutritious kale to indulgent key lime pie, foods that start with k offer incredible diversity for every palate and occasion. Whether you’re expanding your culinary horizons with Korean cuisine, adding superfoods like kiwi to your diet, or simply winning at word games, this comprehensive list has you covered.

Which of these K foods were you already familiar with? Bookmark this list for your next trivia night, cooking adventure, or word game challenge!

Want to explore more alphabetical food lists? Check out our other comprehensive guides on words that start with J and discover even more culinary inspiration.

For creative projects involving colors that pair beautifully with these foods, explore this fantastic resource on colors that start with K.