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Are you hoping to find a giant list of foods that start with the letter U?
You’ve come to the right place!
Whether you’re just curious or looking to create a project or do some kitchen organization, this is the best list of so many foods, recipes, and drinks that start with the letter “u.”
We’re talking udon to upside-down cake and utica greens to umami burgers.
Here’s a rundown of plenty of foods that start with U to get that imagination going.
I’ve also included a description of each, in case it’s from a cuisine you haven’t tried before.
Let’s dig in!
1. Udon noodles: food that starts with U
Thick and chewy Japanese wheat noodles often used in soups and stir-fries
2. Ube
A purple yam commonly used in Filipino desserts and ice creams.
3. Unagi
Grilled freshwater eel often served over rice in Japanese cuisine.
4. Upside-down cake: dessert that starts with U
A cake where the fruit is placed at the bottom of the pan and the batter is poured on top before baking.
5. Utica greens
An Italian-American dish made with escarole, peppers, breadcrumbs, and cheese.
6. Ugli fruit
A citrus fruit with a unique appearance and flavor, similar to a grapefruit.
7. Unleavened bread
Bread made without yeast or other leavening agents.
8. Umeboshi
Japanese pickled plums with a salty and sour flavor.
9. Ume shu
A Japanese liqueur made from steeping ume plums in alcohol.
10. Uzbek plov: recipe that starts with U
A traditional rice dish from Uzbekistan typically made with rice, meat, carrots, and spices.
11. Udon soup
A Japanese noodle soup made with udon noodles and a flavorful broth.
12. Ube halaya
A Filipino dessert made from mashed purple yam, condensed milk, and coconut milk.
13. Urfa kebab
A Turkish kebab made with ground meat mixed with spices and grilled on skewers.
14. Uthappam
A South Indian pancake-like dish made from fermented rice and lentil batter, often topped with vegetables.
15. Udon stir-fry
Stir-fried udon noodles with a variety of vegetables and protein.
16. Ume plum wine
A sweet Japanese wine made by fermenting ume plums with sugar and alcohol.
17. Urchin sushi
Sushi rolls or nigiri topped with sea urchin, a delicacy in Japanese cuisine.
18. Upside-down pineapple cake
A cake with pineapple rings and cherries arranged at the bottom, then covered with cake batter and baked.
19. Uttapam
A savory South Indian pancake made with fermented rice and lentil batter, usually topped with onions, tomatoes, and other vegetables.
20. Umami burger
A burger made with a savory and flavorful patty seasoned with umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce and mushrooms.
21. Ube chiffon cake
A light and fluffy cake made with ube (purple yam) and typically topped with a whipped cream frosting.
22. Usal
A spicy Maharashtrian dish made with sprouted legumes like mung beans or moth beans.
23. Udon noodle soup
A hearty Japanese soup with udon noodles, broth, and various toppings such as sliced meats and vegetables.
24. Uzbek manti
Steamed dumplings filled with meat, onions, and spices, commonly eaten in Uzbekistan.
25. Ube ice cream
A sweet frozen dessert flavored with ube (purple yam).
26. Uni sushi
Sushi rolls or nigiri topped with uni, which is the edible part of a sea urchin.
27. Udon carbonara
A fusion dish that combines Japanese udon noodles with a creamy carbonara sauce made with eggs, cheese, and bacon.
28. Ube leche flan
A Filipino dessert that combines ube halaya (purple yam) and leche flan (caramel custard).
29. Umeboshi onigiri
Japanese rice balls filled with pickled ume plums.
30. Umeshu sour: drink that starts with U
A cocktail made with umeshu (Japanese plum wine), lemon juice, and soda water.
31. Uzbek somsa
Baked or fried pastries filled with meat, onions, and spices, popular in Uzbek cuisine.
32. Uthly
A spicy Indian stew made with lentils, vegetables, and spices.
33. Urad dal
A type of lentil used in various Indian dishes, such as dal makhani.
34. Ugly ripe tomato salad
A salad made with ripe and juicy “ugly” tomatoes, typically dressed with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs.
35. Ube pandesal
A Filipino bread roll made with ube (purple yam), often enjoyed for breakfast.
36. Umami broth
A flavorful broth made with ingredients rich in umami, such as mushrooms, seaweed, and soy sauce.
37. Uthappam masala
Uthappam topped with a spicy potato masala, a popular South Indian breakfast dish.
38. Ukrainian borscht
A vibrant beet soup commonly found in Ukrainian cuisine, often served with sour cream.
39. Ugli fruit smoothie
A refreshing smoothie made with ugli fruit, yogurt, and honey.
40. Urad dal dosa
A South Indian crepe made with urad dal (black lentils) and rice batter, often served with chutney and sambar.
41. Unsalted butter
Butter made without added salt, used for baking and cooking.
42. Udon salad
A cold salad featuring udon noodles, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing.
43. Upma
A savory South Indian dish made with semolina, spices, and vegetables.
44. Ume shiso maki
Sushi rolls filled with pickled ume plums and shiso leaves.
45. Unicorn Frappuccino
A limited-edition Starbucks beverage with colorful layers and flavors.
46. Ube pastries
Pastries filled or flavored with ube (purple yam) paste or extract.
47. Utica chicken riggies
A Central New York specialty dish consisting of chicken, rigatoni pasta, peppers, and a spicy tomato-cream sauce.
48. Udon noodle salad
A refreshing salad made with chilled udon noodles, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing.
49. Unagi nigiri
Sushi made with a slice of grilled freshwater eel draped over a small ball of rice.
50. Ugali
A staple food in many African countries, made from cornmeal or other grains cooked to a porridge-like consistency.
51. Uzbek lagman
A traditional Central Asian dish consisting of hand-pulled noodles, meat, and vegetables in a flavorful broth.