27 Foods that Start with Z: the ultimate list

Are you hoping to find a giant list of foods that start with the letter Z?

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 “z.”

We’re talking zucchini to zebra cakes and zesty chicken to ziti!

Here’s a rundown of plenty of foods that start with Z 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. Zucchini: food that starts with Z

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Zucchini is a versatile summer squash that is characterized by its mild flavor and tender texture.

It can be used in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fries, salads, soups, stews, and even baked goods like zucchini bread or muffins.

It can be sautéed, grilled, roasted, or stuffed, making it a popular and nutritious vegetable.

2. Ziti

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Ziti is a type of pasta that is similar to penne but has a straight-cut end.

It is characterized by its tubular shape and ridged surface, which helps to hold sauces and other ingredients.

Ziti is commonly used in baked pasta dishes such as ziti al forno, where it is combined with sauce, cheese, and other ingredients before being baked until golden and bubbly.

3. Zabaglione

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Zabaglione, also known as sabayon, is a delightful Italian dessert made from whisking together egg yolks, sugar, and sweet wine, typically Marsala.

The mixture is gently cooked over a double boiler until it thickens and becomes smooth and creamy.

Zabaglione can be enjoyed on its own or used as a sauce or filling for other desserts.

4. Za’atar

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Za’atar is a popular Middle Eastern spice blend that typically includes dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, and marjoram, mixed with toasted sesame seeds, sumac, and sometimes salt.

It has a unique and aromatic flavor profile and is often used as a seasoning for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or sprinkled over breads and dips.

5. Zesty chicken: recipe that starts with Z

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Zesty chicken refers to chicken dishes that are prepared with a tangy and flavorful marinade or sauce.

This can include various combinations of citrus juices, herbs, spices, and seasonings to create a bright and lively flavor profile.

Zesty chicken can be grilled, roasted, or pan-seared, and it pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

6. Zongzi

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Zongzi is a traditional Chinese dish consisting of sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves.

The dumplings are typically filled with ingredients such as meat (pork or chicken), beans, nuts, or preserved vegetables, and then steamed or boiled until the rice becomes tender and fragrant.

Zongzi is commonly enjoyed during festivals like the Dragon Boat Festival.

7. Zinfandel: drink that starts with Z

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Zinfandel is a red wine grape variety that is primarily grown in California.

It is known for producing robust and fruity wines with flavors of blackberry, raspberry, and spice.

Zinfandel wines can range from light and easy-drinking to bold and intense, and they pair well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, barbecue, and rich pasta dishes.

8. Zabzi polo

Zabzi polo is a traditional Persian dish that consists of rice cooked with a mixture of aromatic herbs and spices.

The rice is typically flavored with herbs like dill, parsley, and cilantro, as well as spices such as saffron, turmeric, and cinnamon.

Zabzi polo is often served as a side dish to accompany meat or vegetable mains.

9. Zuppa Toscana

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Zuppa Toscana is a hearty Tuscan-style soup that typically includes Italian sausage, potatoes, kale or Swiss chard, onions, garlic, and broth.

The soup is rich in flavor and often finished with a touch of cream for added richness. Zuppa Toscana is a comforting and satisfying dish, perfect for colder days.

10. Zwieback

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Zwieback is a type of crispy, twice-baked bread or biscuit that is lightly sweetened and often flavored with spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg.

It is typically made by baking a bread dough, slicing it, and then baking the slices again until they become dry and crunchy.

Zwieback is commonly enjoyed as a snack or served alongside tea or coffee.

11. Zucchini bread

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Zucchini bread is a moist and delicious sweet bread that incorporates grated zucchini into the batter.

The zucchini adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the bread, while warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves provide a comforting flavor.

Zucchini bread is often enjoyed as a breakfast or snack, and it can be served plain or with a smear of butter or cream cheese.

12. Zucchini noodles (Zoodles)

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Zucchini noodles, often referred to as “zoodles,” are noodles made from spiralized zucchini.

They are a popular low-carb and gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta noodles.

Zoodles can be enjoyed raw or lightly cooked, and they can be used as a base for various sauces, stir-fries, salads, or served as a side dish.

13. Zaru soba

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Zaru soba is a traditional Japanese dish that consists of cold buckwheat noodles served on a bamboo mat (zaru) with a dipping sauce called tsuyu.

The noodles are cooked and chilled, then arranged on the bamboo mat and served alongside a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi.

Zaru soba is a refreshing and light dish, perfect for hot summer days.

14. Zucotto

Zucotto is an Italian dessert that consists of a dome-shaped sponge cake filled with a mixture of ricotta cheese, whipped cream, chocolate, and sometimes nuts or fruits.

The cake is typically soaked in liqueur, such as rum or amaretto, to add flavor and moisture.

Zucotto is a decadent and visually appealing dessert, often served chilled and dusted with powdered sugar.

15. Zitronenfalter cake: dessert that starts with Z

Zitronenfalter cake is a German lemon cake known for its tangy and refreshing flavor.

The cake is made with a lemon-infused batter, baked until golden, and then soaked with a lemon syrup for extra moisture and flavor.

Zitronenfalter cake is often enjoyed plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.

16. Zuppa di pesce

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Zuppa di pesce is an Italian seafood soup or stew that showcases a variety of fish and shellfish in a flavorful tomato-based broth.

The soup often includes ingredients like clams, mussels, shrimp, calamari, and white fish, as well as aromatic herbs, garlic, and wine.

Zuppa di pesce is served hot and can be accompanied by crusty bread for dipping.

17. Ziti al forno

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Ziti al forno is a classic Italian baked pasta dish that features ziti pasta, tomato sauce, cheese, and often additional ingredients like meat or vegetables.

The cooked ziti is mixed with a flavorful tomato sauce, layered with cheese and other ingredients, and then baked until bubbly and golden.

Ziti al forno is a comforting and satisfying meal.

18. Zucchine ripiene

Zucchine ripiene, which translates to “stuffed zucchini,” is a dish where zucchini is hollowed out and filled with a savory mixture.

The filling often includes a combination of ground meat (such as beef, pork, or chicken), cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices.

The stuffed zucchini is then baked until the filling is cooked through and the zucchini becomes tender.

19. Zeppole

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Zeppole are traditional Italian pastries that are similar to doughnuts.

They are made from a simple dough that is deep-fried until golden and crispy.

Zeppole can be served plain or dusted with powdered sugar, and they are often enjoyed during festive occasions like St. Joseph’s Day or as a sweet treat at fairs and carnivals.

20. Zucchini fritters

Zucchini fritters are savory pancakes made with grated zucchini, flour, eggs, and seasonings.

The mixture is shaped into patties and pan-fried until golden and crispy.

Zucchini fritters make a delicious appetizer or side dish and can be served with a dipping sauce such as tzatziki or a squeeze of lemon juice.

21. Zhele

Zhele is a traditional Russian dessert made from fruit juice or puree, sugar, and gelatin.

It is similar to a fruit jelly or gelatin dessert. Zhele can be flavored with a variety of fruits, such as strawberry, raspberry, or orange, and it is often served chilled as a refreshing and light dessert.

22. Zinfandel grape

Zinfandel grapes are a black-skinned grape variety primarily grown in California.

They are used to produce Zinfandel wines known for their bold and fruity characteristics.

However, Zinfandel grapes can also be enjoyed fresh as a table grape or used in jams, jellies, and preserves.

23. Zuppa inglese

Zuppa inglese, which translates to “English soup,” is an Italian dessert similar to trifle.

It consists of layers of sponge cake or ladyfingers soaked in liqueur, custard, and chocolate cream.

The dessert is typically chilled and can be garnished with whipped cream or fresh fruits.

24. Za’atar bread

Za’atar bread is a traditional Middle Eastern flatbread topped with za’atar seasoning.

The za’atar mixture typically includes dried herbs like thyme, oregano, and marjoram, mixed with sesame seeds, sumac, and salt.

The bread is baked until golden and aromatic, and it is commonly enjoyed as a snack or served alongside dips or spreads.

25. Zebra cake

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Zebra cake is a visually striking cake that features alternating layers of vanilla and chocolate cake batter, giving it a zebra-like pattern when sliced.

The batter is poured into the cake pan in a specific pattern to create the striped effect.

Zebra cake is moist and tender, and it can be served plain or frosted with chocolate or vanilla icing.

26. Zha cai

Zha cai, also known as Sichuan preserved vegetable, is a Chinese specialty made from the stem of a specific type of mustard plant.

It is preserved in a mixture of salt, chili, and spices, giving it a tangy and spicy flavor.

Zha cai is commonly used as a condiment or ingredient in Sichuan cuisine, adding a unique texture and taste to dishes like stir-fries and soups.

27. Zucchini blossoms

Zucchini blossoms, also known as squash blossoms, are the edible flowers of the zucchini plant.

They are delicate and have a subtle flavor reminiscent of zucchini. Zucchini blossoms can be stuffed with cheese, herbs, or other fillings and then fried or baked.

They are a delicacy often used in Mediterranean and Italian cuisines.

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