While it is not a common letter starting the names of our everyday foods, plenty of foods around the globe start with the letter “U.” Fortunately for “u,” we have come up with a huge list of 45 foods beginning with the letter “U” to help you broaden your tasting horizons.
How many have you had on this list, and how many do you want to try?
Udon
This is a commonly found type of noodle that is chewier, wider, and thicker than others and is made from wheat. Udon noodles are used in many Asian dishes, especially Japanese ones.
Ugli fruit
This is a citrus fruit in Jamaica with bumpy and thick skin. It is, in a sense, ugly in comparison to other fruits! Nevertheless, it has a sweet and tangy flavor that is very refreshing. It also contains plenty of vitamin C.
Ugni
Reminiscent of cherry in appearance, ugni are small, red in color, and taste like many other berries. They are native to western Latin America and are sometimes used in place of strawberries for flavor.
Umeboshi
These pickled plums are popular across Japan and are renowned for their intensely sour and salty flavor. Umeboshi are a common side dish and were traditionally a delicacy in Samurai culture.
Unagi
Sushi lovers are likely very familiar with unagi already. They are freshwater eels that are grilled and rolled into sushi with rice or served on their own over a bed of rice. Uncooked or raw unagi is highly poisonous, though!
Uni
Another delicacy found in Japanese cuisine, uni is typically a word used to describe sea urchins. In some cases, it specifically refers to the sea urchin’s gonads. Uni is known for having a rich, creamy, yet briny flavor.
Upma
A savory Indian dish that is often eaten for breakfast, upma is made from semolina or rice flour and cooked with vegetables and spices. It has a porridge-like consistency and is a great way to start the day!
Urad dal
Sometimes referred to as vigna mungo, urad dal is small, dried, split lentils sprinkled into Indian dishes during cooking. They have a creamy texture and an earthy flavor, which confuses many people as they look like chili flakes.
Ume plum
Ume is a fruit tree in Japan, and their small, tart ‘plums’ are commonly used in making Japanese plum wine (‘umeshu’) and other sauces but are rarely eaten raw. The ume plum is closely related to an apricot.
Ube
A purple root vegetable or yam, ube is present in many Filipino dishes, especially desserts. It has a vibrant, sweet flavor with hints of vanilla.
Ulva
Often referred to simply as sea lettuce, ulva is a type of edible green algae and is common in salads or as a garnish. Ulva can be found in most of the world’s oceans and contains lots of chlorophyll.
Utica Greens
This traditional Italian-American dish gets its name from the town in Upstate New York and is made with sautéed greens, hot peppers, prosciutto and breadcrumbs. Many lovers of the dish think of it as a veggie casserole.
Urchin Roe
The eggs of many fish or other crustaceans is referred to as roe. Sea urchin roe is a delicate garnish commonly found as a gourmet ingredient in high-end or upscale seafood dishes.
Udon Soup
This Japanese noodle soup dish is made with popular udon noodles (see above) and is served in a steaming broth with various savory toppings such vegetables and meat.
Udo
This Japanese vegetable is known for having thick, edible stems that are typically blanched or stir-fried before being added to a variety of dishes. Udo comes from a perennial plant and tastes slightly bitter.
Ugli Fruit Salad
This vibrant and tasty fruit salad is made with ugli fruit and is said to taste like a hybrid of grapefruit and a tangerine. In the warmer months it is a very popular side dish in the ugli fruits’ home of Jamaica.
Umani
This Filipino dish consists of stir-fried vegetables, is added to grilled meat or seafood, and is similar in taste and appearance to a Korean bulgogi.
Umeboshi Plum Paste
Getting its taste from the ume plum, this tangy and salty paste or sauce is made from the pickled Japanese plum and adds a zesty flavor to any dish.
Urda Cheese
A soft, crumbly cheese made from sheep's milk, often used in Romanian cuisine.
Umeboshi Onigiri
A Japanese rice ball filled with pickled plum and wrapped in seaweed.
Ugli Fruit Juice
A citrus juice made from ugli fruit has a refreshing and tangy flavor.
Ulster Fry
A traditional Irish breakfast consisting of bacon, eggs, sausages, black pudding, and other items.
Umani Rice
A flavorful Filipino rice dish cooked with meat, vegetables, and soy sauce.
Udon Stir-fry
A dish made by stir-frying udon noodles with various ingredients like vegetables, meat, and sauces.
Uthappam
A thick and savory pancake made from fermented rice and lentil batter, commonly eaten in South India.
Umeshu
A Japanese liqueur made by steeping ume plums in alcohol, resulting in a sweet and tart beverage.
Upside-down Cake
A cake baked with fruit on the bottom becomes the top when the cake is flipped over.
Uku
A type of fish found in Hawaiian waters, known for its delicate and mild flavor.
Umm Ali
An Egyptian dessert made with layers of pastry, milk, nuts, and raisins, often served warm.
Ume Syrup
A sweet syrup made from Japanese plums, used as a topping for desserts and beverages.
Utapam
A thick and savory pancake from South India, made with fermented lentil and rice batter, often topped with vegetables.
Upo
Also known as bottle gourd, it is a long, green vegetable commonly used in Asian cuisine.
Ulluco
A tuberous root vegetable native to the Andes, with a crisp texture and a flavor similar to a cross between a potato and a lemon.
Umami Burger
A hamburger seasoned with umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce, mushrooms, or miso.
Ugli Fruit Sorbet
A refreshing frozen dessert made with ugli fruit, offering a tangy and sweet flavor.
Urchin Ceviche
A ceviche dish made with sea urchin, marinated in citrus juice, and served with vegetables and herbs.
Ugli Fruit Smoothie
A creamy and fruity smoothie made with ugli fruit, perfect for a refreshing beverage.
Unsalted Butter
Butter made from cream without added salt often used in baking and cooking.
Urfa Biber
A Turkish chili pepper with a unique smoky and fruity flavor, commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Ube Halaya
A Filipino dessert made from mashed purple yam, sugar, and coconut milk, with a vibrant purple color and sweet taste.
Umble Pie
A traditional British dish made with offal (organ meat) and served in a pastry crust.
Ugali
Ugali is a staple food in many African countries, a thick porridge made from cornmeal or other grains.
Unleavened Bread
Bread made without leavening agents like yeast or baking powder, often associated with religious traditions.
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