Foods That Start with ‘I’: 100+ Interesting Foods to Try
Exploring foods that start with the letter “I” can open up a world of new ingredients, dishes, and flavors from across the globe. From tropical fruits and vibrant spices to traditional dishes and desserts, these foods showcase unique aspects of different cultures, health benefits, and diverse flavor profiles. Whether you’re curious about trying Italian gelato, Indian idli, or Icelandic cod, this list has something for everyone. Get ready to discover interesting and delicious foods you may not have heard of before—and perhaps even be inspired to try them yourself!
Fruits and Vegetables That Start with ‘I’
1. Iceberg Lettuce
Iceberg lettuce is crisp and crunchy, often used in salads and sandwiches for a fresh texture.Its mild flavor makes combining it with other substances simple. Though not as nutrient-dense as darker greens, it provides hydration and small amounts of vitamins A and K.
2. Indian Fig (Prickly Pear)
Indian fig, or prickly pear, is a cactus fruit originally from Mexico and also grown in India and the Mediterranean. It has a sweet, slightly tart taste and is full of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, which help with digestion and immune health. It can be consumed raw, in juice, or preserved as jam.
3. Italian Plum
Italian plums are small, dark-blue fruits with a sweet but slightly tart flavor. They are popular in Eastern Europe and Italy, where they are used in jams, baked goods, and even dried prunes. They are high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making them both tasty and nutritious.
Grains and Staples Starting with ‘I’
4. Idli
Idli is a popular dish from South India, made from fermented rice and lentil batter. The mixture is poured into round molds and steamed, resulting in soft, fluffy rice cakes. Idli is typically served with chutney and sambar (a lentil-based soup). It’s a healthy breakfast option because it’s low in fat, high in protein, and contains probiotics from the fermentation process, which aids digestion.
5. Injera
Teff flour is used to make the classic Ethiopian flatbread known as injera. It has a spongy texture and a slightly sour taste due to fermentation. To make injera, the teff flour is mixed with water and allowed to ferment before being cooked on a large, flat pan. It is often used as a base for Ethiopian meals, where it serves both as a plate and an edible utensil to scoop up stews, lentils, and vegetables. Injera plays a key role in Ethiopian culture and is eaten with almost every meal.
Dairy and Desserts with ‘I’
6. Ice Cream
Ice cream is a popular frozen dessert with many flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and mint chocolate chip. It can be made with dairy or non-dairy options. There are also unique flavors like green tea or salted caramel, making ice cream a favorite treat around the world.
7. Italian Gelato
Gelato is Italy’s version of ice cream, but it has less cream and more milk, making it thicker and creamier. It’s also served at a slightly warmer temperature, which makes the flavors stronger. Popular flavors include chocolate, pistachio, and hazelnut.
8. Irish Cream (Baileys)
Irish cream, like Baileys, is a creamy drink made with Irish whiskey and cream. It’s used in desserts, cocktails, and coffee for a rich, sweet flavor. It can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with drinks like coffee or in cocktails.
International Dishes Starting with ‘I’
9. Ikan Bakar
Ikan Bakar is a well-known grilled fish dish from Indonesia. The fish is marinated with a blend of spices, including turmeric, garlic, ginger, and chili, giving it a flavorful, smoky taste. It’s typically grilled over an open flame, which adds a delicious charred flavor. Ikan Bakar is often served with rice, sambal (spicy chili paste), and fresh vegetables, making it a complete and tasty meal.
10. Imarti
Imarti is a traditional Indian dessert made from lentil flour and sugar syrup. The flour is mixed with water to form a batter, which is then deep-fried into intricate, colorful shapes. After frying, the pieces are soaked in sweet sugar syrup, giving them a sticky and sweet flavor. Imarti is often enjoyed at festivals and special occasions and is similar in taste to jalebi.
11. Irish Stew
Irish stew is a comforting dish made with lamb (or beef), potatoes, carrots, onions, and herbs like thyme. The ingredients are simmered together in a pot, creating a rich, hearty broth. It’s a traditional Irish meal that’s easy to make and filling, often served with a slice of bread. Irish stew is deeply rooted in Irish culture and is a go-to dish for cold weather or family gatherings.
Snacks, Spices, and Ingredients Starting with ‘I’
12. Iced Coffee
Iced coffee is a popular drink, especially during warmer months, because it’s refreshing and energizing. Made by brewing coffee and cooling it down with ice, it can be customized with milk, sugar, or flavored syrups. Iced coffee is enjoyed worldwide, offering a cool and caffeinated boost during hot days.
13. Italian Sausage
Italian sausage is known for its bold flavors, typically seasoned with fennel, garlic, red pepper flakes, and herbs. There are different types, like sweet (mild) and hot (spicy), and it’s commonly used in pasta dishes, sandwiches, or grilled. Italian sausage adds rich, savory flavors to many Italian and Mediterranean dishes.
14. Icaco (Cocoplum)
Icaco, also known as cocoplum, is a tropical fruit found in parts of the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. The fruit is small, round, and comes in colors ranging from purple to yellow. It has a sweet and tart flavor and is often eaten fresh or used in jams and juices.
100 foods that begin with the letter I
Here’s a list of 100 foods that start with the letter “I,” spanning various categories like fruits, vegetables, snacks, dishes, and international cuisines.
Fruits and Vegetables
- Iceberg Lettuce
- Indian Fig (Prickly Pear)
- Italian Plum
- Imbe (African Mangosteen)
- Indian Gooseberry (Amla)
- Inkberry (Gallberry)
- Icaco (Cocoplum)
- Indian Jujube
- Italian Grape (Variety)
- Irish Potato (white potato variety)
- Indian Squash
- Italian Tomato (Heirloom Variety)
- Ivory Gourd
- Ice Plant
- Indian Bitter Melon
Grains, Staples, and Pasta
- Israeli Couscous
- Indian Rice
- Italian Farro
- Indian Corn (Maize)
- Italian Orzo
- Injera (Ethiopian Flatbread)
- Idli (Indian Rice Cake)
- Instant Oats
- Italian Polenta
- Irish Oats
Dairy and Desserts
- Ice Cream
- Italian Gelato
- Irish Cream (Baileys)
- Ice Milk
- Indian Sweets (varieties like Barfi and Jalebi)
- Italian Tiramisu
- Italian Ricotta Cheesecake
- Iced Donut
- Irish Butter
- Indian Kulfi
Baked Goods and Bread
- Italian Bread
- Irish Soda Bread
- Italian Biscotti
- Indian Naan Bread
- Irish Scones
- Italian Focaccia
- Italian Panettone
- Indian Chapati
- Icelandic Rye Bread
- Italian Crostata
Seafood and Fish
- Ikan Bakar (Indonesian Grilled Fish)
- Indian Fish Curry
- Icelandic Cod
- Irish Smoked Salmon
- Italian Anchovy
- Irish Scallops
- Indian Crab
- Iced Shrimp Cocktail
- Indian Mackerel
- Icelandic Haddock
Meat and Poultry
- Italian Sausage
- Indian Tandoori Chicken
- Irish Beef Stew
- Icelandic Lamb
- Italian Prosciutto
- Irish Bacon
- Italian Mortadella
- Indian Goat Curry
- Icelandic Hot Dog
- Indian Lamb Biryani
Snacks and Appetizers
- Iced Coffee
- Italian Mozzarella Sticks
- Indian Pakora
- Italian Bruschetta
- Indian Samosa
- Irish Cheese Board
- Italian Olive Tapenade
- Italian Stuffed Peppers
- Indian Chaat
- Icelandic Skyr (yogurt-like)
Beverages
- Irish Coffee
- Indian Masala Chai
- Italian Espresso
- Iced Green Tea
- Irish Whiskey
- Italian Red Wine
- Icelandic Glacial Water
- Italian Limoncello
- Indian Mango Lassi
- Italian Grappa
Spices, Sauces, and Condiments
- Indian Curry Sauce
- Italian Marinara Sauce
- Irish Mustard
- Italian Pesto
- Indian Garam Masala
- Italian Herb Mix
- Indian Chutney
- Italian Balsamic Vinegar
- Indian Saffron
- Indian Tamarind Paste
Miscellaneous
- Indian Dhal (Lentil Dish)
- Italian Risotto
- Irish Shepherd’s Pie
- Indian Jaggery
- Icelandic Fermented Shark (Hákarl)
Conclusion
Foods that start with the letter “I” come in many types, like fruits, grains, spices, and dishes from different countries. From the refreshing taste of iced coffee to the delicious flavors of Italian sausage or the unique dishes like Ikan Bakar and Idli, there’s something for everyone. By trying these dishes, you can discover new flavors and civilizations. Have you tried any of these foods, or do you know other foods that start with “I”? Let us know in the comments!
