If you’re searching for foods that start with Q or simply want to improve your vocabulary, check out this newly updated list!
I always believed that there were just a few foods that start with Q.
But wow, it turns out that I was way off base.
Foods starting with Q aren’t just limited only to the popular quinoa, quiche, or quail–actually, there are tons of foods that have the initial waiting for you to be discovered!
And with this guide, you’re going to unlock some of these extraordinary foods, from simple Quinoa to the Luxembourgish plum tart, Quetschentaart.
Do you know that there’s a food called Qurabiya which is a popular evening snack in Iran?
How about Puerto Rico’s version of the New York cheesecake, Quesito?
And there are some fascinating features about Queijadinha that make it a great dessert–you will fall in love with it.
Well, this is just the beginning of your exciting food adventure ahead!
As we include interesting facts about these foods, expect to expand your knowledge of edible fruits, fish, dairy products, seafood, and even sinful desserts that start with the letter Q.
Some of them are already household names, but some are completely new to your vocabulary–but one thing is for sure–you’re going to love them all.
1. Quinoa
Originated in the mountains of Bolivia, Chile, and Peru, quinoa (keen-wah) is a staple food for over 5,000 years.
For Inca people, it’s considered a sacred crop that’s often dubbed as the mother of all grains or chisaya mama.
Today, quinoa is added to salads, buddha bowls, stews, soups, or sometimes it’s used to make burger patties, breakfast porridge, and decadent desserts.
Get the recipe: A Tex-Mex Quinoa salad
2. Quail eggs
Quail eggs are little eggs that are about the size of a large olive or a cherry tomato.
They taste like chicken eggs and have cream-colored shells with brown splotches and a rich yolk.
Quail eggs can be cooked in the same way you prepare your chicken eggs. But most people prefer to fry or boil them.
3. Quiche
Quiche is a French delicacy that features a simple pastry crust made from flour, butter, and water.
The crust is then filled with a savory egg custard and pieces of cheese, meat, or vegetables.
You might think it’s similar to a frittata, an egg-based Italian dish, but they’re actually a different recipe!
A quiche is baked slowly in a savory pie crust, while frittata is crustless and cooked in a skillet.
We eat a lot of quiche in our house. They are perfect at Christmas time. You can make them ahead of time and then serve them the next day.
Quick Read: 29 Tasty Sides For Quiche
4. Quesadilla
A quesadilla is a Mexican dish that’s traditionally made from corn tortillas and white cheese.
As time passes, quesadilla makers tweaked the original recipe and use flour tortillas, cheese, and other fillings like meats and vegetables to create the dish.
Quesadillas are also topped with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.
Hot Tip: How To Reheat A Quesadilla
5. Queso fresco
Queso fresco is a Mexican cheese that’s often used in various dishes such as enchiladas, huevos rancheros, salads, and grilled vegetables.
It’s notable for its fresh, bright, and mild flavor.
This cheese is also great with egg dishes or as a light appetizer or dessert.
6. Quail
A quail is an edible and small bird that’s a member of the Galliformes family, wherein chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys, and pheasants also belong.
People have been breeding quails for food.
You can braise, roast, and grill them. One of the most famous quail recipes is bulgogi quail, made from fish sauce, garlic, ginger, orange, and pepper.
7. Quince
A quince is a small and rounded fruit that has a similar appearance to a pear.
The fruit has thin skin and tough-spongy flesh with a scent like a vanilla-scented orange.
Unlike apples and pears, quinces have a hard texture when they ripen.
The fruit isn’t edible until it is cooked; you can turn it into jams, jellies, marmalades or spoon them over cake and ice cream.
8. Quandong
Quandong is an edible fruit that’s often found throughout the central deserts and southern areas of Australia.
It’s famous for its sweet taste with a balancing slightly sour and salty aftertaste.
You can use the fruit for jams and pies, stew them in sugar, orange juice, or turn them into fruit purée.
9. Quahog
Also dubbed as a hard clam and chowder clam, a quahog is an edible clam that inhabits the western Atlantic as far south as Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
According to fishwatch.gov, hard clams can grow about 3-5 inches long and have a thick shell with grey to white color.
Quahogs are generally used for human consumption in soups, chowders, and stews.
10. Quark
Quark is a type of dairy product that’s popular for its versatility.
Due to its creaminess and softness, this cheese is used as an ingredient for salads, desserts, and sauces.
It features a mild and creamy flavor and is often likened to dairy products like cottage cheese and yogurt.
11. Quorn
Quoin is a meat replacement product that’s derived from a natural fungus.
It’s ideal for vegetarians or for those people who are looking for a hearty meatless meal.
12. Quadretti pasta
Quadretti is a square-shaped pasta that’s made from egg dough.
This pasta is often used as a filler for clear broths, stews, or even creamy soups. It can be made at home, or you can purchase one at the grocery store.
13. Queso Blanco
Queso blanco is a Mexican soft and fresh cheese made from pure cow’s milk or a combination of cow and goat’s milk.
It has a mild flavor with a firm and crumbly textural nuance, perfect for salad, over rice and beans, or as a table cheese with marmalade.
The term “queso blanco” is literally white cheese in Spanish.
14. Queso añejo
Queso añejo is a type of Mexican cheese initially made from goat’s milk or cow’s milk.
This cheese is often used in baking and grilling, especially in making tacos, enchiladas, and burritos.
Just like queso blanco, queso añejo has a crumbly texture, but the cheese becomes firmer as it ages.
15. Qatayef
Qatayef is an Arabian dessert that’s widely popular in the Middle East.
The sweet pancake is filled with cheese or nuts like walnuts, almonds, and pistachios, then topped with sugar syrup.
The dessert is considered a staple of the Ramadan holiday feast and sometimes used as a sweet gift during the celebration.
16. Quenelles Nantua
Quenelles Nantua is a light and fluffy dumpling with a creamy, intense shellfish sauce made from onion, carrots, crayfish, white wine, fish stock, flour, heavy cream, butter, and cayenne pepper for a kick.
Steamed rice, snow peas, and fresh baguette are some of the dishes often served alongside these quenelles.
17. Queen of puddings
Queen of puddings is a traditional British dessert made from a custardy bread base, the fruit of your choice, and meringue topping.
This decadent treat is pretty straightforward to whip up.
18. Queenfish
Though it isn’t the tastiest fish to eat, queenfish is actually edible.
Also known as giant dart and leather jacket, queenfish is a fish variety that belongs to the Sciaenidae family.
It has a long slender body and dry flesh suitable for baking, pan-frying, or poaching.
19. Quroot
Quroot is a dairy product made from drained, salted, and dried yogurt then formed into balls.
These salty balls are often sold in the Afghanistan streets and can be bought pre-made in many shops.
20. Quindim
Quindim is a sweet Brazilian baked dessert that combines egg yolks, sugar, butter, shredded coconut, and coconut milk.
The decadent treat is often eaten at birthdays, weddings, and christenings.
21. Qottab
Qottab is an Iranian pastry staple consisting of soft wheat dough wrapped around almond or walnut fillings.
These sweets are seasoned with cinnamon, rose water, cardamom, and orange blossom and then shaped into round or crescent forms.
22. Quarter Pounder
McDonald’s is known for its mouthwatering burgers, and out of all the ones that they have on the menu, the Quarter Pounder is the star.
It is a favorite among meat lovers because of its juicy beef patty and the delicious combination of cheese, vegetables, and soft buns.
There are several varieties of quarter pounder hamburgers, some of which come across as prominent ones like the Quarter Pounder with cheese and deluxe quarter pounder.
You can make this hamburger your own by adding bacon, egg, or any of your favorite toppings.
Remember to pair it with French fries and soda for a filling meal.
23. Queen Tahiti Pineapple
Succulent, sweet, and juicy, this golden yellow fruit produces refreshing juice that you can drink on its own or mix with other beverages like cocktails or wine.
You can also use the juice as broth on stews and hot pots to make them tastier and richer with a bit of tang.
As for the chunks, you can enjoy them as a snack or use them as toppings on your pizza.
They are also excellent for yogurt, jams, jellies, ice cream, cakes, and other desserts.
24. Quaker Oats
Quaker Oats is the most classic brand of oatmeal in the market.
They are easily prepared as you only need to soak them in hot water for a few minutes to make them soft and tender.
They go well in pies, desserts, salads, and puddings, and they can also be mashed to make patties, cookies, and crumbles.
25. Quavers
Quavers are crispy and slightly salty deep-fried potato snacks from the UK.
They make for a nice tea-time snack, or you can binge on them while you’re watching a movie or traveling.
Quavers come in several flavors like cheese, vinegar, and prawn cocktails.
26. Queens Cake
This cake is similar to Victoria’s sponge and is one of the most popular items in bakeries.
It is dense, buttery, and studded with blackcurrants, but you can choose other fruits to compliment the sponge and give it some punch.
Although it is traditionally prepared with no icing on top, you can tweak the recipe a bit and cover the layers with Dream Whip.
If you want it to be sweeter, sprinkle powdered sugar on it.
27. Quadrettini
This square-shaped pasta is used in several meals with different sauces like pesto or marinara.
Its unique shape gives every dish a funky feel thanks to the newness that it brings to the look.
The pasta is soft and chewy, and the toppings of cheese make it relish-worthy and fun to eat for dinner or breakfast.
28. Queso Cotija
This exquisite Mexican cheese made from cow’s milk has the same texture as Parmesan cheese.
It is tangier than other types of cheeses but just as delicious.
It is used as a seasoning agent on many dishes, and desserts can be layered with it to enrich its flavor.
You can also garnish your soups and salads with shredded Queso Cotija.
29. Queso Manchego
This Spanish cheese comes from sheep’s milk and is lighter and crumblier than other cheeses.
It has a pleasant nutty flavor and is a certified crowd-pleaser.
It works great as an appetizer or a filling for pastries such as crostini and cheesecakes.
30. Quenepas
This tiny grape-like fruit has a layer of sweet pulp that is used to produce beverages.
The juice extracted from it is often mixed with alcoholic drinks, gingers, or limes.
The pulp of the Quenepas is not the only part that can be consumed, as its pit can be eaten after it is roasted.
31. Quararibea Cordata
This American fruit tastes like a blend of pumpkin and apricot.
Its texture is a bit fluffy, and its juicy exterior gives it a captivating appeal.
It is juicy and sweet enough to be eaten raw, and it can be crushed to produce fresh juice.
You can mix it in other drinks, such as cocktails and teas.
32. Queen Anne Cherry
Queen Anne Cherry, also called the Napoleon cherry, is sweet, delectable, and safe enough to be eaten raw.
The cherries are crushed into jellies and jams to spread on baguettes.
They can also be condensed into chocolates, candies, and other confectionery.
33. Quills Pasta
This cylinder-shaped pasta is soft and smooth when cooked and easily dissolves on your tongue.
When it is mixed with flavorful sauces and ingredients, it results in a decadent and filling dish.
Quills Pasta is suited for marinara, pesto, and carbonara.
34. Queso Flameado
This party dish of hot melted cheese and spicy chorizo is often served flambé.
It is similar to cheese fondue, except it already has added meat, diced vegetables, and seasonings.
Since it is semi-liquid, it is easy to spread on baguettes or drizzle on salads and soup to make them more savory.
It can also be a taco or burrito filling.
35. Queema
This exceptional gravy from India is spicy and aromatic.
It is mostly prepared with minced beef, but you can also go for mutton or chicken.
If you are a vegetarian, you can enjoy potatoes tossed in this gravy instead.
Garlic, peppercorns, onions, and chili powder are regularly added ingredients, and a bit of butter as tempering would spike up its overall flavor.
Queema goes with naan bread, flatbreads, and rice with tomato or cabbage salad on the side.
36. Queijadinhas
This Brazilian custard tart is the next dessert that you will undoubtedly fall in love with.
It is creamy, rich, and loaded with coconut; it is a sweet tooth’s dream come true.
This tart is a fitting end for a perfect meal, and they are also filling as a snack alongside a hot beverage.
37. Qurabiya
Qurabiya is an Iranian biscuit that is creamy, soft, and decorated with crunchy ground almonds.
Eating this biscuit is like taking bites of nectar.
They qualify well as an evening snack to side with coffee and tea.
38. Quesito
This dessert is Puerto Rico’s version of the New York cheesecake.
It is a cheese-filled pastry that combines all the amazing sweeteners to make a perfect treat.
The rich cheese is mixed with fruit jams and vanilla before it is tossed in the pastry.
You can enrichen the dessert by adding red bean paste, papaya sauce, sour cream, or nuts.
Each bite is like drops of ecstasy, especially after it is dipped in caramel sauce.
39. Quetschentaart
Quetschentaart is an exuberant treat that is plum heaven.
It is loved for its extremely fruity taste and soft texture.
The pie is flooded with plums that are kneaded into the dough before it is baked.
It turns into a thick brownish color and is decorated with more plums for a more captivating look.
The bottom line
It’s always good to learn about other new foods as these encourage you to be more adventurous when it comes to your daily consumption.
But first, you need to know vital facts surrounding them–like what they are, what they taste like, and their culinary purposes so you can use them properly when the day comes.
Other Foods That Start With Letters
- Essential Foods That Start With A
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- Zany Foods That Start With Z
39 Foods That Start With Q (Desserts, Fruits & More!)
If you're searching for foods that start with Q or simply want to improve your vocabulary, check out this newly updated list!
Ingredients
- Quinoa
- Quail Eggs
- Quiche
- Quesadilla
- Queso Fresco
- Quail
- Quince
- Quandong
- Quahog
- Quark
- Quorn
- Quadretti Pasta
- Queso Blanco
- Queso Añejo
- Qatayef
- Quenelles Nantua
- Queen Of Puddings
- Queenfish
- Quroot
- Quindim
- Qottab
- Quarter Pounder
- Queen Tahiti Pineapple
- Quaker Oats
- Quavers
- Queens Cake
- Quadrettini
- Queso Cotija
- Queso Manchego Cheese
- Quenepas
- Quararibea Cordata
- Queen Anne Cherry
- Quills Pasta
- Queso Flameado
- Queema
- Queijadinhas
- Qurabiya
- Quesito
- Quetschentaart
Instructions
- Wondering what Foods That Start With Q?
- Choose a food or recipe that sounds good.
- Leave us a message or share your thoughts on your socials!