78 Popular Foods Starting with O
Get ready to explore a delicious variety of foods that start with O. You’re in for a treat with a bunch of irresistible ideas that might just make your mouth water. Let’s explore these tempting O-beginning treats!
1. Octopus
This fascinating seafood is known for its unique taste and chewy texture. Octopus can be grilled, braised, or marinated. The taste is mild and ocean-inspired, and the texture offers a satisfying chewiness.
2. Oeufs en Meurette
Oeufs en Meurette is a classic French dish that’s all about rich flavors and comfort. Imagine eggs gently poached in a flavorful red wine sauce. The eggs are tender and silky, and the sauce is made with red wine, onions, mushrooms, and sometimes bacon.
3. Ogbono Soup
This flavorful, hearty dish is a star of West African and Nigerian cuisine. It’s like a warm embrace from the kitchen! It is made with ground ogbono seeds, which create a thick and smooth consistency, and its taste is a blend of earthy, nutty, and slightly tangy flavors.
4. Oat cookies
These are delightful treats baked with wholesome oats, resulting in a chewy texture and a hint of nuttiness. The cookies are enjoyed by many and are known for their satisfying, comforting taste.
5. Obbattu
Also known as holige or puran poli, obbattu is an Indian dessert popular during Diwali and originated in Andhra Pradesh, but now popular in other regions like Kerala, Goa and Maharashtra. It’s like a sweet, thin bread filled with a mixture of ingredients such as chana dal (split chickpeas), jaggery (a type of sugar), and grated coconut.
6. Oblea
Oblea is a tasty Columbian dessert. It’s like a thin, crispy wafer that’s filled with arequipe, arequipe, milk cream, grated cheese, jams, or chocolate.
7. Oats and Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a warm and comforting breakfast choice. It’s made by cooking oats in milk or water until they get soft and creamy. You can add tasty things on top like fruits, nuts, or honey.
8. Oat bread
This is a nourishing bread made with oats offering a hearty texture and slightly nutty flavor. It’s enjoyed worldwide as a wholesome alternative to regular bread and is perfect for sandwiches or toast.
9. Obusuma
Obusuma is a simple and filling dish enjoyed in parts of Africa, especially in countries like Kenya and Uganda. It’s a staple food made from starchy ingredients like maize (corn) flour or millet flour. The texture is thick and smooth, kind of like a dense dough.
10. Ochazuke
Ochazuke is a cozy and light Japanese dish that’s perfect for a quick meal or snack. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! It is made by pouring green tea over rice and adding flavorful toppings. The green tea adds a gentle, soothing taste, and the rice absorbs the tea’s essence.
11. Ogi
Ogi, also known as pap or akamu, is a traditional African breakfast dish that’s loved for its simplicity and comforting nature. It is made from fermented grains such as maize (corn) or sorghum.
12. Ohitashi
Ohitashi is a simple yet delightful Japanese dish showcasing the leafy green’s beauty. The dish involves blanching leafy vegetables like spinach or kale and then lightly seasoning them with soy sauce, bonito flakes, and sometimes sesame seeds.
13. Oil Down
This one-pot wonder is made by stewing a variety of ingredients such as breadfruit, callaloo leaves, coconut milk, and various meats such as salted fish, chicken, or pork. As it cooks, everything melds together to create a rich and fragrant medley of flavors.
Oil Down is a popular Caribbean dish, especially in Trinidad & Tobago and Grenada.
14. Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is a delicious Japanese street food that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! It’s like a savory pancake filled with tasty surprises. The base is made from a batter of flour, grated yam, eggs, and shredded cabbage. You can add various ingredients such as sliced pork, shrimp, squid, or even cheese.
15. Okowa
Okowa is a delightful Japanese dish that’s a harmony of flavors and textures. It’s like a delicious melody of ingredients in one bowl! This dish is made by cooking glutinous rice with various ingredients like vegetables, meat, seafood, and seasonings.
16. Okra
The vegetable is unique and versatile, adding a touch of variety to your plate. It’s like a little green pod with a lot of character! When cooked, okra becomes tender yet slightly crunchy, offering a pleasing texture. Since we’re here, check out our delicious fried okra recipe.
17. Okroshka
Okroshka is a refreshing Russian cold soup that’s like a cool breeze on a hot day. This traditional Russian dish combines diced boiled potatoes, fresh cucumbers, hard-boiled eggs, and sometimes radishes or other veggies. The magic happens when you mix in kefir (a fermented dairy product).
18. Olallieberry
This delicious berry which originated in Oregon, US is a mix of raspberry and blackberry. It’s sweet and a bit tart, with a deep purple color. Olallieberries are used in pies and jams, because they taste incredibly good.
19. Olan
Olan is a gentle and comforting dish from Kerala, India. This dish is made with a simple combination of ash gourd, pumpkin, and black-eyed peas, all cooked together in a light and fragrant coconut milk broth.
20. Olives
These small, oval fruits pack a punch of flavor into every bite. They come in various colors, like green, purple, black, which usually indicate their ripeness. The texture of olives ranges from firm to soft, depending on the type and how they’re prepared.
21. Olive Oil Cake
The cake has a special taste: not too sweet, a little rich, and a tiny bit fruity. It’s like a cozy twist on regular cake. People sometimes add lemon zest or honey to make it even tastier.
22. Olive All’ascolana
These are stuffed olives, but not just any olives. They’re big green olives that are filled with a delicious mixture of seasoned meat, like beef or pork. Then, they’re breaded and fried until they’re crispy and golden.
23. Olive Oil
Olive oil comes from olives, of course. It’s rather like having liquid gold in the kitchen! The oil has a distinct taste: a mix of fruity and a bit peppery. It’s also one of the most expensive oils in the world.
24. Olivet Cendré
Olivet Cendré is a delightful French cheese that’s a creamy masterpiece. Biting into it gives you a a mix of textures – soft and slightly gooey on the outside and creamy on the inside. Olivet Cendré is a gourmet treat often enjoyed with crusty bread or fruits.
25. Omelet
An omelet is a simple and satisfying dish made by cooking whisked eggs in an omelet pan. You can add tasty ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, or meats for extra flavor.
26. Omelet Soufflé
This is a fancier version of the classic omelet! It involves separating the egg yolks and whites and mixing the yolks with various fillings such as cheese, herbs, or veggies. Meanwhile, the egg whites are whipped until they’re light and airy. The yolks and whites are gently folded together, creating a mixture that’s super airy, and then cooked.
27. Omurice
Omurice is a Japanese comfort dish that features fluffy rice enveloped in a thin omelet blanket. The omelet is often topped with ketchup, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
28. Onigiri
Onigiri are portable Japanese rice balls typically filled with ingredients such as grilled fish, pickled plum, or seaweed. These convenient snacks are a staple in Japanese cuisine and especially popular for breakfast.
29. Onion
These pungent and versatile edible bulbs are widely used in cooking, adding flavor to a whole variety of dishes around the world.
30. Onion Jam
Sweet and savory, this condiment is made by slowly cooking onions until they caramelize and turn into a rich, flavorful spread.
31. Onion Kulcha
Onion kulcha is a type of Indian bread that’s stuffed with a mixture of spiced onions, giving it an aromatic and tasty twist.
32. Onion Pakoras
Onion pakoras are crispy Indian fritters made by coating sliced onions in a chickpea flour batter and frying until golden and delicious.
33. Onion Rings
This popular snack is made by dipping onion slices in batter, and then frying them until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
34. Onion Soup
This comforting, broth-based soup is made from caramelized onions and is often topped with melted cheese and toasted bread. Check out our French onion soup recipe.
35. Oolong
Oolong is a type of tea with a flavor profile that falls between green tea and black tea, offering a balanced taste with subtle variations.
36. Opah
Opah is a colorful and flavorful fish with a distinct taste. It is often referred to as moonfish and can be found in various cuisines. It is appreciated for its vibrant appearance.
37. Opera Cake
A cake as sophisticated as an opera, this one is French and made with layers of almond sponge, coffee buttercream, and a glossy chocolate glaze, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Check out the recipe here.
38. Orach
Orach is a leafy green vegetable that’s often used in salads and cooked dishes, offering a mild and slightly salty taste with a hint of earthiness.
39. Oranges
This is such a versatile fruit. Oranges can be enjoyed as a refreshing snack, squeezed for their juice, or added to both sweet and savory dishes to enhance their flavor. Additionally, orange zest can be grated and added to recipes for an extra burst of citrusy aroma.
40. Orange Peppers
Orange peppers are sweet bell peppers with a bright orange color, adding a mild and slightly fruity taste to dishes.
41. Orange Juice
This highly popular, invigorating beverage is created by extracting the juice from ripe oranges, delivering a naturally sweet and pleasantly zesty flavor. It’s often enjoyed as a breakfast staple or a revitalizing pick-me-up throughout the day.
42. Orange Marmalade
Orange marmalade is a popular spread made from citrus fruits, often including orange rinds, creating a balance of sweetness and bitterness.
43. Orangelo
What do you get if you cross a grapefruit with an orange? An orangelo. This is a fruit with a distinctive fusion of flavors and textures. It can be enjoyed sliced, in juicy segments, in fruit salads, or by using the zest to infuse a citrusy essence into baked goods and culinary creations.
44. Orangutan Plum
An exotic fruit known for its sweet and pleasantly zesty taste, the orangutan plum gets its name from its uncanny resemblance to the face of an orangutan. It can be enjoyed fresh as a snack or used in various culinary applications to add a unique touch of flavor and visual intrigue.
45. Oregano
This herb not only adds a savory and slightly peppery flavor to a variety of dishes but also infuses a delightful aromatic essence into the kitchen as it’s being used.
46. Oregon Grapes
Oregon grapes are small, tart berries that make tasty jams and jellies. They’re also used in cooking and baking to add a hint of natural sweetness and flavor to dishes.
47. Oreo Dory
Oreo dory is a fish with white meat that’s popular in cooking. It’s often used in recipes because it has a mild taste that works well with various flavors.
48. Oreos
Oreos are well-known cookies with a chocolatey outside and a creamy filling in the middle. They’re loved by many as a simple and tasty snack.
49. Orgu Peyniri
This cheese comes from Turkey. It is soft and stringy, making it fun to eat as a snack or part of a meal.
50. Oritang
Oritang is a Korean soup that combines duck, vegetables, and broth. It’s traditionally prepared by simmering the ingredients together, allowing the flavors to meld and create a rich and satisfying broth.
51. Ormer
Ormer, also called abalone, is a seafood treat with tender meat. It counts among the most expensive seafood in the world and it’s a popular ingredient in many high-end restaurants.
52. Oroblanco
This hybrid comes from a grapefruit and a pomelo. It’s known for its juicy sweetness and makes a refreshing snack. It’s also known as sweetie and it’s primarily grown in Israel and California.
53. Ortanique
Ortanique is a hybrid citrus fruit with a mix of orange and tangerine flavors. It’s enjoyed for its juicy goodness.
54. Orzo
Orzo is pasta shaped like rice grains. It’s used in different dishes, from salads to soups, because of its versatility.
55. Orzo Soup
The tasty orzo soup is made with orzo pasta and often vegetables or meat. It’s warm and satisfying.
56. Osage Orange
Osage orange is a fruit with a bumpy outside. While not typically consumed as a primary ingredient in meals, some people have experimented with using osage orange in preserves or jellies due to its unique flavor and natural pectin content.
57. Oshiruko
Oshiruko is a Japanese sweet soup made from red beans and often served with rice cakes. It’s enjoyed as a dessert.
58. Osmanthus Cake
Osmanthus cake is a popular Chinese dessert made with osmanthus flowers, creating a unique and floral flavor.
59. Osmanthus Jelly
The osmanthus flower can be made into a jelly, which is a clear, sweet dessert enjoyed in Asian cuisine. It has a delicate floral flavor that brings a unique touch to the dessert table.
60. Ossobuco
Ossobuco is a traditional Italian dish that features braised veal shanks cooked slowly until tender. It is often served with gremolata, a mixture of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley, which adds a zesty kick to the rich flavors of the meat and broth.
61. Osumashi
This simple Japanese soup is typically clear and light in flavor. It’s often enjoyed as a starter in meals, offering a gentle and soothing beginning.
62. Ovatto
Ovatto is a delicate dessert made from eggs and sugar, resulting in a creamy and sweet treat. It’s often enjoyed with the addition of berries or other fruits, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
63. Ovos Moles de Aveiro
This traditional Portuguese dish is made with eggs and sugar, forming a unique and delicious confection. It often features intricate shapes and designs that showcase the craftsmanship of the pastry.
64. Owofibo
Owofibo is a term used in Nigerian cuisine to describe a flavorful and spicy stew made with various ingredients like meat, vegetables, and spices. This dish offers a satisfying medley of textures and tastes, often served with staples like rice or fufu.
65. Ox Cheek
Ox cheek is a cut of meat that’s known for its tenderness and rich flavor. When cooked slowly, it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, making it a popular choice for hearty stews and braised dishes.
66. Ox Heart
The heart of an ox is very dense and very flavorful. It can be prepared in various ways, such as marinating and grilling, or braising. Despite its strong taste, when cooked properly, ox heart can be tender and truly enjoyable.
67. Oxford Blue
Oxford Blue is cheese with a creamy, tangy flavor profile. It has a distinctive appearance due to the blue veins running through it and is a popular choice for adding a bold and complex taste to salads, sandwiches, and cheese platters.
68. Oxtail
The flavorful meat from the tail of cattle is known for its rich taste and tenderness, when cooked slowly. Oxtail is often used in hearty dishes to infuse a deep and satisfying flavor.
69. Oyakodon
Oyakodon is a Japanese dish made by simmering chicken and eggs together with onions in a flavorful broth. The dish is served over a bed of steamed rice, creating a balanced combination of textures and tastes.
70. Oysters
These shellfish are known for their unique taste and texture. They can be enjoyed raw, fried, grilled, or used in various dishes. Oysters have a distinct briny flavor that seafood enthusiasts appreciate.
71. Oyster Bisque
This creamy soup is made with oysters and often includes other ingredients such as cream, vegetables, and seasonings. The resulting soup has a velvety texture and a rich taste that showcases the flavors of the sea.
72. Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are one of the most popular types of mushrooms, known for their delicate taste and meaty texture. They get their name from their cap, which resembles the shape and color of oysters. They can be sautéed, grilled, or used as a vegetarian filling in a variety of dishes.
73. Oyster Omelet
Oyster omelet is a traditional dish in Taiwan. Oysters are cooked within an omelet and accompanied by vegetables creates a flavorful and hearty meal with a mix of textures.
74. Oyster Po’ Boy
Oyster po’ boy is a sandwich originating from New Orleans featuring fried oysters in a French roll. The crispy oysters are complemented by toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, and condiments, resulting in a satisfying and indulgent sandwich.
75. Oyster Sauce
This savory, umami-rich condiment made from oyster extract, soy sauce, and other seasonings is used to add depth of flavor to various dishes, especially in Asian cuisine.
76. Oat milk
This is a dairy-free alternative made from oats, offering a creamy texture and a mild, neutral taste. This milk is widely embraced as a plant-based option for coffee, cereal, and cooking.
77. Opłatek (Oplatki)
This Polish Christmas wafer is shared among the family during Wigilia, the Christmas Eve feast. A symbol of unity and forgiveness, each person breaks off a piece, wishes well to others, and partakes in a centuries-old tradition that fosters togetherness and love.
78. Occhio di bue
This buttery Italian shortbread cookie with a sweet jam center resembles a bull’s eye – which is what the name means in English. It plays beautifully with crispiness and fruity sweetness.
As we wrap up this journey through foods that start with O, I can practically hear the rumble of tummies! Did your appetite awaken?
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