Embark on a flavorful journey exploring the world of foods that start with the letter ‘I’. From sweet treats to savory staples, this alphabet adventure uncovers a diverse range of culinary delights. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just curious about expanding your palate, prepare to be inspired by this incredible edible list.
1. Ice Cream
A universal dessert loved across the globe, ice cream is a frozen delight typically made from dairy cream and flavored with sweeteners and various ingredients like fruits, chocolate, and nuts. Its creamy texture and refreshing coolness make it a perfect treat, especially during warmer months. From simple vanilla to exotic flavors, ice cream’s versatility knows no bounds.
2. Ice Cream Cake
Ice cream cake elevates the classic dessert by layering ice cream with cake, often incorporating cookies, fudge, or sprinkles for added texture and flavor. It’s a popular choice for celebrations, combining the best of both worlds in a single, festive dessert.
3. Ice Cream Sandwich
The ice cream sandwich is a portable and fun treat that encases a slab of ice cream between two cookies, wafers, or even slices of cake. The contrast between the cold ice cream and the slightly chewy or crisp outer layers creates a delightful textural experience.
4. Ice Plant (Vegetable)
Despite its name, the ice plant is a succulent vegetable known for its unique, glistening droplets on its leaves, resembling ice crystals. It has a slightly salty and tangy flavor, adding a refreshing crunch to salads and other dishes. It’s gaining popularity for its unusual texture and mild taste.
5. Ice Pops
Ice pops, also known as popsicles, are frozen treats made from flavored liquids like fruit juice, soda, or even yogurt. They are a simple and refreshing way to cool down, especially popular among children and during hot weather.
6. Ice Wine
Ice wine is a type of dessert wine made from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine. This freezing process concentrates the sugars and flavors, resulting in a lusciously sweet and intensely flavored wine. It’s a prized beverage, often enjoyed with desserts or as an after-dinner treat.
7. Iceberg Lettuce
Iceberg lettuce is a popular variety of lettuce known for its crisp texture and mild flavor. Its high water content makes it incredibly refreshing in salads and sandwiches. While sometimes overshadowed by more nutrient-dense greens, it remains a staple for its satisfying crunch.
8. Iceberg Slaw
Iceberg slaw is a type of coleslaw that prominently features shredded iceberg lettuce. Often combined with a creamy dressing and other vegetables like carrots and cabbage, it provides a cool and crunchy side dish, perfect for barbecues and picnics.
9. Icebox Cake
Icebox cake is a no-bake dessert that’s incredibly easy to make. Typically constructed with layers of cookies (like chocolate wafers or graham crackers) and whipped cream or pudding, it sets in the refrigerator, creating a cake-like texture as the cookies soften.
10. Iced Bun
An iced bun is a sweet roll or bread bun that is topped with a sweet icing or glaze. These buns are enjoyed as a snack or breakfast treat, offering a soft, doughy interior and a sugary, satisfying topping.
11. Iced Buns
Similar to the iced bun, iced buns in plural simply refer to multiple servings of this delicious baked good. They are a popular choice in bakeries and cafes for a quick and sweet indulgence.
12. Iced Coffee
Iced coffee is a chilled version of coffee, served with ice. It’s a refreshing alternative to hot coffee, particularly during warmer weather. It can be prepared in various ways, from simply cooling down brewed coffee to elaborate iced coffee drinks with milk, sweeteners, and flavorings.
13. Iced Doughnut
An iced doughnut is a doughnut that has been coated with a sweet icing, often made from sugar and water or milk. This glaze adds extra sweetness and flavor to the already delightful doughnut, making it an even more decadent treat.
14. Iced Lattes
Iced lattes are a popular coffee drink that combines espresso with cold milk and ice. Often sweetened, they offer a creamy and refreshing coffee experience. Variations include flavored syrups and different types of milk.
15. Iced Mocha
An iced mocha is a chocolate-flavored iced latte. It typically includes espresso, chocolate syrup or powder, cold milk, and ice, often topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an extra touch of indulgence.
16. Iced Tea
Iced tea is chilled tea, often served with ice. It’s a widely consumed beverage, especially in warmer climates, and can be made from black tea, green tea, or herbal teas. Sweetened or unsweetened, it’s a versatile and refreshing drink.
17. Iced Vovo (Australian Biscuit)
Iced Vovo is an iconic Australian biscuit featuring a wheat flour biscuit base topped with pink fondant icing, a strip of raspberry jam, and sprinkled with desiccated coconut. It’s a beloved sweet treat in Australia, known for its distinctive appearance and flavor.
18. Ichiban Dashi (Japanese Soup Stock)
Ichiban dashi is the first and finest Japanese soup stock, made from kombu (kelp) and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes). It’s prized for its delicate and umami-rich flavor, forming the base for many Japanese soups, sauces, and simmered dishes.
19. Ichigo Daifuku (Strawberry Rice Cake)
Ichigo daifuku is a popular Japanese sweet consisting of a fresh strawberry encased in sweet red bean paste and soft, chewy mochi (rice cake). The combination of sweet, tangy, and chewy textures makes it a delightful and visually appealing confection.
20. Icicle Radish
Icicle radish is a type of radish characterized by its elongated, white, carrot-like appearance. It has a milder flavor compared to red radishes, with a crisp and slightly peppery taste, perfect for salads and crudités.
21. Icing
Icing, also known as frosting, is a sweet glaze made primarily from sugar and liquid, often flavored and colored. It’s used to coat and decorate cakes, cookies, and other baked goods, adding sweetness and visual appeal.
22. Icy Pole (Australian Ice Pop)
Icy pole is the Australian term for ice pop or popsicle. These frozen treats are a quintessential part of Australian summers, enjoyed by both children and adults for a quick and cooling refreshment.
23. Idiyappam (Rice Noodles)
Idiyappam is a South Indian and Sri Lankan dish made from rice flour, pressed into noodle form and steamed. These delicate, lacy rice noodles are typically served with coconut milk, vegetable stew, or curry.
24. Idli (South Indian Rice Cake)
Idli is a savory South Indian rice cake made from fermented rice and lentil batter, steamed to a fluffy texture. It’s a staple breakfast food, often served with sambar (vegetable and lentil stew) and chutney.
25. Idli Podi (Spice Mix)
Idli podi, also known as gunpowder spice, is a dry spice mix from South India, typically made with lentils, dried chilies, and spices. It’s often sprinkled on idli or dosa or mixed with oil to create a flavorful condiment.
26. Igname (a type of yam)
Igname is a French term for yam, a starchy root vegetable widely consumed in many parts of the world. Yams are versatile and can be prepared in various ways, from boiling and mashing to frying and roasting.
27. Ika Mata (Raw Fish)
Ika mata is a Polynesian dish, particularly popular in the Cook Islands, consisting of raw fish marinated in coconut cream and lime juice. The citrus “cooks” the fish, resulting in a refreshing and tangy ceviche-like dish.
28. Ikan Bakar (Grilled Fish)
Ikan bakar is Indonesian and Malaysian grilled fish. The fish is typically marinated in spices and then grilled over charcoal, imparting a smoky flavor. It’s a flavorful and popular seafood dish in Southeast Asia.
29. Ikan Bilis (Dried Anchovies)
Ikan bilis are small, dried anchovies widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine. They are often fried to a crisp and used as a crunchy topping, snack, or ingredient in dishes like nasi lemak.
30. Ikizukuri (Live Sashimi)
Ikizukuri, meaning “prepared alive,” is a controversial form of sashimi where seafood, usually fish or squid, is prepared and served while still alive. While considered a culinary art form by some, it raises ethical concerns for others.
31. Ikura (Salmon Roe)
Ikura is Japanese for salmon roe, the glistening orange-red eggs of salmon. It’s a prized ingredient in Japanese cuisine, known for its rich, salty, and slightly fishy flavor, often served on sushi or rice.
32. Ilama (a tropical fruit)
Ilama is a tropical fruit native to Central America, belonging to the Annona family, like soursop and cherimoya. It has a creamy, sweet pulp with a slightly tangy flavor, often enjoyed fresh.
33. Ile Flottante (Floating Islands Dessert)
Ile flottante, meaning “floating island,” is a classic French dessert consisting of poached meringue “islands” floating on a bed of crème anglaise (custard sauce). It’s a light and elegant dessert with contrasting textures and flavors.
34. Iles Flottantes
Iles flottantes is simply the plural form of Ile flottante, referring to multiple servings or variations of this French dessert. It retains the same concept of meringue islands in custard sauce.
35. Imam Bayildi (Stuffed Eggplant)
Imam bayildi is a dish from Turkish cuisine, meaning “the imam fainted.” It’s a stuffed eggplant dish braised in olive oil with tomatoes, onions, and garlic. The rich flavors and tender eggplant make it a flavorful vegetarian option.
36. Imarti (Indian Sweet)
Imarti is an Indian sweet, similar to jalebi but thicker and with a circular, flower-like shape. It’s made from lentil flour batter, deep-fried, and soaked in sugar syrup, resulting in a crispy and syrupy treat.
37. Imitation Crab
Imitation crab, also known as surimi, is a processed seafood product made to resemble crab meat, typically from white fish like pollock. It’s often used in salads, sushi rolls, and dips as a more affordable alternative to real crab.
38. Imperial Mandarin
Imperial mandarin is a popular variety of mandarin orange, known for its sweet flavor, juicy flesh, and easy-to-peel skin. It’s a favorite for snacking and juicing due to its pleasant taste and convenience.
39. Imperial Rolls
Imperial rolls are another name for Vietnamese spring rolls, also known as cha gio. These crispy rolls are filled with a mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and vermicelli noodles, then deep-fried to golden perfection.
40. Impossible Burger (Plant-Based Meat)
The Impossible Burger is a popular brand of plant-based meat patty designed to mimic the taste, texture, and cooking experience of beef. Made primarily from soy protein, it’s a vegetarian and vegan-friendly alternative to traditional burgers.
41. Inarizushi (Sushi in Tofu Pockets)
Inarizushi is a type of sushi where sushi rice is stuffed into aburaage, which are fried tofu pouches that have been simmered in a sweet and savory broth. It’s a simple yet flavorful sushi, often enjoyed as a snack or part of a larger meal.
42. Inca Berries
Inca berries, also known as golden berries or physalis, are small, golden-yellow berries with a tangy-sweet flavor. They are often eaten dried or used in jams, desserts, and salads, known for their unique taste and nutritional benefits.
43. Incaberries
Incaberries is an alternate spelling for Inca berries, referring to the same golden-yellow berries with a tangy-sweet flavor profile and similar culinary uses.
44. Indian Curry
Indian curry is a broad term encompassing a wide variety of dishes originating from the Indian subcontinent, characterized by rich sauces flavored with a complex blend of spices. Curries can be vegetarian or include meat, poultry, or seafood, offering diverse flavors and regional variations.
45. Indian Fig
Indian fig, also known as prickly pear, is the fruit of the Opuntia cactus. It has a sweet and slightly tangy pulp with numerous small seeds. The pads of the cactus are also edible when young and tender.
46. Indian Mango
Indian mangoes are mango varieties grown in India, renowned for their sweetness, aroma, and diverse types like Alphonso, Kesar, and Dasheri. Mangoes are a beloved fruit in India, eaten fresh, juiced, or used in desserts and savory dishes.
47. Indian Paneer
Indian paneer is a fresh, non-melting cheese common in Indian cuisine. Made by curdling milk with lemon juice or vinegar, it has a mild, milky flavor and a firm, crumbly texture, perfect for curries and vegetarian dishes.
48. Indomie (Brand of Instant Noodles)
Indomie is a popular brand of instant noodles, especially in Indonesia and Nigeria, known for its wide range of flavors and affordability. It’s a convenient and quick meal option enjoyed globally.
49. Indonesian Fried Rice
Indonesian fried rice, or nasi goreng, is a flavorful and aromatic fried rice dish. It typically includes kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), shrimp paste, and various meats and vegetables, often topped with a fried egg and crispy shallots.
50. Inihaw (Filipino BBQ)
Inihaw refers to Filipino barbecue, encompassing various grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices. It’s a popular way of cooking and enjoying food in the Philippines.
51. Injeolmi (Korean Rice Cake)
Injeolmi is a type of Korean rice cake (tteok) made from glutinous rice flour, steamed and pounded, then coated in roasted soybean powder. It has a chewy texture and a nutty, savory-sweet flavor.
52. Injera (Ethiopian Flatbread)
Injera is a spongy, slightly sour flatbread that is a staple food in Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine. Made from teff flour, it’s used as both a plate and utensil to scoop up flavorful stews and dishes.
53. Injera Bread
Injera bread is simply another way to refer to injera, emphasizing its role as a bread in Ethiopian and Eritrean meals. It’s central to the dining experience, complementing the rich and spiced flavors of the cuisine.
54. Ink Squid Pasta
Ink squid pasta, or squid ink pasta, is pasta dough that has been infused with squid ink, giving it a distinctive black color and a subtle seafood flavor. It’s often paired with seafood sauces and dishes.
55. Instant Coffee
Instant coffee is a type of coffee that has been brewed and then dehydrated into granules or powder. It dissolves quickly in hot water, offering a convenient and fast way to make coffee.
56. Instant Mashed Potatoes
Instant mashed potatoes are dehydrated potato flakes that can be quickly rehydrated with hot water or milk to create mashed potatoes. They are a convenient alternative to making mashed potatoes from scratch.
57. Instant Noodles
Instant noodles are pre-cooked and dried noodles, usually sold with flavoring powder and/or seasoning oil. They are designed for quick preparation, needing only hot water to become a ready-to-eat meal, widely popular for their convenience and affordability.
58. Instant Oatmeal
Instant oatmeal is finely milled oats that cook very quickly when hot water or milk is added. It’s a fast and convenient breakfast option, often flavored and sometimes fortified with vitamins and minerals.
59. Instant Pudding
Instant pudding is a powdered mix that thickens into pudding when cold milk is added and stirred. It’s a quick and easy way to make dessert, available in various flavors.
60. Instant Ramen
Instant ramen is a type of instant noodle dish that originated in Japan. It typically includes dried ramen noodles, a seasoning packet for broth, and sometimes dried toppings, offering a quick and customizable meal.
61. Intermezzo (Palate Cleanser)
Intermezzo is an Italian term for a light dish served between courses of a meal to cleanse the palate. Often a sorbet or a light salad, it prepares the taste buds for the next course, enhancing the overall dining experience.
62. Irish Bacon
Irish bacon, also known as back bacon, is a type of bacon that comes from the loin of the pig, resulting in a meatier and leaner cut compared to American streaky bacon. It’s a popular breakfast item in Ireland and the UK.
63. Irish Butter
Irish butter is known for its rich flavor and golden yellow color, often attributed to the grass-fed cows in Ireland. It typically has a higher butterfat content than American butter, contributing to its creamy texture and flavor.
64. Irish Coffee
Irish coffee is a cocktail made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with cream. It’s a warming and comforting drink, often enjoyed in colder weather or as an after-dinner treat.
65. Irish Cream
Irish cream is a liqueur based on Irish whiskey, cream, and other flavorings like chocolate and vanilla. It’s a sweet and creamy drink, often enjoyed on its own, in coffee, or in cocktails.
66. Irish Lamb Stew
Irish lamb stew is a traditional Irish stew made with lamb, potatoes, carrots, onions, and herbs. It’s a hearty and comforting dish, especially popular during colder months, representing classic Irish home cooking.
67. Irish Moss
Irish moss, also known as sea moss, is a type of red algae or seaweed. It’s used as a thickening agent in foods and drinks, and is also consumed for its purported health benefits and nutritional content.
68. Irish Oatmeal
Irish oatmeal, also known as steel-cut oats, is a type of oatmeal that is minimally processed, resulting in a coarser texture and a nuttier flavor compared to rolled oats. It takes longer to cook but is prized for its texture and nutritional value.
69. Irish Soda Bread
Irish soda bread is a quick bread made with baking soda instead of yeast as a leavening agent. It typically has a dense texture and a slightly tangy flavor, sometimes including raisins or caraway seeds.
70. Irish Stew
Irish stew is a general term for various hearty stews originating from Ireland. While lamb stew is common, Irish stew can also be made with beef or mutton, always featuring root vegetables and a rich broth.
71. Irish Whiskey
Irish whiskey is a type of whiskey produced in Ireland. It is typically triple-distilled, resulting in a smoother and less smoky flavor profile compared to Scotch whisky.
72. Iron-Fortified Cereals
Iron-fortified cereals are breakfast cereals that have been enriched with iron, an essential mineral. These cereals are designed to help individuals meet their daily iron requirements, especially important for children and women.
73. Ironweed (Edible in Some Cultures)
Ironweed is a plant, and while often considered a weed, some species have edible parts that are consumed in certain cultures. However, caution is advised as not all ironweed species are edible, and some may be toxic.
74. Isaw (Filipino Street Food)
Isaw is a popular Filipino street food made from grilled chicken or pork intestines. The intestines are cleaned, marinated, skewered, and grilled, often dipped in vinegar sauce, offering a unique chewy and smoky flavor.
75. Iskender Kebab
Iskender kebab is a Turkish kebab dish featuring thinly sliced döner kebab meat served over pieces of pita bread, topped with tomato sauce and melted butter, often accompanied by yogurt. It’s a rich and flavorful kebab variation.
76. Israeli Chocolate
Israeli chocolate refers to chocolate produced in Israel, which has gained recognition for its quality and innovative flavors. Israeli chocolatiers are known for using high-quality ingredients and creative combinations.
77. Israeli Couscous
Israeli couscous, also known as pearl couscous or ptitim, is a type of pasta made from semolina or wheat flour, formed into small, pearl-sized balls. It has a chewy texture and is used in salads, side dishes, and soups.
78. Israeli Orange
Israeli oranges, particularly Jaffa oranges, are a well-known variety of sweet and juicy oranges from Israel. Jaffa oranges are famous for their quality and are exported worldwide.
79. Israeli Salad
Israeli salad is a finely diced salad typically made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and parsley, dressed with lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper. It’s a refreshing and simple salad, common in Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisine.
80. Itak (Filipino Fish)
Itak is a Filipino term that can refer to various types of fish found in the Philippines. The Philippines being an archipelago, fish is a significant part of the diet, with numerous local varieties consumed.
81. Italian Beef
Italian beef is a Chicago-style sandwich made with thinly sliced seasoned beef, slow-roasted in broth, and served on Italian bread. It’s often topped with giardiniera (pickled vegetables) and served “wet” with au jus (roasting juices).
82. Italian Biscotti
Italian biscotti are twice-baked almond biscuits, known for their dry, crunchy texture. They are traditionally served with coffee or dessert wine, perfect for dipping and savoring.
83. Italian Bread
Italian bread is a type of bread known for its crusty exterior and soft, airy interior. It’s a staple bread in Italy, used for sandwiches, alongside meals, or simply enjoyed with olive oil.
84. Italian Cheese
Italian cheese encompasses a wide variety of cheeses produced in Italy, each with unique flavors and textures, including popular types like mozzarella, parmesan, ricotta, gorgonzola, and provolone, used extensively in Italian cuisine.
85. Italian Dressing
Italian dressing is a vinaigrette-style salad dressing, typically featuring oil, vinegar, herbs like oregano and basil, garlic, and sometimes sweeteners. It’s a common salad dressing in American cuisine, often used on green salads and pasta salads.
86. Italian Herbs
Italian herbs refer to a blend of dried herbs commonly used in Italian cooking, typically including oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and sometimes marjoram and parsley. This blend adds a characteristic Mediterranean flavor to dishes.
87. Italian Meatballs
Italian meatballs, known as polpette in Italian, are ground meat (usually beef, pork, or a mixture) formed into balls and cooked, often simmered in tomato sauce. They are a classic dish in Italian-American cuisine, served with pasta or in sandwiches.
88. Italian Plum
Italian plum, also known as prune plum or damson plum, is a type of plum with dark blue-purple skin and firm, sweet flesh. It’s particularly well-suited for drying to make prunes due to its high sugar content and texture.
89. Italian Polenta
Italian polenta is a dish made from cornmeal, cooked into a creamy porridge. It’s a versatile staple in Italian cuisine, served savory as a side dish with meats and sauces, or cooled and fried or grilled.
90. Italian Sausage
Italian sausage is a type of pork sausage seasoned with fennel seeds and other Italian spices. It comes in sweet and hot varieties and is used in many Italian dishes, including pasta sauces, pizzas, and soups.
91. Italian Sorbetto
Italian sorbetto is a fruit-based frozen dessert, similar to sorbet or sherbet, but typically dairy-free. It’s lighter and more refreshing than ice cream, made with fruit puree, sugar, and water.
92. Italian Sub
Italian sub, or submarine sandwich, is a long sandwich roll filled with Italian cold cuts like salami, ham, and pepperoni, along with cheese (provolone or mozzarella), lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and Italian dressing.
93. Italian Truffle
Italian truffle refers to truffles found in Italy, particularly white and black truffles, which are highly prized edible fungi. They are known for their intense, earthy aroma and flavor, used to enhance gourmet dishes.
94. Italian Wedding Soup
Italian wedding soup is a soup featuring small meatballs, green vegetables (like spinach or escarole), and pasta (often small shapes like acini de pepe) in a clear chicken broth. Despite the name, it’s a hearty and comforting everyday soup in Italian-American cuisine.
95. Itlog Na Maalat (Salted Eggs)
Itlog na maalat are Filipino salted duck eggs, cured in brine or salt-mud mixture. They have a salty and rich yolk, often dyed pink for identification, and are a common accompaniment to rice and other Filipino dishes.
96. Itoen Green Tea
Itoen is a popular brand of Japanese green tea, known for its wide range of green tea products, from bottled teas to tea bags and loose leaf teas, emphasizing quality and authentic Japanese tea flavors.
97. Ivar (a Type of Fish)
Ivar is a name that can refer to certain types of flatfish, possibly turbot or similar varieties, although it might be a less common or regional name. Flatfish are known for their delicate flavor and are often grilled, baked, or pan-fried.
98. Iwashi (Sardines)
Iwashi is the Japanese term for sardines, small, oily fish commonly consumed in Japan and worldwide. They can be grilled, simmered, pickled, or used in sushi and other dishes, valued for their rich flavor and nutritional benefits.
99. Izgara Köfte (Turkish Meatballs)
Izgara köfte are Turkish grilled meatballs, seasoned with spices and herbs. They are typically made from ground beef or lamb, grilled to perfection, and often served with bread, yogurt, and salads as part of a Turkish meal.
100. Izzio Bread
Izzio Bread is a brand known for its artisan breads, particularly sourdough and handcrafted loaves. They emphasize quality ingredients and traditional baking methods, offering a variety of flavorful and textured breads.
