Are you and your school-age kids working through the alphabet? Kids love to eat, and they’re more likely to eat a new food if they can associate it with something they’re learning. Why not use our lists of foods that begin with specific letters for more fun learning?
When it comes to the letter T, you have tons of choices. If it’s Tuesday, you know what time it is. Taco Tuesday, anyone? And be sure to serve some chopped tomatoes on your tacos, and maybe some Tabasco sauce if you’re up for a challenge. For dessert, you can have a taffy or a tart.
In this article, I will cover 38 foods that start with T. So, you have a list of edible items that start with T!
So, let’s get started. We have a lot to get through.
1. Tart
A tart is a shallow pastry case that is often filled with fruit or custard with an open top not covered with pastry.
The pastry of a tart is usually short crust pastry, and the filling can be either sweet or savory depending on the type of tart.
2. Tapioca
Tapioca is a gluten-free starch from the roots of the cassava plant, which is from Brazil.
Tapioca is a popular ingredient for its thickening properties in dishes such as tapioca pudding. Tapioca pearls are used in bubble tea and burst in your mouth for its iconic texture.
The fillings range from minced meat, fish, chicken, and anything vegetarian and vegan friendly. Tacos are often topped with cheese, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, salsa, and guacamole.
4. Taffy
Taffy is a super sweet candy made by stretching and pulling a mass of boiled sugar, vegetable oil or butter, sweeteners, flavoring, and color.
Taffy comes in a variety of different flavors, and once the mixture becomes aerated, the result is a deliciously chewy candy.
5. Tahini
Tahini is a thick paste or spread that is made by grinding sesame seeds that is a staple in many cuisines, but particularly in the Middle East and Mediterranean.
Tahini is rich in nutrients but very low in calories and brings a light, nutty flavor to several dishes.
Tangerines are the perfect pocket-sized snack, and can be sweet or tart in flavor when ripe. That being said, tangerines are typically sweeter than oranges.
7. Tabasco Sauce
Tabasco is an American brand of hot sauce made from vinegar, tabasco peppers, and salt.
Tabasco sauce is known for its spicy, acidic flavor, and is often used on top of a variety of dishes, such as eggs. It also flavors and gives a spicy kick to the cocktail, Bloody Mary.
8. Tagliatelle
Tagliatelle is long, thin ribbons of pasta sold either in curled nests or straight, like spaghetti.
Tagliatelle was traditionally added to beef and pork dishes. That being said, it is incredibly versatile and can also be added to different sauces and vegetarian dishes.
9. Tofu
Tofu, also known as bean curd, is a plant-based food prepared by coagulating soy milk and then pressing the resulting curds into solid white blocks.
Tofu is packed full of plant-based protein, and is naturally gluten-free and low in calories. It is an excellent source of iron and calcium.
10. Tomato
Tomatoes are the edible berries of the plant Solanum lycopersicum.
Tomatoes are used in several different dishes and salads. They are especially popular in thickening sauces and soups.
Tomatoes contain important antioxidants and are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K.
11. Tea
Tea is a popular beverage made by taking leaves from the Camellia Sinensis plant and steeping them in hot water.
There are a variety of different teas available, and after water, it is the most widely consumed drink in the world and is great to pair with breakfast food.
12. Tapenade
Tapenade is an accompaniment made by mixing ingredients such as olives, anchovies, and capers with flavorings such as garlic, parsley, basil, and mustard.
Tapenade is traditionally spread on bread, but you can use it in canapés or starters such as bruschetta. You can even add it into sauces and pasta dishes!
13. Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh is a simple Mediterranean salad of very finely chopped vegetables, lots of fresh parsley and bulgur wheat.
This salad is fresh, with diced cucumber and tomato, and dressed simply with olive oil and lemon juice.
Tabbouleh is great to serve alongside barbecued lamb, chicken, or beef or with cos lettuce.
14. Tamarind
Tamarind is a tropical tree that produces seed pods with a unique, paste-like sweet and sour fruit.
It is used in many dishes around the world, and may even have medicinal properties.
Tamarind contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids and beneficial plant compounds.
15. Tarragon
Tarragon is a versatile leafy green herb that is highly aromatic.
It has a strong flavor that’s a mix of mild vanilla and sweet aniseed. Tarragon adds a fresh taste to fish and chicken dishes, salad dressings, and sauces.
Tarragon is sold both fresh and dried, and is available year-round.
16. Tim Tam
Tim Tam is an Australian brand of chocolate biscuit that is great to enjoy with a cup of tea!
Each biscuit consists of two layers of chocolate malted biscuit sandwiching a light creamy chocolate filling that are then coated with more chocolate.
Simple, but delicious!
17. Tortilla
A tortilla is a thin, flat, circular unleavened flatbread originally made from maize hominy meal, and now also from wheat flour.
Tortillas are at the centre of many meals in Mexican cuisine, providing the basis for some of the country’s most famed dishes such as fajitas, burritos with rice, and quesadillas with refried beans!
18. Teriyaki
Teriyaki is a cooking technique used in Japanese cuisine in which foods are broiled or grilled with a glaze of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
The term teri in teriyaki refers to the shine on the food created by the sugar content in the sauce, while yaki refers to the method of grilling.
19. Thyme
Thyme is a fragrant herb with small, fragrant leaves and thin, woody stems. It is an aromatic herb used for many different dishes.
Thyme leaves are popular for seasoning dishes and soups. They are also a natural treatment for respiratory problems and chest problems such as congestion and coughs.
20. Turkey
Turkey is a large bird native to North America and is a popular meat.
Turkey is rich in protein and an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals, especially B vitamins.
Eating turkey is a tradition for big events such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.
21. Trout
Trout are species of freshwater fish found in streams and rivers.
Trout are an excellent source of protein, niacin, vitamin B12, and omega 3 fatty acids.
Turmeric is a popular spice that is used in both food and tea. It has been used in India for thousands of years as both a spice and medicinal herb.
Consuming turmeric has multiple health benefits such as pain relief, anti-inflammatory properties, and aiding digestion.
23. Tuna
Tuna is a saltwater fish that is one of the most popular in the world. It belongs to a subgroup of the mackerel family and consists of 8 species that vary in colour and size.
Tuna is nutritious and is a good source of protein, healthy fats and vitamins.
Tempeh is a plant-based protein source that originated in Indonesia.
It is a versatile ingredient that comes with a variety of health benefits. It’s an excellent source of protein, prebiotics, and a wide array of vitamins and minerals.
Tempeh has a dry and firm but chewy texture and a slightly nutty taste.
25. Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a coffee-flavored Italian dessert that is similar to a layered cake.
Tiramisu is a no-bake dessert that consists of savoiardi ladyfingers soaked in coffee, arranged in layers and filled with a sweetened whipped cream made with mascarpone and eggs.
Espresso is the coffee of choice in authentic Italian Tiramisu. Delicious!
26. Tempura
Tempura is a typical Japanese dish usually consisting of meat, seafood, and vegetables that have been lightly battered and deep-fried.
A few common ingredients include seafood such as prawns and shrimp as well as squid, and a variety of vegetables such as green bell peppers, mushrooms, and eggplant.
27. Tenderloin
Tenderloin is one of the most tender cuts of beef. It is a soft and buttery-textured meat that simply melts in the mouth!
As a tender cut, it has little intramuscular fat known as marbling, which means you can easily overcook tenderloin.
Tenderloin is certainly one of the most expensive cuts of meat.
28. Taleggio
Taleggio is a type of Italian cheese that is semi soft and smear-ripened.
Its coarse rind is edible, and is a huge contrast to the creamy interior that has a flavor that is mild with a somewhat fruity tang.
The cheese can be eaten grated with salads and on bruschetta.
This dish is served over pasta, spaghetti or noodles. Garnish with cheese, fried onions, parsley, and breadcrumbs, and you’ve got a delicious meal!
30. Tamari
Tamari, also known as tamari shoyu, is a Japanese version of soy sauce made by fermenting soybeans and usually gluten-free.
When compared to the majority of soy sauces, tamari is darker, less salty, and contains little to no wheat.
It has a strong umami flavor and is delicious in several dishes.
31. Taro
Taro root is a starchy root vegetable originally cultivated in Asia but now enjoyed around the world.
Taro root is a good source of fiber and many vitamins and minerals. When cooked, it has a mildly sweet taste and a texture similar to sweet potato.
32. Triticale
Triticale is a hybrid of wheat and rye. This hybrid was important, as it combines the disease tolerance of rye with the yield potential and grain quality of wheat.
Triticale is commonly found in various health cereals, and can be found either as whole triticale berries, flour, cereal, bread, flakes, or crackers.
33. Tamarillo
A tamarillo is a fruit that closely resembles a tomato, and for this reason are known as tree tomatoes.
There are multiple colors of tamarillos, and they tend to be tangy but sweet in flavor with juicy flesh.
34. Tangelo
A tangelo is a hybrid citrus fruit that is a crossbreed between grapefruits and tangerines.
They have a sweet, juicy flesh and a zingy flavor. Tangelos can be the size of a normal orange, but may grow as large as grapefruits.
35. Teaberry
A teaberry is a spicy red berrylike fruit from a shrub that grows in North America.
The berries are initially light green, and mature to be bright red. They have a fleshy interior that is slightly sweet and minty in flavor.
36. Tom Yum
Tom yum is a type of hot and sour Thai soup, usually cooked with shrimp.
While the word Tom refers to boiling, Yum refers to the spicy and sour flavor combination.
Tom yum is packed full of spicy flavors and is served hot.
37. Turnips
Turnips are a root vegetable that can be prepared in a variety of ways.
Turnips have a slight spiciness to them that means that they taste somewhere between a potato and a radish.
Turnips are available all year but are at their best in the fall, and in spring, when they are still small and sweet.
38. Table Spread
Table spread, also known as margarine, is an easy-to-spread alternative to butter that is made out of plant oils such as sunflower.
They contain less fat, making them a healthier option for spread lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common lunch foods starting with T?
Tuna sandwiches, tomato salads, and turkey wraps are popular lunchtime foods that start with the letter T. You can also enjoy tacos, tamales, or tabbouleh for a more international twist on your midday meal.
Which dinner dishes begin with the letter T?
For dinner, dishes like teriyaki chicken, turkey burgers, and tilapia are excellent options that start with T. Additionally, you might consider trying tandoori dishes, Thai curries, or tofu stir-fries for flavorful alternatives.
Can you list some breakfast items that start with T?
In the realm of breakfast foods, T begins options like toast, toaster pastries, and tater tots. For something more substantial, you might prepare a tomato and cheese omelet or enjoy a plate of traditional Turkish breakfast.
What are some Asian cuisine dishes starting with T?
Asian cuisine offers a variety of dishes that start with the letter T. Common items include tempura (Japanese battered and fried vegetables or seafood), Thai basil chicken, tom yum soup (a Thai hot and sour soup), and tsukemono (Japanese pickled vegetables).
Which unusual foods begin with the letter T?
Some less common foods that start with T include teff (a tiny ancient grain from Ethiopia), tempeh (an Indonesian fermented soybean product), and taro (a root vegetable often used in Polynesian cuisine). You may also encounter tamarillo (a tomato-like fruit) or turducken (a unique dish featuring a chicken stuffed inside a duck, which is then stuffed inside a turkey).
Can you name a spicy or green food that starts with T?
A spicy food that starts with the letter T is Thai green curry, a fragrant and flavorful dish made with green chilies, coconut milk, and a variety of herbs and spices. In terms of green foods, try turnip greens, a leafy vegetable rich in vitamins and minerals, or tatsoi, also known as rosette bok choy, which is often used in Asian salads and stir-fries.
38 Foods That Start With T: Our Top Choices
These options are sure to be a hit. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
