We’ve written about how much fun it is to use food to teach children their ABCs. You just start with one letter and work your way through a list of yummy foods. Lots of the letters are super easy, but when it comes to letters such as Q, Z, or U, you have to get more creative.
Kids love eating new fruits, so when you’re working on the letter U, try umbrella fruit. And kids love pasta, so go for some udon noodles. Have you ever eaten umble pie? Maybe now is the time to try. And there is always an upside-down cake.
In this article, I will explore 23 foods that start with U, so you don’t have to!
Udon is a thick, chewy noodle that is made with wheat flour, and is considered a comfort food in Japanese culture.
Udon is a great ingredient to use in multiple Asian recipes, such as in broths and stir-fries, and is a huge part of Japanese cuisine.
Udon can be enjoyed in many ways, and is served hot or cold. It is a thick style of noodle, meaning it’s perfect for soaking up sauces.
2. Umbrella Fruit
Umbrella fruit is a sour fruit turning green to yellow when mature and ready for harvest.
Umbrella fruit has flavors of mango and pineapple. However, the hard crunchy flesh is sour and thus, it is often eaten with ingredients such as chili powder, shrimp paste, salt and sugar.
As the flavor of umbrella fruit is largely sour, it is added to dishes to add flavor, usually in soups and broths.
3. U-NO Bar
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll absolutely love an U-NO bar. U-NO bars are a U.S West Coast tradition, and the chocolate bars go all the way back to the 1920s.
U-NO bars consist of a smooth, rich, chocolate truffle-like centre with crushed almonds, and are covered with creamy rich milk chocolate.
U-NO bars are delicious when served normally, and if frozen, they eat like an ice cream bar!
4. Ukrainian Rolls
These pull-apart garlic rolls are traditional in Ukraine. Also known by the name pampushki, these soft dinner rolls are topped off with garlic and herbs.
If you are not a big fan of raw garlic, you can skip the garlic sauce or use roasted garlic to make the sauce.
They are usually served with other Ukrainian dishes like borsch. Like other dinner rolls, you can never go wrong with dipping them in a warm bowl of soup!
5. Unagi
Unagi is the Japanese word for freshwater eel, and is an expensive delicacy.
The eel is skewered and grilled with sweet basting sauce such as soy sauce and other seasonings, is grilled, and is typically served over steamed white rice.
Unagi can be served on a bed of rice or even in sushi. However, unagi is never served raw because uncooked eel can be poisonous!
6. Umble Pie
You might be familiar with the saying ‘humble pie’, which is derived from the dish, umble pie, and means to face humiliation and subsequently apologize for a serious mistake.
Umble pie is a pie filled with the chopped or minced parts of a beast’s ‘pluck’ – the heart, liver, lungs or ‘lights’ and kidneys, especially of deer but often other meats.
It has a rich, gamey taste and is served hot.
7. Ugli Fruit
Ugli fruit, also known as Jamaican tangelo or uniq fruit, is a type of citrus fruit that is
a cross between an orange and a grapefruit.
It has a thick, rough skin with orange flesh, and is known for its sweet, citrusy taste.
Ugli fruit is a nutrient-rich fruit. One half of an ugli fruit contains almost a day’s worth of vitamin C, as well as several other vitamins and minerals.
8. Ube
An ube is a purple yam originally from the Philippines. It is packed full of nutrients, and is high in healthy carbs, vitamins, and fiber.
It has a slightly nutty, vanilla taste, and is popularly used in desserts in Filipino cuisine such as cakes, puddings, flan, cheesecake, and more. It is usually boiled and then mashed with condensed milk.
There are a variety of creative ways to incorporate ube into your diet!
9. Upside-Down Cake
If you like cooked fruit, this is the dessert for you. Upside-down cake is a delicious cake that involves caramelising fruit to create a lovely sticky, gooey sauce that runs over the light sponge cake.
Upside-down cakes can be made with a variety of fruit, including pineapple, apples, and pears.
The sauce often contains brown sugar and spices to create a deliciously buttery and warming sauce that makes a melt-in-the-mouth experience that is truly heavenly!
10. Umbricelli Pasta
Umbricelli is a strand pasta produced in the Umbria region of Italy that is often considered to be a thicker version of spaghetti.
Umbricelli pasta is usually hand-rolled to be thick and has a chewy texture. This type of pasta can be served in a variety of different ways, and works beautifully with many Italian-inspired dishes.
Whether you opt for a classic tomato pasta sauce, or are more inclined to try out a truffle dish, umbricelli is a truly indulgent pasta.
11. Urfa Pepper Flakes
Urfa pepper flakes are dark flakes of the famous Urfa chilli pepper from Turkey.
They have a sweet and slightly smoky flavor with elements of dried fruit, and have a mild heat that can grow the longer that they are in the dish. They ripen to a deep, dark red color.
Urfa pepper flakes can be used on top of dishes to give them a healthy kick of spice!
12. Umami Burger
Burgers are a crowd pleaser, but if you’ve ever been to an Umami Burger, you might be curious to know what the term umami actually means.
Umami is a Japanese word that refers to a category of taste in food, and is used to describe a flavor in many dishes. Umami is a strong taste that is not sweet, salty, sour, or bitter and that is often referred to as “the fifth taste”.
13. Ugali
Ugali is a dish from Africa. It is a thick porridge boiled in water or milk and is usually made with maize or corn.
Ugali is a simple dish to prepare and is often served with meat and vegetables as a side dish.
Different variations of ugali can be found in different cuisines throughout Africa, and it is a staple dish for many families.
Urgelia is a type of cheese from Spain. With a semi-firm texture, it is a washed rind cheese that is aged for a minimum of 45 days.
Urgelia is a good melting cheese, and is made from cow’s milk. It has a wonderfully creamy taste and texture, and works in many different dishes.
If you’re searching for a cheese to add to a sandwich or to pair with antipasto, try urgelia.
15. Upma
Upma is a flavorful South Indian breakfast dish made from rava or cream of wheat.
Upma is a nutritious meal that is considered to be a savory porridge that is often served with several vegetables.
It is typically eaten for breakfast because, like porridge, it is a well-balanced meal and is sure to keep you full until lunch time! Delicious.
16. Utah Scones
Utah scones are a deep-fried, puffy bread. Utah scones are not like regular scones, and are actually inspired by Native American pastries.
Utah scones are often eaten with powdered sugar and honey and butter, for a rich and super delicious result.
You can pair them with other sweet treats such as chocolate and fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. It doesn’t get much more delicious than this!
17. Umeboshi
Umeboshi is a traditional Japanese preserved plum that has been a vital part of Japanese cuisine and folk medicine for decades.
They’re often referred to as “Japanese plums”, and are usually served as a side dish.
Umeboshi has quite a sour and salty taste, as the plums are picked when they are unripe and sour and are then soaked in a salt brine.
18. Uszka
Uszka is the Polish word for little ears, and are small dumplings usually filled with wild forest mushrooms and/or minced meat.
They are known as “little ears” due to their shape, and are traditionally served in Borscht on Christmas Eve in Poland.
With a similar appearance to tortellini, they are usually eaten with butter and herbs for a super rich, indulgent dish that is relatively simple to make.
19. Urad Dal
Urad dal, also known as vigna mungo, is a small black lentil used in many Indian cuisines.
It’s a nutrient-dense food, and is packed with important minerals such as magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. It also holds a higher protein value than most other legumes.
Urad dal is a hugely popular ingredient in several Indian dishes, and is a pantry staple for many families.
Utthappam is a flatbread that is thin and crisp and is usually topped off with other delicious toppings such as vegetables, eggs, and herbs.
That being said, it is a super versatile dish, and can be topped with pretty much anything. Think of it as being a bit like an Indian take on pizza!
This South Indian food is usually eaten for breakfast or is served as a snack.
21. Usal
Usal is a Maharashtrian dish and also a common Gujarati dish made of legumes such as peas, lentils, and black eyed beans.
There are many different variations, but it is often made with sprouted beans, lentils, and dried beans.
This rich and flavorful dish is often served with bread and rice to make a delicious, hearty meal for the whole family.
22. Uni
Uni is a world-class delicacy that comes from Japan and is a decadent dish that is loved by foodies all over the world.
Sometimes referred to as the sea urchin’s roe, or eggs, uni is actually the creature’s gonads and the edible portion of the spiny sea urchin.
Its strong flavor and creamy texture is perfect in several different dishes, such as sushi. It is most often served as nigiri sushi, placed on a ball of sticky rice, and seasoned with soy sauce.
23. Unsalted Nuts
Unsalted nuts are simply nuts without salt, sugar or flavours.
Mixed unsalted nuts come in a large bag and contain a variety of different nuts, such as almonds, cashew nuts, peanuts, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, and pecan nuts.
They make an excellent snack by themselves, or can be used in a variety of different sweet and savory dishes to bring a deliciously nutty flavor to your recipe and provide it with another layer of texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some fruits beginning with the letter U?
Ugli fruit and Ugni molinae (also known as Chilean guava) are two fruits that start with the letter U. Ugli fruit is a Jamaican tangelo, which is a hybrid of grapefruit, orange, and tangerine. Chilean guava is a small berry native to South America with a sweet, slightly spicy taste.
What vegetables can you name that start with U?
Urad dal and ulluco are two vegetables that begin with the letter U. Urad dal are black lentils commonly used in Indian cuisine, while ulluco is a South American tuber with a crisp texture, similar to a potato.
Are there any popular dishes starting with the letter U?
Udon noodles and Ukrainian borscht are two popular dishes that start with the letter U. Udon noodles are thick wheat noodles commonly used in Japanese cuisine, while Ukrainian borscht is a beet-based soup, often served with sour cream and hearty bread.
Can you name some snacks that begin with U?
Ukoy and umeboshi are two snacks that begin with the letter U. Ukoy are Filipino shrimp fritters, often served with a vinegar dipping sauce. Umeboshi are Japanese pickled plums, known for their salty and sour taste.
What are some unique foods starting with the letter U?
Unagi (Japanese eel) and unripe plantain chips are two unique foods that start with the letter U. Unagi is grilled and often served in sushi or as a standalone dish, while unripe plantain chips are a crunchy alternative to regular potato chips.
Which superfoods begin with the letter U?
There aren’t many superfoods that start with the letter U, but urad dal and ulluco can be considered nutrient-rich foods. Urad dal is high in protein, fiber, and various essential nutrients, while ulluco is packed with vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and potassium.
23 Foods That Start With U: Our Curated List
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.
