Last Updated on May 13, 2021 by April
There are lots of irresistible foods that start with N, however, you probably have not even heard of half of them!
Some of the best N foods come from other countries like India and Italy. So if you are looking to brush up on your food list trivia, there are plenty of foods to learn.
In this post, you will find fruits, vegetables, dishes, spices, and drinks starting with the letter N.
Foods That Start With N
Here are some of the most popular foods beginning with N from around the world.
Naan Bread
Naan bread is a popular Indian bread, that is often served alongside curries. It has a soft and fluffy texture with crisp edges.
This bread is traditionally baked in a clay or metal tandoor oven.
The history of naan bread dates back to the Medieval era.
Nachos
Nachos are an American dish typically made from tortilla chips, cheese, and other ingredients.
Nachos are often served as an appetizer for large gatherings or events like football games.
Recipes can vary depending on the type of chip used (corn-, flour-).
The origin story for nachos is unclear but it has been speculated that they were invented in 1943.
Nankhata
Nankhata is a Nepalese dish made from rice and lentils.
Nankhata is served on a banana leaf, with curried vegetables as toppings.
The word Nankhata comes from the Nepali language meaning “to eat along” or “to eat together.”
Nashi Pear
Nashi pear is a type of pear that is grown in East Asia.
Nashi pears are a healthy option for diabetics because they have a low glycemic index and high fiber content.
The nashi fruit has been consumed as early as the 13th century, first appearing under the name ‘pear’ in Japan during this time period.
Dishes that use nashi pear are often served in a soup-like form.
Nasi Goreng
Nasi goreng is a popular dish in Indonesia.
Nasi goreng is stir-fried rice with a variety of ingredients, including vegetables and meat.
There are many versions of nasi goreng, but it typically includes soy sauce, garlic oil or shallot oil, chillies, shrimp paste (belacan), chopped chili peppers and coconut milk.
The name nasi goreng means ‘fried rice’ in Indonesian.
Natilla
Natilla is a popular custard dessert in Spain, similar to creme caramel.
Natillas is very creamy with a rich egg flavor and has been described as tasting like vanilla ice cream mixed with whipped cream.
The traditional Spanish natilla includes milk, sugar, eggs, and lemon zest.
Natto
Natto is a popular dish in Japan. It is made from fermented soybeans (nattō).
Natto has a strong taste and smell as well as sticky texture, both of which are acquired from the bacteria Bacillus subtilis var natto during fermentation.
People who do not enjoy its slimy consistency or pungent smell should refrain from eating this dish.
Natto is common in Japanese households and restaurants, served as a breakfast food for children or an accompaniment to rice for lunchtime meals. It is also used in traditional dishes such as nabemono (hot pot).
In Japan, natto plays the same role as cheese does in other countries. In some cases, it is used as the main ingredient for a dish, such as in nattō omelette or natto spaghetti.
Natto is traditionally served with soy sauce and wasabi paste mixed together on top of rice.
There are many different ways to eat it depending on personal preference but they all involve mixing the beans from this tangy dish with other ingredients.
Navel Oranges
Navel oranges come from citrus fruits that have a single seed at the center.
In California, navel oranges most often become juice or marmalade. Other countries around the world commonly enjoy them as fresh fruit in season.
Navels are available all year round thanks to cold storage and global trade but they’re best in winter when their skin is thicker and the juice is sweeter.
Navy Beans
Navy beans are popular in the US.
These beans get their name from being a staple food for sailors and military personnel when they were shipped out on long voyages as bulk rations centuries ago.
Navy beans are especially popular with vegetarians because of their high protein content, but they’re also enjoyed by many non-vegetarians thanks to how delicious they taste.
Neapolitan Ice Cream
Neapolitan ice cream is one of the most popular flavors of ice cream in America.
The flavor is a combination of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
Neapolitan has been around since the early 1900s when it was created by Italian immigrants to Chicago who came from Naples where they ate this very type of flavored gelato every day.
Necci Crepes
Necci crepes are popular street food in Florence, Italy.
They are made on a large skillet with a light batter of eggs and milk that’s seasoned with salt and pepper, then rolled out like thin pancakes to make the crepe.
The finished product is usually covered in sugar or honey before being served hot off the pan.
Nectar
Nectar is a sweet liquid that is produced by plants.
There are many types of nectar, and it is important for pollination in the garden as well as a way to get energy from flowers that do not offer up pollen.
Nectarine
Nectarine is a fruit that is in the same family as peaches.
It’s a close relative of the peach, and it was named after “Nectarius,” an early Christian saint who liked to eat them.
Neep
Neep is a Scottish word for turnip.
It is a root vegetable that can be found at any grocery store and tastes similar to potatoes or cauliflower when cooked, but it’s more watery in texture.
Negus
Negus is a type of wine that is made from a sweet-flavored base and can be served hot or cold.
It’s often consumed before meals in order to stimulate the appetite, so it makes a good appetizer for those who are trying to watch their weight.
Nepoleon
Nepoleon is a type of pastry that comes from France.
It is made with a short crust layered with creme or custard and often topped off with whipped cream, fruit, chocolate, ice cream, nuts, or just powdered sugar.
Nesselrode
Nesselrode is a type of ice cream that was invented in the early 1800s.
It is made with egg yolks, sugar, and milk or heavy cream, and it has a custard-like texture.
Nesselrode became popular when Prince Metternich had an ambassador from Russia who served it to him.
Nesselrode is often served in a little individual-sized cup with whipped cream and fresh fruit, usually strawberries.
Nettles
Nettles are a type of plant that grows near rivers, streams, and wet areas.
It is believed to have been used as a food source by Native Americans who would eat the stems raw or boil them like spinach.
Nettles are also known for their medicinal qualities because they contain high amounts of vitamin K, calcium, and iron which makes them good for you.
Newburg Sauce
Newburg sauce is a rich sauce made with cream, butter, and egg yolks.
Newburg was originally created in 1837 by a chef named Charles Ranhofer as part of a grand banquet for New York’s elite at Delmonico’s Restaurant.
It is now often served over fillets of fish like salmon or trout.
Nice Cream
Nice cream is a type of ice cream that is made from frozen bananas.
Nice cream is a healthy and delicious alternative to regular ice cream because it contains little or no added sugars, dairy products, or other chemicals.
Nigella Seed
Nigella seed is a small, dark seed that is made from the nigella Sativa plant.
The seeds are often ground up and used as a spice in Indian cooking.
Nilla Wafers
Nilla wafers are a type of thin, crispy cookie that is made with a vanilla wafer.
Nilla Wafers are often used in desserts like ice cream sandwiches and layered ices because they have the same texture as an Oreo but without the chocolate coating.
Noodles
Noodles are made out of wheat flour and water.
Noodles are a type of pasta that is often served in Asian cuisine with soy sauce or other sauces as the main dish.
Nori
Nori is a Japanese seaweed that is used as a wrap for sushi.
Nori can be eaten both cooked or raw and has an earthy taste with hints of sweetness.
Norman Tart
Norman tarts are a type of dessert tart that is made with a slightly sweet crust and sour cream filling.
Norman tarts are often garnished with whipped cream, iced sugar, or sprinkled pine nuts as topping on the pudding-like filling.
Nougat
Nougat is a type of candy that is made up out of sugar, honey, and egg white.
Nougat was traditionally a type of candy bar but has evolved into other types like gummy bears or Nutella bars.
Nuggets
Nuggets are a type of chicken dish that can be made by frying the meat and then mixing it with a variety of ingredients.
Nuggets are usually one or two bites in size because they are typically about the same size as an egg or a golf ball.
Nutella
Nutella is a spread that is made out of hazelnuts, skim milk, and cocoa.
Nutella was traditionally served as a breakfast food but has evolved into other types like ice cream or pancakes with Nutella.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a spice that is made out of a seed from the Myristica fragrans tree.
Nutmeg has been used since ancient times and can be found in Indian cuisine as well as many different types of cakes.
Nutmeg Melon
Nutmeg melon is a type of melon that tastes like a mixture between cantaloupe and honeydew.
This is because the flesh has a mild nutmeg flavor to it, which makes for an interesting combination in this sweet fruit.
Nuts
Nuts come from the various trees that belong to the genus Juglans.
Nuts are also a type of plant food, which is edible and has been consumed by people for centuries.
In recent years nuts have become more popular in Western society due to their omega fatty acid content as well as other nutrients they contain.
Foods Beginning With the Letter N
- Naan Bread
- Nachos
- Nankhata
- Nashi Pear
- Nasi Goreng
- Natilla
- Natto
- Navel Oranges
- Navy Beans
- Neapolitan Ice Cream
- Necci Crepes
- Nectar
- Nectarine
- Neep
- Negus
- Nepoleon
- Nesselrode
- Nettles
- Newburg Sauce
- Nice Cream
- Nigella Seed
- Nilla Wafers
- Noodles
- Nori
- Norman Tart
- Nougat
- Nuggets
- Nutella
- Nutmeg
- Nutmeg Melon
- Nuts
Want more food lists? Check out these foods that start with the letter R.
Did you like this list of foods that start with N? Let me know all the food lists you would like to see in the comments!
Thanks for reading. 🙂
