25 Delicious Foods That Start with the Letter V

Foods that start with the letter “V” offer a variety of flavors, textures, and culinary experiences.

This list provides an exciting range of foods for every taste, from sweet treats like vanilla pudding to savory dishes like venison and vegetable curry.

Let’s explore 25 foods that start with “V” and discover new flavors, ingredients, and dishes.

List of Foods that Start with V

1. Vanilla

Vanilla is a globally loved flavor derived from the pods of vanilla orchids. Its aromatic and sweet qualities make it a staple in baking, desserts, and beverages.

Vanilla is used in forms such as extract, paste, or whole beans, offering versatility in cooking.

Its complex yet subtle flavor profile enhances everything from cakes and cookies to ice creams and custards.

• Taste: Sweet, floral, and fragrant.
• Texture: Smooth and silky when in extract or paste form.
• Use: Popular in baking, ice creams, and flavoring beverages like coffee or milkshakes.

2. Venison

Venison is a rich, gamey meat obtained from deer. It’s a leaner and healthier alternative to beef, prized for its unique flavor and versatility.

Venison can be roasted, grilled, or stewed and is often served with fruits or sauces to complement its earthy taste.

Rich in protein and low in fat, it’s a nutritious meat choice for health-conscious diners.

• Taste: Earthy, slightly sweet, and gamey.
• Texture: Lean yet tender when cooked right.
• Use: Often grilled, roasted, or slow-cooked, paired with sweet or savory sides.

3. Velvet Beans

Velvet beans, also called Mucuna pruriens, are legumes valued for their medicinal and nutritional properties.

Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, they contain a compound called L-Dopa, which is beneficial for mental health.

Velvet beans are also consumed as a food source, often boiled or added to stews in some cultures.

They are high in protein and fiber, making them nutritious to the diet.

• Taste: Mildly earthy with a slight nuttiness.
• Texture: Firm when cooked, similar to other beans.
• Use: Eaten boiled in soups or ground into powder for supplements.

4. Vidalia Onion

Vidalia onions are a variety of sweet onions grown in Vidalia, Georgia, USA.

Known for their mild flavor, they are less pungent than regular onions, making them ideal for raw applications.

Vidalia onions are often used in salads, sandwiches, and salsas, but they can also be caramelized for a sweet and savory dish.

• Taste: Sweet and mild, with a light onion flavor.
• Texture: Crisp when raw, soft, and sweet when cooked.
• Use: Great raw in salads or caramelized in savory dishes like soups and stir-fries.

5. Victoria Plum

Victoria plums are a popular fruit known for their reddish-purple skin and golden flesh.

This British variety is sweet and slightly tangy, perfect for fresh eating and cooking.

Victoria plums are often turned into jams, pies, and crumbles or used in savory sauces to complement meats like pork or duck.

• Taste: Sweet, juicy with a slight tartness.
• Texture: Soft, tender, and juicy.
• Use: Eaten fresh, made into preserves, or used in baking pies and desserts.

6. Vermicelli

Vermicelli is a type of thin pasta similar to spaghetti but much finer.

It’s widely used in various cuisines, including Italian, Middle Eastern, and Asian dishes.

Vermicelli is versatile, often used in soups, stir-fries, or desserts like sweetened rice puddings.

Its quick cooking time and delicate texture make it a popular choice for savory and sweet preparations.

• Taste: Mild, neutral pasta flavor.
• Texture: Thin, soft, and delicate when cooked.
• Use: Used in soups, stir-fries, salads, or desserts like rice puddings and custards.

7. Valencia Orange

Valencia oranges are a sweet and juicy citrus variety known for their bright color and high juice content.

They’re often used to make fresh orange juice, but they’re also great for snacking, salads, or desserts.

Valencia oranges are available during the summer months and offer a refreshing burst of sweetness.

• Taste: Sweet with a tangy citrus flavor.
• Texture: Juicy and firm with tender flesh.
• Use: Eaten fresh, juiced, or used in salads, desserts, and marinades.

8. Vichyssoise

Vichyssoise is a creamy French soup, traditionally served cold, made from pureed leeks, potatoes, onions, and cream.

This elegant, velvety soup is a refreshing starter, especially during warmer months.

Despite its simplicity, Vichyssoise is rich in flavor and can be garnished with chives or croutons for added texture.

• Taste: Creamy, savory with a mild leek and potato flavor.
• Texture: Smooth and velvety.
• Use: Served chilled as a refreshing appetizer, typically garnished with fresh herbs.

9. Vegetable Soup

Vegetable soup is a nourishing and hearty dish with various broth vegetables.

It’s versatile and can be adapted to include seasonal vegetables, beans, or grains, making it both filling and healthy.

Vegetable soup is a comforting choice for cooler days, providing warmth and essential nutrients.

• Taste: Savory with a blend of vegetable flavors.
• Texture: Brothy with soft, tender vegetables.
• Use: Served as a healthy and filling meal, often accompanied by bread or crackers.

10. Vienna Sausage

Vienna sausages are small, thin sausages that originated in Europe.

They’re commonly made from pork, beef, or chicken and are often canned and eaten as a snack or appetizer.

These sausages are versatile and can be used in casseroles and pasta dishes or served on crackers with mustard for a quick bite.

• Taste: Mildly seasoned with a slightly smoky flavor.
• Texture: Soft, tender, and juicy.
• Use: Eaten as a snack, in sandwiches, or added to casseroles and pasta dishes.

11. Velveeta Cheese

Velveeta cheese is a processed cheese product known for its smooth, creamy texture when melted.

It’s often used in making creamy cheese sauces, dips, and comfort foods like macaroni and cheese.

Velveeta melts evenly, making it a popular choice for cheesy dishes that require a velvety finish.

• Taste: Mild, creamy, and slightly salty.
• Texture: Soft and smooth, especially when melted.
• Use: Used in cheese sauces, dips, and casseroles for its easy melting properties.

12. Vol-au-Vent

Vol-au-vent is a light, flaky pastry shell typically filled with savory ingredients like meats, seafood, or mushrooms in a creamy sauce.

Originating from French cuisine, these pastries are often served as appetizers or light meals.

The delicate puff pastry and rich fillings make it a popular choice for special occasions.

• Taste: Buttery and flaky with a rich, savory filling.
• Texture: Crispy and airy outside, soft and creamy inside.
• Use: Served as an appetizer or main course, filled with various savory ingredients.

13. Vegan Cheese

Vegan cheese is a plant-based alternative to traditional dairy cheese made from nuts, soy, or coconut oil.

It comes in various flavors and textures, including soft spreads, slices, and blocks.

Vegan cheese is often used in pizzas, sandwiches, and sauces, offering a cruelty-free and lactose-free option for cheese lovers.

• Taste: Varies from mild to tangy depending on the base ingredients.
• Texture: Ranges from creamy to firm, depending on the type.
• Use: Used in plant-based dishes like pizzas, burgers, or cheese spreads.

14. Vegetarian Chili

Vegetarian chili is a hearty, meat-free version of the classic chili, made with beans, vegetables, and spices.

It’s a protein-packed, flavorful dish that can be customized with toppings like sour cream, cheese, or avocado.

This dish is perfect for those seeking a comforting, plant-based meal.

• Taste: Spicy and savory with rich tomato and bean flavors.
• Texture: Thick and hearty with tender beans and vegetables.
• Use: Served as a main course, often topped with cheese, sour cream, or avocado.

15. Vanilla Pudding

Vanilla pudding is a smooth, creamy dessert made with milk, sugar, and vanilla flavoring.

It’s a classic sweet treat enjoyed on its own or used as a filling for pies and trifles.

Vanilla pudding is versatile and can be served chilled with whipped cream, fruits, or other toppings.

• Taste: Sweet and creamy with a delicate vanilla flavor.
• Texture: Smooth and silky.
• Use: Served as a standalone dessert or used in layered desserts like trifles or pies.

16. Velvet Apple

Velvet apple, also known as mabolo, is a tropical fruit native to the Philippines.

It has a reddish-brown, velvety skin and soft, creamy flesh inside.

The fruit’s flavor is mildly sweet and can be compared to a mix of peach and banana, though some find its aroma unusual.

• Taste: Mildly sweet, similar to a peach or banana.
• Texture: Soft and creamy with velvety skin.
• Use: Eaten fresh or used in fruit salads and desserts.

17. Victoria Sponge Cake

Victoria sponge cake is a light and fluffy British cake filled with whipped cream and jam, often enjoyed with afternoon tea.

Named after Queen Victoria, it’s a classic dessert that’s simple yet elegant, known for its airy texture and sweet filling.

• Taste: Lightly sweet with vanilla and fruity jam flavors.
• Texture: Soft, airy, and moist.
• Use: Served as a dessert or tea-time treat, often filled with jam and cream.

18. Vegan Burger

A vegan burger is a plant-based patty made from beans, grains, vegetables, or meat substitutes like soy or pea protein.

It’s a popular alternative to traditional meat burgers, offering a nutritious and cruelty-free option for those following a plant-based diet.

• Taste: Savory, often seasoned with herbs and spices to mimic the flavor of a traditional burger.
• Texture: Ranges from firm and meaty to soft, depending on the ingredients used.
• Use: Served in a bun with traditional burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, and sauces.

19. Vanilla Bean

Vanilla beans are the whole pods of the vanilla orchid, known for their intense flavor.

The tiny seeds inside the pod are often scraped out and used to add rich, aromatic vanilla flavor to desserts and sauces.

Vanilla beans offer a more robust flavor compared to vanilla extract.

• Taste: Rich, aromatic, and sweet with floral notes.
• Texture: Soft and pliable with tiny, flavorful seeds inside.
• Use: Used in baking, ice cream, and sauces for a concentrated vanilla flavor.

20. Valdeón Cheese

Valdeón cheese is a strong, blue-veined cheese from Spain known for its bold and tangy flavor.

Made from a blend of cow and goat’s milk, it’s often wrapped in sycamore leaves, which adds to its earthy taste.

This cheese is perfect for those who enjoy intense flavors.

• Taste: Sharp, tangy with earthy and nutty undertones.
• Texture: Creamy with blue veins and a slightly crumbly texture.
• Use: Enjoyed on cheese boards, in salads, or melted into sauces.

21. Vermouth Jelly

Vermouth jelly is a unique, alcohol-infused gelatin dessert made from vermouth, a fortified wine flavored with botanicals.

This elegant dessert offers a delicate balance of sweetness and vermouth’s complex, aromatic flavors.

It is often served as a light, refreshing treat or as an accompaniment to cheese.

• Taste: Sweet with herbal and slightly bitter notes.
• Texture: Smooth and wobbly, like gelatin.
• Use: Served as a dessert or alongside cheeses for a sophisticated pairing.

22. Vatapá

Vatapá is a creamy Brazilian dish made from shrimp, coconut milk, bread, peanuts, and spices.

It has a rich, savory flavor and is often served with rice or acarajé, a type of cake.

Vatapá is a popular dish in the northeastern region of Brazil, especially in the state of Bahia.

• Taste: Rich and savory with a hint of spice and coconut.
• Texture: Creamy and smooth.
• Use: Served as a main dish with rice or as a filling for acarajé.

23. Veal

Veal is tender meat from young cattle, known for its delicate flavor and fine texture.

It’s often used in gourmet dishes like veal marsala, veal piccata, and osso buco.

Veal is prized for its tenderness and is typically cooked quickly to preserve its texture and flavor.

• Taste: Mild, slightly sweet, and delicate.
• Texture: Tender and fine-grained.
• Use: Grilled, sautéed, or slow-cooked in gourmet dishes.

24. Vegetable Curry

Vegetable curry is a flavorful dish with various vegetables simmered in a spiced sauce, often with coconut milk or yogurt.

It’s a hearty, satisfying dish commonly found in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines, offering a burst of spices and flavors with each bite.

• Taste: Spicy and savory with a rich blend of spices and herbs.
• Texture: Creamy sauce with tender vegetables.
• Use: Served as a main dish with rice or flatbreads like naan.

25. Violet Syrup

Violet syrup is a fragrant, floral syrup made from violet flowers.

It is often used in drinks, desserts, and cocktails.

Its delicate floral flavor adds a unique sweetness to beverages like lemonade or cocktails, and it can also be drizzled over pancakes or ice cream.

• Taste: Sweet and floral with a subtle violet essence.
• Texture: Smooth and syrupy.
• Use: Used to flavor drinks, desserts, and cocktails or drizzled over sweets.

Final Thoughts

From sweet treats like vanilla pudding and Victoria sponge cake to savory delights like vegetable curry and venison, foods that start with the letter “V” offer a wide range of flavors and textures.

Whether you’re indulging in the richness of Valdeón cheese or enjoying the refreshing sweetness of a Valencia orange, this list highlights the versatility and variety of “V” foods.

These 25 foods inspire both adventurous cooking and classic comfort dishes.

Why not explore this selection and bring new and exciting flavors to your table?