25 Unique Foods That Start with the Letter E

Foods that start with the letter “E” offer a delightful array of flavors, ranging from savory to sweet and from traditional to exotic.

Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply curious about expanding your culinary horizons, this list of 25 foods will introduce you to some unique and familiar dishes.

Let’s explore the exciting world of foods that start with “E” and discover their diverse tastes and uses!

Foods that Start with E

1. Eggs

Eggs are one of the most versatile and commonly used ingredients in cooking.

They can be boiled, scrambled, fried, or used in various recipes, from baked goods to savory dishes.

• Taste: Mild and slightly creamy.
• Texture: Smooth and soft when cooked.
• Use: Used in breakfast dishes, baking, or as a binding agent.

2. Edamame

Edamame are young, green soybeans typically served boiled or steamed, often lightly salted.

They are a popular snack in Japanese cuisine and are known for their high protein content.

• Taste: Mildly sweet and nutty.
• Texture: Firm and tender.
• Use: Served as a snack or appetizer.

3. Escargot

Escargot is a French delicacy made from snails, typically cooked in garlic butter and herbs.

It has a unique texture and rich flavor, enjoyed by adventurous eaters.

• Taste: Savory and garlicky.
• Texture: Tender and slightly chewy.
• Use: Served as an appetizer in French cuisine.

4. Enchiladas

Enchiladas are a popular Mexican dish made by rolling tortillas around a filling (such as meat, cheese, or beans) and baking them with a savory sauce on top.

• Taste: Savory, spicy, and tangy.
• Texture: Soft tortillas with tender fillings.
• Use: Served as a main course in Mexican cuisine.

5. Emmental Cheese

Emmental cheese, also known as Swiss cheese, is a mild, slightly nutty cheese with characteristic holes.

It’s often used in sandwiches, fondue, or melted over dishes.

• Taste: Mild, nutty, and slightly sweet.
• Texture: Firm with holes.
• Use: Used in sandwiches, fondue, or melted in dishes.

6. Endive

Endive is a leafy vegetable with a slightly bitter taste, often used in salads or as a healthy snack.

It’s crisp and pairs well with vinaigrettes and cheese.

• Taste: Slightly bitter and crunchy.
• Texture: Crisp and firm.
• Use: Used in salads or as a healthy snack.

7. Eel

Eel is a type of fish that is commonly used in Japanese cuisine, particularly in sushi and grilled dishes.

It has a rich, slightly sweet flavor and a firm texture.

• Taste: Rich and slightly sweet.
• Texture: Firm and tender when cooked.
• Use: Served grilled, in sushi, or as part of Japanese dishes.

8. English Muffin

An English muffin is a small, round, flat bread that is typically toasted and served with butter or jam.

It’s often used as a base for breakfast dishes like eggs Benedict.

• Taste: Mildly sweet and slightly tangy.
• Texture: Soft and spongy with a crispy exterior when toasted.
• Use: Used in breakfast dishes or as a bread substitute.

9. Elderberries

Elderberries are small, dark berries that are often used in jams, jellies, and syrups.

They have a tart, slightly bitter flavor and are known for their antioxidant properties.

• Taste: Tart and slightly bitter.
• Texture: Juicy and slightly seedy.
• Use: Used in jams, jellies, and syrups.

10. Eggnog

Eggnog is a rich, creamy holiday drink made with milk, cream, sugar, and eggs, often flavored with nutmeg and sometimes spiked with rum or brandy.

• Taste: Sweet, creamy with a hint of spice.
• Texture: Thick and smooth.
• Use: Served as a festive drink during the holidays.

11. Espresso

Espresso is a strong, concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans.

It’s the base for many popular coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

• Taste: Bold, rich, and slightly bitter.
• Texture: Smooth and thick.
• Use: Served as a shot or used as a base for coffee drinks.

12. Egusi (Melon Seeds)

Egusi is the name for melon seeds used in West African cuisine, particularly in soups and stews. When ground, they create a thick, hearty texture.

• Taste: Nutty and slightly earthy.
• Texture: Thick and grainy when cooked.
• Use: Used in soups and stews in African cuisine.

13. Einkorn Wheat

Einkorn wheat is an ancient grain with a rich, nutty flavor.

It is often used in bread, pasta, and baked goods.

It’s known for being high in nutrients and easier to digest than modern wheat.

• Taste: Nutty and slightly sweet.
• Texture: Chewy and hearty.
• Use: Used in bread, pasta, and other baked goods.

14. Epoisses Cheese

Epoisses is a soft, spicy French cheese with a creamy texture and a strong aroma.

It’s often spread on bread or crackers and enjoyed with wine.

• Taste: Rich, creamy, and slightly tangy.
• Texture: Soft and creamy.
• Use: Served with bread or crackers.

15. Eclairs

Eclairs are a classic French pastry made from choux dough filled with cream and topped with chocolate glaze.

They are sweet and indulgent and a favorite in bakeries worldwide.

• Taste: Sweet and rich with vanilla and chocolate flavors.
• Texture: Light and airy with a creamy filling.
• Use: Served as a dessert or pastry.

16. Empanadas

Empanadas are savory pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, popular in Latin American and Spanish cuisines.

They can be baked or fried and are perfect as a snack or main dish.

• Taste: Savory with a flaky, buttery crust.
• Texture: Crisp and tender.
• Use: Served as a snack, appetizer, or main course.

17. Elk Meat

Elk meat is a lean, flavorful game meat that’s often compared to beef but with a slightly sweeter and richer taste.

It’s a healthy alternative to traditional red meats.

• Taste: Rich, slightly sweet, and earthy.
• Texture: Lean and tender.
• Use: Used in stews, burgers, and steaks.

18. Evaporated Milk

Evaporated milk is a shelf-stable dairy product made by removing about 60% of the water from regular milk.

It has a rich, creamy flavor and is often used in baking and cooking.

• Taste: Creamy and slightly sweet.
• Texture: Thick and smooth.
• Use: Used in baking, sauces, and creamy soups.

19. Edam Cheese

Edam cheese is a semi-hard cheese from the Netherlands with a mild, slightly nutty flavor.

It’s often enjoyed on its own or melted in dishes.

• Taste: Mild and nutty.
• Texture: Firm and smooth.
• Use: Served in sandwiches, salads, or melted in recipes.

20. Eryngii Mushrooms

Eryngii mushrooms, also known as king oyster mushrooms, have a firm texture and mild, savory flavor.

They are often used in stir-fries, grilled, or roasted.

• Taste: Mild, slightly nutty.
• Texture: Firm and meaty.
• Use: Used in stir-fries, grilling, or as a meat substitute.

21. Easter Eggs

Easter eggs are chocolate or decorated eggs traditionally associated with Easter celebrations.

They can be filled with candy or hollow, enjoyed by both children and adults.

• Taste: Sweet and chocolatey (if made of chocolate).
• Texture: Smooth and creamy.
• Use: Served as a holiday treat or gift.

22. Egg Drop Soup

Egg drop soup is a Chinese soup made by slowly pouring beaten eggs into hot broth, creating silky ribbons of egg.

It’s simple, comforting, and often garnished with scallions.

• Taste: Savory and light with a mild flavor.
• Texture: Smooth with silky egg ribbons.
• Use: Served as a starter or light meal in Chinese cuisine.

23. Ezekiel Bread

Ezekiel bread is a type of sprouted grain bread made from a variety of whole grains and legumes.

It’s nutrient-dense and high in protein, often considered a healthy alternative to regular bread.

• Taste: Nutty and slightly sweet.
• Texture: Dense and chewy.
• Use: Used for sandwiches or toast.

24. Egg Curry

Egg curry is a popular dish in Indian cuisine, made by simmering hard-boiled eggs in a spiced tomato and onion gravy.

It’s rich, flavorful, and often served with rice or naan.

• Taste: Savory and spicy with rich curry flavors.
• Texture: Creamy with firm boiled eggs.
• Use: Served as a main course with rice or bread.

25. Elderflower Cordial

Elderflower cordial is a sweet, floral syrup made from the flowers of the elderberry plant.

It’s often diluted with water or sparkling water to make a refreshing drink, or added to cocktails for a floral note.

• Taste: Sweet, floral, and fragrant.
• Texture: Smooth and syrupy when undiluted.
• Use: Mixed with water or used in cocktails and desserts.

Conclusion

From savory classics like enchiladas and eel to sweet treats like eclairs and eggnog, foods that start with the letter “E” offer a diverse and flavorful experience.

Whether you’re in the mood for something familiar or adventurous, this list provides a range of options to suit any taste.

Why not explore these unique foods and bring new flavors to your kitchen?