The world of food is diverse, and the letter “H” brings us a delightful selection of dishes, ingredients, and flavors that span cultures and cuisines.
From hearty meals to sweet treats, these foods offer a wonderful journey through taste and tradition.
Whether you’re discovering new favorites or exploring familiar ones, this list of 25 foods that start with H will inspire creativity in the kitchen.
Let’s dive in!
List of Foods that Start with H
1. Ham
Ham is a cut of pork that is typically cured and sometimes smoked.
It’s a versatile meat often used in sandwiches, salads, and main dishes.
Ham can be enjoyed warm or cold, and its slightly salty flavor makes it a favorite worldwide.
- Taste: Salty and savory.
- Texture: Tender and juicy.
- Use: Commonly used in sandwiches, breakfast dishes, or holiday meals.
2. Hummus
Hummus is a creamy Middle Eastern dip made from blended chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
It’s a healthy and flavorful option often served with pita bread or vegetables for dipping.
- Taste: Savory with a hint of lemon and garlic.
- Texture: Smooth and creamy.
- Use: Served as a dip, spread, or side dish.
3. Honey
Honey is a natural sweetener made by bees from flower nectar.
It has a rich, sweet flavor and can be used in cooking, baking, or as a topping for yogurt, toast, or oatmeal.
Honey also has antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
- Taste: Sweet and floral.
- Texture: Thick and syrupy.
- Use: Used as a sweetener in drinks, desserts, and sauces.
4. Hazelnut
Hazelnuts are small, round nuts with a sweet, slightly buttery flavor.
They are commonly used in confectionery, particularly in chocolate spreads, and can be eaten roasted or raw.
Hazelnuts are rich in healthy fats and antioxidants.
- Taste: Sweet and nutty.
- Texture: Crunchy when raw, creamy when ground.
- Use: Used in desserts, spreads, and as a snack.
5. Halibut
Halibut is a white fish known for its mild, slightly sweet flavor.
Due to its firm texture, it’s a popular choice for grilling, baking, or frying.
- Taste: Mild and slightly sweet.
- Texture: Firm and flaky.
- Use: Grilled, baked, or fried in seafood dishes.
6. Haddock
Haddock is another white fish commonly used in fish and chips.
It has a delicate, mild flavor and a slightly firmer texture than cod, making it ideal for frying, smoking, or baking.
- Taste: Mild and slightly salty.
- Texture: Flaky and tender.
- Use: Commonly used in fish and chips or smoked.
7. Hamburger
A hamburger is a classic American dish made from ground beef, typically served in a bun with various toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and condiments.
It’s a favorite for barbecues and fast food.
- Taste: Savory and beefy.
- Texture: Juicy with a slightly crispy exterior.
- Use: Served as a main course with sides like fries.
8. Hot Dog
Hot dogs are sausages typically made from pork, beef, or a combination, served in a sliced bun.
They are a popular fast food item, especially at barbecues and sporting events, and they are often topped with mustard, ketchup, onions, or relish.
- Taste: Savory with a smoky flavor.
- Texture: Juicy and tender.
- Use: Served in a bun with various toppings as a quick meal or snack.
9. Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin sauce is a thick, fragrant Chinese sauce made from fermented soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and sugar.
It has a sweet and salty flavor and is commonly used as a glaze for meat or a dipping sauce in Chinese cuisine.
- Taste: Sweet, salty, and slightly tangy.
- Texture: Thick and smooth.
- Use: Used in stir-fries, as a marinade, or dipping sauce.
10. Haggis
Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with oats, onions, and spices, and encased in the animal’s stomach or a synthetic casing.
It’s a hearty dish often served with neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes).
- Taste: Rich, savory, and slightly peppery.
- Texture: Soft and crumbly.
- Use: Traditionally served with turnips and potatoes.
11. Halloumi
Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese from Cyprus, known for its high melting point, which makes it ideal for grilling or frying.
It has a salty, savory flavor and a firm, chewy texture that softens when cooked.
- Taste: Salty and savory.
- Texture: Firm and slightly squeaky when grilled.
- Use: Grilled or fried and served in salads, sandwiches, or on its own.
12. Harissa
Harissa is a spicy chili paste made from roasted red, chili peppers, and various spices.
It is commonly used in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine to add heat and flavor to meats, stews, and soups.
- Taste: Spicy with a smoky undertone.
- Texture: Thick and paste-like.
- Use: Used as a condiment, marinade, or ingredient in dishes.
13. Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a flowering plant whose dried petals are used to make a tart, tangy tea.
The tea, often served hot or cold, is bright red and rich in antioxidants.
- Taste: Tart and fruity.
- Texture: Liquid when brewed into tea.
- Use: Brewed as tea or used in cocktails and desserts.
14. Hominy
Hominy is dried corn kernels treated with an alkali in a process called nixtamalization.
It is often used in Mexican dishes like pozole or ground into masa for tortillas.
- Taste: Mild and slightly earthy.
- Texture: Chewy and firm.
- Use: Used in soups, stews, or ground into masa for tortillas.
15. Honeydew Melon
Honeydew melon is a type of sweet melon with pale green flesh.
It’s refreshing and hydrating often served as a dessert or fruit salad.
- Taste: Sweet and mildly fragrant.
- Texture: Juicy and smooth.
- Use: Eaten fresh or in fruit salads.
16. Hash Browns
Hash browns are a popular breakfast dish made from shredded or diced potatoes, fried until golden brown and crispy.
They are often served with eggs, bacon, or toast.
- Taste: Savory and slightly salty.
- Texture: Crispy on the outside, soft inside.
- Use: Served as a breakfast side dish.
17. Horseradish
Horseradish is a root vegetable known for its sharp, pungent flavor and spicy heat.
It’s often grated and used as a condiment or in sauces, particularly with roast beef or seafood.
- Taste: Spicy and pungent.
- Texture: Crisp when fresh, creamy when made into sauce.
- Use: Used in sauces, spreads, or as a condiment.
18. Hushpuppies
Hushpuppies are deep-fried balls of cornmeal batter, often served as a side dish with seafood.
They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a slightly sweet flavor.
- Taste: Mildly sweet and savory.
- Texture: Crispy on the outside, soft and moist inside.
- Use: Served as a side dish, often with fried seafood.
19. Hake
Hake is a white fish with a mild flavor and delicate texture.
It’s versatile and often used in Mediterranean and European cuisines, and it can be grilled, baked, or fried.
- Taste: Mild and slightly sweet.
- Texture: Flaky and tender.
- Use: Grilled, baked, or fried in seafood dishes.
20. Herbs de Provence
Herbs de Provence is a fragrant herb blend from the Provence region of France, typically including rosemary, thyme, oregano, and lavender.
It’s used to season meats, vegetables, and stews.
- Taste: Earthy, aromatic, and slightly floral.
- Texture: Dried, crumbly.
- Use: Used to season meats, vegetables, and stews.
21. Honeycomb
A honeycomb is the waxy structure that bees use to store honey.
It’s edible and chewy, with sweet honey trapped inside. Honeycomb can be eaten alone or used as a topping for desserts.
- Taste: Sweet and floral.
- Texture: Chewy with liquid honey inside.
- Use: Eaten on its own or as a topping for desserts.
22. Hot Sauce
Hot sauce is a condiment made from chili peppers, vinegar, and salt.
It adds heat and flavor to dishes and is commonly used in various cuisines worldwide.
- Taste: Spicy and tangy.
- Texture: Smooth and liquid.
- Use: Used as a condiment or added to dishes for heat.
23. Havarti Cheese
Havarti is a semi-soft Danish cheese with a smooth texture and mild, buttery flavor.
It melts well, making it a great choice for sandwiches and grilled cheese.
- Taste: Mild, buttery, and slightly tangy.
- Texture: Smooth and creamy.
- Use: Used in sandwiches, cheese platters, or melted in dishes.
24. Heart of Palm
The heart of palm is a vegetable harvested from the inner core of certain palm trees.
It has a mild, slightly nutty flavor and is often used in salads or as a topping for dishes.
- Taste: Mild and slightly nutty.
- Texture: Tender and crisp.
- Use: Used in salads or as a topping for dishes.
25. Halva
Halva is a dense, sweet confection from sesame seeds or flour mixed with sugar or honey.
It has a crumbly texture and is popular in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines.
- Taste: Sweet and nutty.
- Texture: Crumbly and dense.
- Use: Eaten as a dessert or snack.
Conclusion
Foods that start with the letter “H” offer an exciting array of tastes and textures, from hearty meats like ham and hamburger to sweet treats like honey and halva.
Whether you’re looking for a savory dish, a refreshing fruit, or a unique ingredient, these foods have something to offer every palate.
The diversity in this list highlights the global nature of cuisine, inspiring your next meal or snack.
So why not try something new from this list and experience the delicious possibilities of foods starting with H?
