✔ Updated · 245 foods, sorted by category
Foods that start with C include carrots, corn, cherries, cheese, chicken, chocolate, cookies, cupcakes and curry.
This list rounds up 245 foods that begin with the letter C, sorted into twelve categories: fruits, vegetables, grains, beans and nuts, everyday dishes, desserts, breads and snacks, drinks, cheeses and dairy, meat and seafood, herbs and spices, sauces and pantry staples, and international foods. Each entry has a short description, and a quick A-to-Z list at the end is handy for alphabet games and quizzes.
Foods that start with C, from everyday favorites to rare finds. The most popular:
Fruits That Start With C
Berries, melons, citrus and tropical fruit that start with C.
Cherry
A small, round stone fruit, either sweet and dark red for snacking or sour and bright red for pies.
Cantaloupe
A round melon with netted skin and sweet, juicy orange flesh, served in wedges, fruit salads or with prosciutto.
Clementine
A small, seedless, easy-to-peel citrus fruit with sweet segments, a favorite lunchbox snack in winter.
Cranberry
A tart, bright red bog berry, rarely eaten raw but cooked into cranberry sauce, juice and dried snacks.
Coconut
The large fruit of the coconut palm, with crisp white flesh and water inside, used fresh, dried, or as milk.
Crab Apple
A small, very tart wild apple, rich in pectin and cooked into ruby-colored jellies and preserves.
Cherimoya
A green, scaly fruit from the Andes with creamy white flesh tasting of banana, pineapple and vanilla.
Custard Apple
A tropical fruit with knobbly skin and sweet, creamy, custard-textured flesh around large black seeds.
Cape Gooseberry
A small golden berry wrapped in a papery husk, sweet-tart like a tomato crossed with pineapple, also called goldenberry.
Cara Cara Orange
A navel orange with pinkish-red flesh and a sweet, low-acid flavor with hints of berry, in season in winter.
Concord Grape
A dark purple American grape with slip-off skin and a bold, musky flavor, used for grape juice and jelly.
Carambola
Also called star fruit, a waxy yellow fruit that slices into star shapes, with a crisp, juicy, sweet-tart taste.
Calamansi
A tiny, sour citrus from the Philippines, squeezed over pancit and fried fish or made into calamansi juice.
Cloudberry
An amber berry that grows wild in Arctic bogs, prized in Scandinavia for jams served with waffles and cheese.
Citron
A large, fragrant citrus fruit with a thick, bumpy rind and little juice, mostly candied for fruitcakes.
Cupuaçu
An Amazonian relative of cacao with creamy white pulp tasting of chocolate, pineapple and banana, used in juices.
Cempedak
A Southeast Asian fruit related to jackfruit, smaller and sweeter, with soft, fragrant golden flesh often fried.
Cashew Apple
The juicy, pear-shaped fruit that grows above the cashew nut, made into juice and the Indian spirit feni.
Cactus Pear
Also called prickly pear or tuna, the spiny fruit of the nopal cactus with sweet, magenta or green flesh.
Vegetables That Start With C
Roots, brassicas, greens, squashes and mushrooms that start with C.
Carrot
A crunchy, sweet orange root vegetable eaten raw as a snack, roasted, glazed or added to soups and cakes.
Cabbage
A firm, leafy head of green, red or Savoy leaves, shredded into slaws, stuffed, braised or fermented into sauerkraut.
Cauliflower
A white head of tight florets with a mild flavor, roasted whole, mashed, or riced as a low-carb grain swap.
Celery
Crisp, pale green stalks with a fresh, salty crunch, a base of soups and stews and a classic snack with peanut butter.
Cucumber
A long, green, refreshing vegetable with crisp, watery flesh, sliced into salads, sandwiches and pickles.
Corn
Sweet, juicy kernels on a cob, eaten grilled or boiled with butter, or cut off for salads, salsas and chowders.
Collard Greens
Large, sturdy leaves slow-cooked with smoked ham hocks or turkey, a staple of Southern soul food.
Chard
A leafy green with thick, colorful stems in red, yellow or white, sautéed like spinach with garlic.
Cassava
A starchy tropical root, also called yuca, that must be peeled and cooked, then fried, boiled or made into tapioca.
Celeriac
A knobbly root, also called celery root, with a celery-like flavor, mashed, roasted or grated into rémoulade.
Chayote
A pale green, pear-shaped squash with mild, crisp flesh, eaten raw in salads or cooked in stews and stir-fries.
Cavolo Nero
Tuscan kale with long, crinkled, dark green leaves, essential in the bean and bread soup ribollita.
Chicory
A family of bitter leafy greens including radicchio and curly endive, whose roasted roots are brewed like coffee.
Cardoon
A thistle related to the artichoke whose celery-like stalks are blanched and braised or fried in Italy and Spain.
Celtuce
A Chinese stem lettuce grown for its thick, crisp stalk, which tastes like a mix of celery and cucumber.
Cremini Mushrooms
Brown button mushrooms with a deeper flavor than white ones, sliced into pasta, stir-fries and soups.
Chanterelle Mushrooms
Golden, trumpet-shaped wild mushrooms with a fruity aroma and peppery flavor, sautéed in butter.
Get the recipe →Cherry Tomato
Small, round, sweet tomatoes that burst in the mouth, eaten whole in salads or blistered in a hot pan.
Chinese Broccoli
Also called gai lan, a leafy green with thick stems and small florets, served with oyster sauce at dim sum.
Courgette
The British and French name for zucchini, a tender summer squash grilled, sautéed or spiralized.
Grains, Beans & Nuts That Start With C
Grains, pulses, nuts, seeds and pasta beginning with C.
Chickpeas
Round, nutty legumes, also called garbanzo beans, blended into hummus, fried as falafel and simmered in curries.
Cannellini Beans
Large, creamy white kidney beans from Italy, used in minestrone, Tuscan bean soups and salads.
Couscous
Tiny steamed granules of semolina from North Africa, served under tagines or tossed into salads.
Cornmeal
Dried corn ground into coarse or fine meal, used for cornbread, polenta, grits and coatings for fried fish.
Chia Seeds
Tiny black or white seeds that swell into a gel in liquid, used in chia pudding and smoothies.
Cashews
Kidney-shaped, buttery nuts eaten roasted and salted, tossed into stir-fries or blended into creamy sauces.
Chestnuts
Starchy, sweet nuts roasted over an open fire in winter, or used in stuffing, soups and marron glacé.
Cereal
Ready-to-eat breakfast flakes, puffs and loops made from grains, served with cold milk.
Cream of Wheat
A smooth, hot breakfast porridge made from farina, a finely milled wheat, served with sugar or fruit.
Cavatappi
Corkscrew-shaped tubes of pasta with ridges that hold sauce, popular for baked mac and cheese.
Conchiglie
Shell-shaped pasta that cups sauce and peas, from tiny soup shells to jumbo shells for stuffing.
Cannelloni
Large pasta tubes stuffed with ricotta and spinach or meat, covered in sauce and baked.
Cornstarch
A fine white starch from corn used to thicken gravies, pie fillings and stir-fry sauces, and for crisp coatings.
Dishes & Meals That Start With C
Comfort food, soups, salads and family meals that start with C. Chicken pot pie is my favorite cold-night dinner.
Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken and vegetables in a creamy gravy, baked under a flaky golden pastry crust.
Get the recipe →Chicken and Dumplings
A Southern stew of tender chicken in a rich broth with soft, fluffy dumplings simmered on top.
Get the recipe →Chili
A thick, spicy stew of ground beef, beans, tomatoes and chili powder, topped with cheese and onions.
Get the recipe →Chicken Nuggets
Bite-size pieces of breaded, fried chicken, served with dipping sauces like honey mustard and barbecue.
Get the recipe →Cheeseburger
A beef burger topped with a slice of melted cheese, usually American or cheddar, in a soft bun.
Get the recipe →Corn Dog
A hot dog on a stick dipped in sweet cornmeal batter and deep-fried, a fair and boardwalk classic.
Get the recipe →Corn on the Cob
Whole ears of sweet corn boiled or grilled and rolled in butter, salt and pepper.
Get the recipe →Coleslaw
Shredded cabbage and carrots in a creamy or vinegar dressing, served with barbecue and fried chicken.
Get the recipe →Chicken Noodle Soup
A comforting soup of chicken, egg noodles, carrots and celery in a light, savory broth.
Clam Chowder
A thick, creamy New England soup of clams, potatoes, onions and salt pork, served with oyster crackers.
Cottage Pie
A British dish of minced beef and vegetables in gravy, topped with mashed potato and baked until golden.
Chicken Parmesan
Breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara and melted mozzarella, an Italian-American favorite.
Chicken Fried Steak
A tenderized beef cutlet breaded and fried like chicken, smothered in creamy white pepper gravy.
Chicken Salad
Chopped cooked chicken bound with mayonnaise, celery and seasonings, served in sandwiches or on lettuce.
Cobb Salad
A Los Angeles salad of chopped chicken, bacon, avocado, hard-boiled egg, tomato and blue cheese.
Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine tossed with a garlicky anchovy and Parmesan dressing and croutons.
Club Sandwich
A triple-decker sandwich of turkey or chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo on toast, cut into quarters.
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Salt-cured beef brisket simmered with cabbage, potatoes and carrots, a St. Patrick's Day tradition in the US.
Crab Cakes
Patties of lump crab meat bound with a little breadcrumb and mayo, pan-fried golden, a Maryland classic.
Chicken Wings
Chicken wing pieces fried, baked or grilled and tossed in sauces, from Buffalo to honey garlic.
Chicken Marsala
Pan-fried chicken cutlets in a rich sauce of Marsala wine and mushrooms.
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken breast rolled around ham and Swiss cheese, breaded and baked or fried.
Creamed Spinach
Chopped spinach simmered in a rich cream sauce with garlic and nutmeg, a steakhouse side.
Get the recipe →Cilantro Lime Rice
Fluffy white rice tossed with chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice, served with burrito bowls.
Get the recipe →Chicken Chesapeake
Chicken breast stuffed or topped with Maryland-style lump crab meat and baked.
Get the recipe →Crawfish Pie
A Louisiana savory pie filled with crawfish tails in a spicy, buttery sauce with the Cajun trinity.
Get the recipe →Chicken Liver and Onions
Chicken livers pan-fried with sweet caramelized onions, a classic diner and home-cooked dish.
Get the recipe →Cioppino
A San Francisco fisherman's stew of crab, clams, shrimp and fish in a tomato and wine broth.
Desserts & Sweets That Start With C
Cakes, cookies, pies, pastries and candy that start with C. Chocolate-chip cookies are our family’s favorite bake.
Chocolate
Made from roasted, ground cacao beans and sugar, eaten as bars or melted into countless desserts.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Buttery cookies studded with chocolate chips, invented at the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts.
Get the recipe →Cheesecake
A rich dessert of sweetened cream cheese and eggs baked on a graham cracker crust.
Get the recipe →Cupcakes
Small, single-serving cakes baked in paper liners and topped with swirls of frosting.
Carrot Cake
A moist spiced cake made with grated carrots, often with walnuts and cream cheese frosting.
Chocolate Cake
A rich layer cake made with cocoa or melted chocolate, frosted with chocolate buttercream or ganache.
Churros
Ridged sticks of fried dough rolled in cinnamon sugar, dipped in thick hot chocolate in Spain.
Get the recipe →Cinnamon Rolls
Soft swirls of yeast dough filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with cream cheese icing.
Get the recipe →Coffee Cake
A tender breakfast cake with a buttery cinnamon streusel topping, served with coffee.
Get the recipe →Cake Pops
Balls of crumbled cake mixed with frosting, set on sticks and dipped in candy coating.
Get the recipe →Coca-Cola Cake
A moist Southern chocolate sheet cake made with cola, covered in a fudgy cola frosting.
Get the recipe →Cobbler
Baked fruit such as peaches or berries topped with biscuit dough or batter, served warm with ice cream.
Crème Brûlée
A rich vanilla custard topped with a thin layer of sugar caramelized into a crackly glass-like crust.
Crème Caramel
A silky baked custard turned out of its mold with a pool of liquid caramel sauce on top.
Cannoli
Sicilian fried pastry tubes filled with sweetened ricotta, often with chocolate chips or candied fruit.
Cream Puffs
Light choux pastry balls filled with whipped cream or pastry cream and dusted with powdered sugar.
Clafoutis
A French baked dessert of cherries in a thick, eggy, flan-like batter, dusted with sugar.
Crêpes
Thin French pancakes folded around sweet fillings like Nutella, fruit or sugar and lemon.
Custard
A creamy cooked mixture of milk or cream, eggs and sugar, served as a sauce or baked until set.
Chocolate Mousse
A light, airy French dessert of melted chocolate folded with whipped cream or beaten egg whites.
Cherry Pie
A lattice-topped pie filled with sweet or tart cherries, a classic for the Fourth of July.
Coconut Cream Pie
A pie of creamy coconut custard in a flaky crust, topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut.
Chess Pie
A simple Southern pie with a sweet, rich filling of butter, sugar, eggs and a little cornmeal.
Cassata
A Sicilian cake of sponge layered with sweet ricotta, covered in marzipan and decorated with candied fruit.
Castella
A soft, springy Japanese sponge cake introduced by the Portuguese, made with eggs, sugar, flour and honey.
Cotton Candy
Spun sugar that forms fluffy, colorful clouds that melt on the tongue, a fair and circus classic.
Candy Corn
Small, chewy, triangle-shaped candies striped yellow, orange and white, a Halloween tradition.
Candy Cane
A hard, hooked peppermint stick with red and white stripes, a classic Christmas candy.
Caramel
Sugar cooked until golden and nutty, then made into chewy candies or creamy sauce with butter and cream.
Breads & Snacks That Start With C
Breads, pastries, crackers and snack foods beginning with C.
Croissant
A flaky, buttery, crescent-shaped French pastry made from yeast dough layered with butter, eaten plain or filled.
Ciabatta
A rustic Italian bread with a crisp crust and a very open, airy crumb, great for panini.
Challah
A soft, slightly sweet braided Jewish egg bread, served on the Sabbath and holidays.
Cornbread
A crumbly quick bread made from cornmeal, baked in a skillet and served with chili or barbecue.
Get the recipe →Chapati
A soft, unleavened whole wheat flatbread cooked on a griddle, eaten daily in India and East Africa.
Crumpet
A spongy British griddle cake with holes on top that soak up melted butter.
Crackers
Thin, crisp baked biscuits, plain or flavored, eaten with cheese, dips and soups.
Chips
Thin slices of potato fried or baked until crispy and salted, called crisps in the UK.
Cheese Puffs
Puffed corn snacks coated in cheese powder, either crunchy or airy and melt-in-the-mouth.
Crostini
Small slices of toasted bread brushed with olive oil, topped with spreads, cheese or tomatoes.
Croutons
Small cubes of bread toasted or fried until crunchy, scattered over salads and soups.
Cloud Bread
A light, fluffy, bread-like bake made from whipped egg whites, popular on TikTok.
Get the recipe →Cheddar Biscuits
Fluffy drop biscuits with shredded cheddar and garlic butter brushed on top.
Get the recipe →Curry Bun
A Japanese bread called kare pan, filled with thick curry, breaded and fried or baked.
Get the recipe →Chocolate Cornet
A spiral, horn-shaped Japanese bakery bread filled from the wide end with sweet, creamy chocolate custard.
Get the recipe →Caramel Corn
Popcorn coated in a crunchy, buttery caramel glaze, often with a sprinkle of salt.
Get the recipe →Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
Crunchy salted pretzels dipped in milk, dark or white chocolate for a sweet-salty snack.
Get the recipe →Caramel Apple Dip
A sweet, creamy dip of cream cheese, brown sugar and caramel, served with apple slices.
Get the recipe →Corn Tortillas
Thin, round flatbreads made from nixtamalized corn masa, used for tacos and enchiladas.
Drinks That Start With C
Coffee, tea, juice, wine and cocktails starting with C.
Coffee
A brewed drink made from roasted coffee beans, enjoyed black or with milk around the world.
Cappuccino
An Italian coffee of espresso topped with equal parts steamed milk and thick milk foam.
Cold Brew
Coffee steeped in cold water for 12 to 24 hours, giving a smooth, less acidic iced coffee.
Café au Lait
French coffee of strong brewed coffee mixed with hot milk, served in a wide bowl or cup.
Chai
Indian spiced tea brewed with milk, sugar, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon and cloves.
Chamomile Tea
A caffeine-free herbal tea made from dried chamomile flowers, with a mild, apple-like taste.
Cola
A sweet, fizzy soft drink flavored with vanilla, citrus and spices, the world's most popular soda style.
Cocoa
A hot drink of cocoa powder or chocolate whisked with milk and sugar, topped with marshmallows.
Chocolate Milk
Cold milk sweetened and flavored with cocoa or chocolate syrup, a favorite with kids.
Chocolate Milkshake
A thick, cold drink of chocolate ice cream blended with milk, topped with whipped cream.
Get the recipe →Coconut Water
The clear, lightly sweet liquid from young green coconuts, sipped straight from the shell.
Cranberry Juice
Tart red juice from cranberries, usually sweetened, and a key ingredient in the Cosmopolitan.
Cherry Limeade
A sweet-tart fizzy drink of lime juice, lemon-lime soda and cherry syrup with lime wedges.
Get the recipe →Champagne
A sparkling wine made only in the Champagne region of France, used to toast celebrations.
Chardonnay
A popular white wine grape making wines from crisp and citrusy to rich and buttery when oak-aged.
Cabernet Sauvignon
A full-bodied red wine grape with flavors of blackcurrant and cedar, famous in Bordeaux and Napa.
Cosmopolitan
A pink cocktail of vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice and lime, served in a martini glass.
Caipirinha
Brazil's national cocktail of cachaça, a sugarcane spirit, with muddled lime and sugar over ice.
Cuba Libre
A rum and cola served over ice with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Cognac
A grape brandy from the Cognac region of France, double-distilled and aged in oak barrels.
Campari
A bright red, bitter Italian aperitif made with herbs and orange peel, key in the Negroni.
Cider
A fermented alcoholic drink made from apple juice, from dry to sweet and still to sparkling.
Cheeses & Dairy That Start With C
Hard, soft, fresh and blue cheeses plus creams. I always have sharp cheddar in my fridge.
Cheddar
A firm English cheese, mild to sharp and tangy, and one of the most popular cheeses in the US and UK.
Cottage Cheese
Soft, lumpy fresh cheese curds in a creamy dressing, eaten with fruit or used in lasagna.
Cream Cheese
A soft, smooth, mild fresh cheese spread on bagels and essential in cheesecake and frosting.
Camembert
A soft French cheese from Normandy with a white bloomy rind and a rich, earthy, runny center.
Colby
A mild, moist, orange American cheese from Wisconsin, softer than cheddar and great for melting.
Comté
A firm French Alpine cheese made from raw cow's milk, sweet and nutty, aged for months.
Cotija
A salty, crumbly Mexican cow's milk cheese sprinkled over elote, tacos and beans.
Chèvre
Fresh goat cheese, soft, tangy and spreadable, often rolled in herbs or ash.
Caciocavallo
A southern Italian stretched-curd cheese shaped like a teardrop and hung in pairs to age.
Cashel Blue
An Irish farmhouse blue cheese from Tipperary, creamy and mellow with a gentle tang.
Cheshire
One of England's oldest named cheeses, from Cheshire, with a crumbly, moist texture and a mildly salty taste.
Cheese Curds
Fresh, squeaky nuggets of young cheddar, eaten fried in Wisconsin or on Canadian poutine.
Cream
The rich, fatty layer skimmed from milk, whipped for desserts or stirred into sauces and soups.
Crème Fraîche
A thick, tangy French cultured cream that does not curdle when boiled, used in sauces.
Clotted Cream
A very thick English cream from Devon and Cornwall, spread on scones with jam.
Meat & Seafood That Start With C
Poultry, meats, sausages, fish and shellfish that start with C.
Chicken
The world's most popular meat, roasted, fried, grilled or braised in countless cuisines.
Crab
Shellfish with sweet, delicate meat in the legs and body, steamed, boiled or made into crab cakes.
Cod
A mild, flaky white fish, the classic choice for fish and chips, fish sticks and baking.
Catfish
A mild freshwater fish, often farm-raised, usually dredged in cornmeal and fried in the American South.
Clams
Bivalve shellfish steamed in wine and garlic, added to pasta or simmered into chowder.
Calamari
Squid, usually sliced into rings, battered and fried, then served with lemon and marinara.
Chorizo
A spicy pork sausage seasoned with paprika, cured and sliced in Spain or fresh and crumbled in Mexico.
Corned Beef
Beef brisket cured in salt brine with spices, simmered for sandwiches and hash.
Crawfish
Small freshwater crustaceans, also called crayfish, boiled with spices in big Louisiana crawfish boils.
Caviar
Salt-cured sturgeon roe, a luxury served chilled with blini and crème fraîche.
Carp
A freshwater fish eaten in Central Europe at Christmas and ground for gefilte fish.
Chuck Roast
A well-marbled beef cut from the shoulder, slowly braised into tender pot roast.
Cornish Hen
A small young chicken, about one serving each, roasted whole for an elegant dinner.
Chitterlings
Pig intestines cleaned and slow-simmered or fried, a Southern soul food dish called chitlins.
Capicola
A cured Italian pork shoulder cold cut, spiced and sliced thin for sandwiches.
Country Ham
A Southern dry-cured, salty, aged ham, sliced thin and fried with red-eye gravy.
Chateaubriand
A thick center cut of beef tenderloin roasted for two and served with béarnaise.
Conch
A large sea snail with firm, sweet meat, made into fritters and salads in the Bahamas.
Cuttlefish
A relative of squid with thicker, tender flesh, grilled or cooked in its own black ink.
Chilean Sea Bass
The market name for Patagonian toothfish, a rich, buttery white fish from deep, cold Southern Ocean waters.
Herbs & Spices That Start With C
Herbs, spices and seasoning blends beginning with C.
Cinnamon
The fragrant inner bark of a tropical tree, sold as sticks or ground for baking and spiced drinks.
Cumin
Earthy, warm seeds used whole or ground in Mexican, Indian and Middle Eastern cooking.
Coriander
The dried seeds of the cilantro plant, with a citrusy, floral flavor used in curries and pickling.
Cilantro
The fresh leaves of the coriander plant, bright and citrusy, used in salsa, curries and pho.
Cardamom
Green pods with aromatic seeds used in chai, Indian curries and Scandinavian sweet breads.
Cloves
Dried flower buds with a strong, warm flavor, studded into hams and used in mulled wine.
Cayenne Pepper
A hot red chili ground into powder, adding heat to Cajun food, sauces and rubs.
Chives
Slender, hollow green herbs with a mild onion flavor, snipped over baked potatoes and eggs.
Chervil
A delicate French herb with lacy leaves and a mild anise flavor, part of fines herbes.
Chili Powder
A blend of ground dried chilies with cumin, oregano and garlic, used to season chili con carne.
Celery Seed
Tiny seeds with a strong celery flavor, used in coleslaw, potato salad and Chicago hot dogs.
Caraway
Crescent-shaped seeds with an anise-like flavor that give rye bread and sauerkraut their taste.
Curry Powder
A ready-made spice blend of turmeric, coriander, cumin and chili, used in Anglo-Indian curries.
Chipotle
A smoke-dried jalapeño pepper, sold dried or canned in adobo sauce, adding smoky heat.
Cajun Seasoning
A Louisiana blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic, onion and herbs for blackened fish and gumbo.
Chinese Five Spice
A blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper and fennel for roast meats.
Sauces, Condiments & Pantry That Start With C
Sauces, dips, oils and baking staples that start with C.
Chimichurri
An Argentine sauce of parsley, garlic, oregano, vinegar and olive oil, spooned over grilled steak.
Cocktail Sauce
A tangy dipping sauce of ketchup and horseradish served with chilled shrimp.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberries cooked with sugar into a tart-sweet sauce, a Thanksgiving turkey essential.
Chutney
A South Asian condiment of fruit or vegetables cooked with vinegar, sugar and spices, like mango chutney.
Chili Crisp
A crunchy Chinese condiment of chili flakes, fried garlic and shallots in oil, spooned over noodles.
Capers
Small, pickled flower buds with a salty, tangy bite, used in chicken piccata and tartar sauce.
Caramel Sauce
A pourable sauce of caramelized sugar, butter and cream, drizzled over ice cream and desserts.
Cinnamon Butter
Whipped butter sweetened with honey and cinnamon, spread on hot rolls and sweet potatoes.
Get the recipe →Curry Paste
A ground paste of chilies, aromatics and spices, such as Thai red and green curry pastes.
Coconut Milk
A creamy liquid pressed from grated coconut flesh, the base of Thai curries and many desserts.
Coconut Oil
An oil pressed from coconut meat, solid at cool room temperature, used in baking and frying.
Canola Oil
A neutral, light vegetable oil pressed from rapeseed, used for frying, baking and dressings.
Cocoa Powder
Unsweetened powder made from cacao beans, used in brownies, cakes and hot chocolate.
International Foods That Start With C
Global dishes that start with C, from Italy to Cape Verde.
Curry
A broad family of spiced sauces and stews from South and Southeast Asia, served with rice or bread.
Calzone
A folded Italian pizza turnover stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella and salami, baked until golden.
Carbonara
A Roman pasta of spaghetti tossed with eggs, pecorino, guanciale and black pepper.
Cacio e Pepe
A Roman pasta of just pecorino cheese, black pepper and pasta water whisked into a creamy sauce.
Caponata
A Sicilian sweet-sour stew of eggplant, celery, olives and capers, served at room temperature.
Cassoulet
A slow-cooked French casserole of white beans, duck confit, sausage and pork.
Coq au Vin
A French classic of chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms, bacon and pearl onions.
Get the recipe →Croque Monsieur
A French grilled ham and cheese sandwich topped with béchamel and Gruyère.
Chicken Kiev
A Ukrainian-style breaded chicken breast filled with garlic herb butter that spills out when cut.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Grilled marinated chicken in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce, a British-Indian restaurant favorite.
Chicken Katsu
A Japanese breaded and fried chicken cutlet served with tonkatsu sauce or Japanese curry.
Chimichanga
A deep-fried burrito filled with meat, beans and cheese, from Arizona and northern Mexico.
Chalupa
A Mexican fried masa boat or shell topped with beans, meat, salsa and cheese.
Chilaquiles
Mexican fried tortilla chips simmered in red or green salsa, topped with eggs, crema and cheese.
Chiles Rellenos
Roasted poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, dipped in fluffy egg batter and fried.
Ceviche
Raw fish cured in lime juice with onion, chili and cilantro, from Peru and coastal Latin America.
Carnitas
Mexican pork shoulder slowly cooked in lard until tender, then crisped and shredded for tacos.
Get the recipe →Carne Asada
Marinated, grilled skirt or flank steak sliced thin for tacos and burritos.
Carne Molida
Seasoned ground beef cooked with tomato, onion and spices, used in tacos and stuffed peppers.
Get the recipe →Cochinita Pibil
A Yucatán dish of pork marinated in achiote and bitter orange, slow-roasted in banana leaves.
Char Siu
Cantonese barbecue pork glazed with honey, hoisin and five spice, roasted until sticky and red.
Congee
A savory Asian rice porridge cooked until creamy, topped with scallions, ginger and meat.
Crab Rangoon
Crisp fried wonton wrappers filled with cream cheese and crab, a Chinese-American appetizer.
Chinese Chicken Balls
British Chinese takeout of battered, fried chicken pieces served with sweet and sour sauce.
Get the recipe →Chana Masala
A North Indian curry of chickpeas in a spiced tomato and onion sauce.
Cabbage Rolls
Cabbage leaves wrapped around meat and rice, baked in tomato sauce across Eastern Europe.
Cevapi
Small grilled sausages of minced beef and lamb from the Balkans, served in flatbread with onions.
Coxinha
A Brazilian teardrop-shaped croquette filled with shredded chicken and cream cheese, then fried.
Cachupa
Cape Verde's national dish, a slow-cooked stew of hominy corn, beans, vegetables and meat or fish.
Cou-Cou
A Barbadian dish of cornmeal and okra stirred into a smooth mound, served with flying fish.
Did You Know?
- Cashews grow hanging from the bottom of a fleshy fruit called the cashew apple, and their shells contain a caustic oil, so they are never sold truly raw in the shell.
- Cantaloupes and cucumbers are close relatives: both belong to the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae, along with zucchini, pumpkins and watermelons.
- Caesar salad was created in Tijuana, Mexico, in the 1920s by the Italian-born restaurateur Caesar Cardini, not in ancient Rome.
- Cheddar is named after the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, where cheese was being made by at least the 12th century.
Quick List: All 245 Foods That Start With C
Handy for alphabet games, quizzes and Scattergories. The full list, A to Z:
Cabbage, Cabbage Rolls, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cachupa, Cacio e Pepe, Caciocavallo, Cactus Pear, Caesar Salad, Café au Lait, Caipirinha, Cajun Seasoning, Cake Pops, Calamansi, Calamari, Calzone, Camembert, Campari, Candy Cane, Candy Corn, Cannellini Beans, Cannelloni, Cannoli, Canola Oil, Cantaloupe, Cape Gooseberry, Capers, Capicola, Caponata, Cappuccino, Cara Cara Orange, Carambola, Caramel, Caramel Apple Dip, Caramel Corn, Caramel Sauce, Caraway, Carbonara, Cardamom, Cardoon, Carne Asada, Carne Molida, Carnitas, Carp, Carrot, Carrot Cake, Cashel Blue, Cashew Apple, Cashews, Cassata, Cassava, Cassoulet, Castella, Catfish, Cauliflower, Cavatappi, Caviar, Cavolo Nero, Cayenne Pepper, Celeriac, Celery, Celery Seed, Celtuce, Cempedak, Cereal, Cevapi, Ceviche, Chai, Challah, Chalupa, Chamomile Tea, Champagne, Chana Masala, Chanterelle Mushrooms, Chapati, Char Siu, Chard, Chardonnay, Chateaubriand, Chayote, Cheddar, Cheddar Biscuits, Cheese Curds, Cheese Puffs, Cheeseburger, Cheesecake, Cherimoya, Cherry, Cherry Limeade, Cherry Pie, Cherry Tomato, Chervil, Cheshire, Chess Pie, Chestnuts, Chia Seeds, Chicken, Chicken and Dumplings, Chicken Chesapeake, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Chicken Fried Steak, Chicken Katsu, Chicken Kiev, Chicken Liver and Onions, Chicken Marsala, Chicken Noodle Soup, Chicken Nuggets, Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Pot Pie, Chicken Salad, Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Wings, Chickpeas, Chicory, Chilaquiles, Chilean Sea Bass, Chiles Rellenos, Chili, Chili Crisp, Chili Powder, Chimichanga, Chimichurri, Chinese Broccoli, Chinese Chicken Balls, Chinese Five Spice, Chipotle, Chips, Chitterlings, Chives, Chocolate, Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Cornet, Chocolate Milk, Chocolate Milkshake, Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate-Covered Pretzels, Chorizo, Chow Mein, Chuck Roast, Churros, Chutney, Chèvre, Ciabatta, Cider, Cilantro, Cilantro Lime Rice, Cinnamon, Cinnamon Butter, Cinnamon Rolls, Cioppino, Citron, Clafoutis, Clam Chowder, Clams, Clementine, Clotted Cream, Cloud Bread, Cloudberry, Cloves, Club Sandwich, Cobb Salad, Cobbler, Coca-Cola Cake, Cochinita Pibil, Cocktail Sauce, Cocoa, Cocoa Powder, Coconut, Coconut Cream Pie, Coconut Milk, Coconut Oil, Coconut Water, Cod, Coffee, Coffee Cake, Cognac, Cola, Colby, Cold Brew, Coleslaw, Collard Greens, Comté, Conch, Conchiglie, Concord Grape, Congee, Coq au Vin, Coriander, Corn, Corn Dog, Corn on the Cob, Corn Tortillas, Cornbread, Corned Beef, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Cornish Hen, Cornmeal, Cornstarch, Cosmopolitan, Cotija, Cottage Cheese, Cottage Pie, Cotton Candy, Cou-Cou, Country Ham, Courgette, Couscous, Coxinha, Crab, Crab Apple, Crab Cakes, Crab Rangoon, Crackers, Cranberry, Cranberry Juice, Cranberry Sauce, Crawfish, Crawfish Pie, Cream, Cream Cheese, Cream of Wheat, Cream Puffs, Creamed Spinach, Cremini Mushrooms, Croissant, Croque Monsieur, Crostini, Croutons, Crumpet, Crème Brûlée, Crème Caramel, Crème Fraîche, Crêpes, Cuba Libre, Cucumber, Cumin, Cupcakes, Cupuaçu, Curry, Curry Bun, Curry Paste, Curry Powder, Custard, Custard Apple, Cuttlefish
Frequently Asked Questions
What fruit starts with C?
Cherries, cantaloupe, clementines, cranberries and coconuts are the best-known fruits that start with C. Others include crab apples, cherimoya, cape gooseberries, Cara Cara oranges, Concord grapes, carambola, calamansi, cloudberries, and tropical rarities like cupuaçu and cempedak.
What vegetable starts with C?
Carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumber and corn are the most common vegetables that start with C. Collard greens, chard, cassava, celeriac, chayote, cavolo nero, chicory, cremini mushrooms, chanterelles and cardoons also begin with C.
What's a dessert that starts with C?
Cheesecake, chocolate chip cookies, cupcakes and carrot cake are the most popular desserts that start with C. Churros, cinnamon rolls, crème brûlée, cannoli, cobbler, cherry pie, cream puffs, clafoutis and cotton candy are other sweet choices.
What are some rare or unusual foods that start with C?
Unusual foods that start with C include cupuaçu, an Amazonian relative of cacao; cempedak, a smaller cousin of jackfruit; celtuce, a stem lettuce; cardoon, a thistle related to the artichoke; cou-cou from Barbados; and cachupa, Cape Verde's slow-cooked corn and bean stew.
What's a breakfast food that starts with C?
Cereal, croissants and cinnamon rolls are classic breakfast foods that start with C. Coffee cake, crêpes, corned beef hash, chilaquiles, cream of wheat, congee, cheese omelets, a cappuccino or cold brew coffee and cranberry juice also fit.
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