✔ Updated · 222 foods, sorted by category
Foods that start with R include rice, radishes, raspberries, ravioli, risotto, ramen, ribs and red velvet cake.
This list rounds up 222 foods that begin with the letter R, sorted into eleven categories: fruits, vegetables, grains and pasta, dishes and meals, desserts, snacks and breads, drinks, cheeses and dairy, meat and seafood, herbs, spices and condiments, 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 R, from everyday favorites to rare finds. The most popular:
Fruits & Nuts That Start With R
Berries, tropical fruits and well-known apple, cherry, pear and grape varieties that start with R.
Raspberry
A soft, sweet-tart bramble berry made of tiny juicy segments, eaten fresh or used in jams, desserts and smoothies.
Redcurrant
Glossy, bright red berries that grow in clusters, with a sharp, tangy flavor that suits jellies, sauces and summer pudding.
Rambutan
A Southeast Asian fruit with red, hairy skin and sweet, juicy white flesh similar to lychee, peeled and eaten fresh.
Raisins
Dried grapes, dark or golden, eaten as a snack or baked into cookies, breads, granola and oatmeal.
Rose Apple
A bell-shaped tropical fruit with crisp, watery flesh and a light rose-like scent, eaten fresh in Southeast Asia.
Rose Hip
The small red fruit of the wild rose, too seedy to eat raw but made into tea, syrup, soup and jelly.
Red Banana
A short, plump banana with maroon skin and creamy, slightly pink flesh that tastes sweeter than a regular banana.
Riberry
A small pink Australian rainforest berry with a spicy, clove-like flavor, used in jams, sauces and desserts.
Rollinia
Also called biribá, a South American fruit with knobby yellow skin and sweet, custardy flesh that tastes like lemon meringue.
Rowanberry
Bright orange-red berries of the rowan tree, bitter when raw but cooked into tart jellies served with game.
Rockmelon
The Australian and New Zealand name for cantaloupe, a melon with netted skin and sweet orange flesh.
Ruby Red Grapefruit
A Texas grapefruit variety with deep pink flesh that is sweeter and less bitter than white grapefruit.
Rangpur Lime
A sour, orange-skinned citrus that is a cross between a mandarin and a citron, used like a lime in drinks and marmalade.
Red Delicious Apple
A deep red, heart-shaped American apple with sweet, mild flesh, long one of the most widely grown apples in the US.
Rome Apple
A round, glossy red apple from Ohio with firm flesh that holds its shape, making it a favorite for baking.
Rainier Cherry
A sweet cherry developed in Washington State in 1952, with yellow skin, a red blush and very high sugar content.
Redhaven Peach
A popular early-season freestone peach bred in Michigan, with red-blushed skin and juicy yellow flesh.
Red Anjou Pear
A red-skinned form of the Anjou pear with sweet, juicy flesh, often sliced raw into salads and cheese boards.
Royal Gala Apple
A sweet, crisp New Zealand apple with red-striped skin, a redder strain of the Gala and a lunchbox favorite.
Rhode Island Greening
An old American green apple dating to the 1600s, with tart flesh that is classic in apple pies.
Ribston Pippin
An English heritage apple from the 1700s with an intense, aromatic flavor, and a parent of Cox's Orange Pippin.
Red Globe Grape
A large, round, seeded red table grape with firm, crunchy flesh and a mild, sweet flavor.
Ruby Roman Grape
A Japanese grape the size of a ping-pong ball, bred in Ishikawa and famous for record prices at auction.
Rukam
A small, dark red Southeast Asian fruit with sweet-sour flesh, eaten fresh or rubbed with salt and spices.
Roselle
The fleshy red calyx of a hibiscus plant, used to make tart jams, sauces and the drinks agua de jamaica and sorrel.
Red Mombin
A small, plum-like Central American fruit with thin red skin and a tart, sweet flavor, eaten fresh or pickled.
Ramón Nut
Also called the Maya nut, the seed of a Central American rainforest tree, roasted and ground into flour or a coffee substitute.
Vegetables That Start With R
Roots, leafy greens, peppers, beans and squash that start with R. I roast radishes, and they turn sweet and mellow.
Radish
A crisp, peppery root vegetable, usually red with white flesh, sliced raw into salads or roasted until mellow and sweet.
Radicchio
A bitter Italian chicory with deep red leaves and white veins, used in salads or grilled and roasted.
Red Cabbage
A purple-red cabbage eaten raw in slaws or braised with apples and vinegar, which keeps its bright color.
Rhubarb
Tart pink and green stalks cooked with sugar in pies, crumbles and jams; the leaves are not eaten.
Romaine Lettuce
A tall, sturdy lettuce with crunchy ribs and a slightly bitter flavor, the classic base of Caesar salad.
Rutabaga
Also called swede, a cross between a turnip and cabbage with yellow flesh, mashed, roasted or added to stews.
Rapini
Also called broccoli rabe, a leafy green with small florets and a pleasantly bitter bite, often sauteed with garlic.
Rocket
The British and Australian name for arugula, a peppery salad green also used on pizza and in pesto.
Romanesco
A lime-green relative of cauliflower with striking spiral, fractal-like florets and a mild, nutty flavor.
Red Onion
A purple-skinned onion with a mild, slightly sweet bite, often used raw in salads, salsas and sandwiches.
Red Bell Pepper
A fully ripened bell pepper with sweet, juicy red flesh, eaten raw, roasted, stuffed or in stir-fries.
Red Potato
A waxy potato with thin red skin and creamy flesh that holds its shape when boiled, roasted or in potato salad.
Russet Potato
A large, starchy potato with brown skin and fluffy flesh, the best choice for baked potatoes, mashed potatoes and fries.
Ramps
Wild North American leeks with broad green leaves and a strong garlic-onion flavor, foraged briefly each spring.
Ramsons
Also called wild garlic or bear's garlic, a European woodland plant whose garlicky leaves are used in pesto and soups.
Runner Beans
Long, flat green pods from a climbing bean, sliced and boiled, popular in British gardens and kitchens.
Romano Beans
Also called Italian flat beans, wide green pods that stay tender and meaty when braised with tomatoes and garlic.
Rainbow Chard
A mix of Swiss chard with red, yellow, pink and white stems and earthy green leaves, sauteed like spinach.
Red Russian Kale
A tender kale with flat, frilly gray-green leaves and purple stems, sweeter and milder than curly kale.
Red Leaf Lettuce
A loose-leaf lettuce with soft, ruffled leaves tipped in burgundy, adding color and mild flavor to salads.
Red Kuri Squash
A small, teardrop-shaped orange winter squash with sweet, chestnut-like flesh and edible skin when roasted.
Rampion
A European bellflower whose white roots and leaves were once grown as vegetables, famous from the Rapunzel fairy tale.
Rocoto Pepper
A very hot Andean chili with black seeds and thick, juicy flesh, stuffed and baked in Peru as rocoto relleno.
Rau Muong
Vietnamese water spinach, a hollow-stemmed leafy green that is stir-fried with garlic in a classic side dish.
Grains, Pasta & Legumes That Start With R
Rice, flours, beans and pasta shapes that start with R. I always cook extra rice for fried rice the next day.
Rice
The staple grain for more than half the world, eaten as long-grain, short-grain, brown, white, jasmine and basmati varieties.
Red Rice
Unpolished rice with a red bran layer and a nutty, chewy texture, grown in Bhutan, the Camargue and southern India.
Rice Noodles
Noodles made from rice flour and water, from thin vermicelli to wide flat sheets, used in pho, pad thai and stir-fries.
Rice Paper
Thin, translucent sheets of rice and tapioca starch, softened in water and rolled around fillings for fresh spring rolls.
Rye
A hardy cereal grain with an earthy, slightly sour flavor, used for dark breads, crispbreads and whiskey.
Rolled Oats
Oat groats steamed and flattened into flakes, cooked into oatmeal or used in granola, cookies and crumbles.
Ragi
The Indian name for finger millet, a small reddish grain ground into flour for rotis, porridge and dosas.
Red Fife Wheat
A heritage Canadian wheat from the 1840s, revived by bakers for its rich, nutty flavor in breads.
Red Quinoa
A variety of quinoa with a red seed coat that holds its shape well after cooking, popular in salads.
Red Lentils
Split, orange-red lentils that cook quickly into a soft puree, used in dal, soups and stews.
Red Kidney Beans
Large, kidney-shaped dark red beans used in chili, rajma and salads; they must be fully boiled before eating.
Rice Beans
Small, slender Asian beans that look like grains of rice and are cooked in soups, curries and sweet dishes.
Ravioli
Square or round pasta pillows filled with cheese, meat or vegetables, served in sauce or broth.
Rigatoni
Large, ridged tubes of pasta whose wide openings catch hearty meat sauces, baked dishes and vodka sauce.
Rotini
Short corkscrew-shaped pasta whose spirals trap sauce, popular in pasta salads and baked casseroles.
Radiatori
Small, ruffled pasta shaped like old-fashioned radiators, designed to hold thick and creamy sauces.
Reginette
Long, flat ribbon pasta with wavy edges, also called mafaldine, whose name means little queens.
Risoni
Small rice-shaped pasta, better known in the US as orzo, used in soups, salads and baked dishes.
Rotelle
Wagon wheel-shaped pasta with spokes that hold sauce, a favorite with children in soups and salads.
Dishes & Meals That Start With R
Dinners, sandwiches and side dishes that start with R. Roast chicken is my favorite Sunday dinner.
Risotto
A creamy Italian rice dish made by slowly stirring short-grain rice with hot broth, butter and Parmesan.
Ratatouille
A Provencal vegetable stew of tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, peppers and onions simmered with olive oil and herbs.
Ramen
A Japanese noodle soup of wheat noodles in rich broth, topped with sliced pork, soft eggs, scallions and nori.
Get the recipe →Reuben Sandwich
A grilled rye bread sandwich of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian or Thousand Island dressing.
Rachel Sandwich
A variation of the Reuben made with turkey or pastrami and coleslaw in place of the corned beef and sauerkraut.
Roast Beef
A joint of beef roasted in the oven and carved into slices, served hot with gravy or cold in sandwiches.
Roast Chicken
A whole chicken roasted until the skin is golden and crisp, a classic Sunday dinner with vegetables and gravy.
Rotisserie Chicken
A whole chicken cooked on a slowly turning spit, sold ready to eat in supermarkets and used in quick dinners.
Roast Potatoes
Potatoes parboiled, roughed up and roasted in hot fat until crisp outside and fluffy inside, a British roast dinner staple.
Red Beans and Rice
A Louisiana Creole dish of red beans slow-cooked with sausage, ham hock and spices, served over white rice.
Get the recipe →Rice Pilaf
Rice toasted in butter or oil, often with onions and orzo, then simmered in seasoned broth until fluffy.
Refried Beans
Cooked pinto or black beans mashed and fried with lard or oil, served with tacos, burritos and enchiladas.
Ragout
A French-style slow-cooked stew of meat or vegetables in a thick, well-seasoned sauce.
Ragù
An Italian meat sauce simmered for hours, such as ragu alla Bolognese, served with tagliatelle or in lasagna.
Roulade
A dish rolled around a filling, such as beef rouladen with bacon and pickles or a sponge rolled with cream.
Rissole
A small patty or pastry of minced meat or fish, breaded and fried, popular in Australia, Britain and France.
Rarebit
Better known as Welsh rarebit, a rich sauce of melted cheese, ale and mustard poured over toast and broiled.
Runza
A Nebraska bread pocket filled with seasoned ground beef, cabbage and onions, brought by German-Russian immigrants.
Desserts & Sweets That Start With R
Cakes, cookies, puddings and candy that start with R.
Red Velvet Cake
A soft, mild cocoa cake tinted deep red, layered with tangy cream cheese frosting, a Southern US classic.
Rice Pudding
Rice simmered slowly in milk and sugar until creamy, flavored with vanilla, cinnamon or nutmeg and served warm or cold.
Rocky Road
A chocolate treat or ice cream flavor packed with marshmallows and nuts, named for its bumpy surface.
Get the recipe →Rice Krispie Treats
No-bake squares of crisp rice cereal bound with melted marshmallows and butter, a bake sale favorite.
Rugelach
Jewish crescent-shaped cookies of rich cream cheese dough rolled around jam, nuts, chocolate or cinnamon sugar.
Get the recipe →Rum Cake
A buttery Bundt cake soaked in a sweet rum syrup, a Caribbean holiday favorite often made with nuts.
Rum Balls
No-bake truffles of crushed cookies or cake, cocoa and rum, rolled in sprinkles, cocoa or coconut.
Rum Baba
A small yeasted French cake soaked in rum syrup and often served with whipped cream, also called baba au rhum.
Rock Cakes
Rough-looking British fruit buns with a crisp outside and soft, crumbly middle, studded with currants or raisins.
Rock Candy
Large sugar crystals grown on a string or stick, made by slowly cooling a supersaturated sugar syrup.
Ribbon Candy
Thin, glossy hard candy folded into wavy ribbons in bright stripes, a traditional Christmas sweet in the US.
Rolo
Small cylinders of milk chocolate filled with soft caramel, sold in rolls since 1937.
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
Milk chocolate cups filled with sweet peanut butter, one of the best-selling candy bars in the US.
Rainbow Cookies
Italian-American layered almond cookies in red, white and green, joined with jam and coated with chocolate.
Rainbow Sherbet
A frozen dessert of orange, lime and raspberry sherbet swirled together, lighter than ice cream.
Raspberry Ripple
A British ice cream flavor of vanilla ice cream swirled with streaks of sweet raspberry sauce.
Rhubarb Dump Cake
An easy dessert of rhubarb and sugar topped with dry cake mix and butter, baked until bubbly and golden.
Get the recipe →Roly-Poly
A British steamed or baked suet pudding spread with jam and rolled up, traditionally served with hot custard.
Russian Tea Cakes
Buttery, nutty shortbread balls rolled in powdered sugar, also called snowballs or Mexican wedding cookies.
Rosca de Reyes
A ring-shaped sweet bread decorated with candied fruit and hiding a baby figurine, eaten in Mexico on January 6.
Ruby Chocolate
A naturally pink chocolate with a fruity, tangy flavor made from specially processed cocoa beans, launched in 2017.
Rasgulla
Soft, spongy Indian balls of fresh chhena cheese cooked in light sugar syrup, a famous Bengali and Odia sweet.
Rasmalai
Flattened Indian cheese dumplings soaked in thickened, sweetened milk flavored with cardamom, saffron and pistachios.
Rabri
A rich North Indian dessert of milk slowly reduced until thick and layered, sweetened and flavored with cardamom.
Rellenitos
Guatemalan sweets of mashed ripe plantain stuffed with sweetened black beans and chocolate, fried and dusted with sugar.
Snacks & Breads That Start With R
Breads, crackers, cereal and snack foods that start with R.
Rye Bread
A dense, dark bread made with rye flour, often flavored with caraway seeds, classic in deli sandwiches.
Rolls
Small individual breads, soft or crusty, served with dinner, split for sandwiches or used as burger buns.
Roti
An unleavened Indian flatbread of whole wheat flour cooked on a hot griddle, eaten with curries and dal.
Rusk
A hard, twice-baked bread or biscuit dunked in tea or coffee, popular in South Africa, India and Europe.
Rice Cakes
Light, crunchy round discs of puffed rice eaten plain or topped with nut butter, cheese or avocado.
Rice Crackers
Crisp crackers made from rice, often seasoned with soy sauce or seaweed, such as Japanese senbei.
Ritz Crackers
Round, buttery American crackers with scalloped edges, sold since 1934 and served with cheese and dips.
Raisin Bread
A soft, slightly sweet loaf studded with raisins and often swirled with cinnamon, great toasted for breakfast.
Raisin Bran
A breakfast cereal of wheat bran flakes mixed with raisins, sold by several brands in the US.
Rugbrød
Dense Danish sourdough rye bread packed with whole grains and seeds, the base of open-faced smørrebrød.
Rosetta Roll
A crusty, hollow Italian bread roll shaped like a rose, popular in Rome and Milan where it is also called michetta.
Rewena Bread
A Maori sourdough bread made with a fermented potato starter, slightly sweet and traditionally baked in a camp oven.
Roasted Chickpeas
Chickpeas tossed with oil and spices and roasted until crunchy, eaten as a high-fiber snack or salad topping.
Drinks That Start With R
Cocktails, wines, spirits, teas and sodas that start with R.
Rum
A spirit distilled from sugarcane juice or molasses, made light, gold, dark or spiced, especially in the Caribbean.
Root Beer
A sweet, foamy American soft drink traditionally flavored with sassafras, wintergreen and vanilla.
Get the recipe →Root Beer Float
A scoop of vanilla ice cream dropped into a glass of root beer, creating a creamy, foamy treat.
Rooibos
A naturally caffeine-free South African red bush tea with a sweet, nutty flavor, served hot or iced.
Rosé
A pink wine made by leaving red grape skins in contact with the juice briefly, popular chilled in summer.
Riesling
A white grape and wine from Germany's Rhine and Mosel regions, ranging from bone-dry to very sweet.
Rioja
Spain's best-known red wine region, producing mostly Tempranillo wines aged in oak for vanilla and spice notes.
Rickey
A refreshing highball of gin or bourbon, fresh lime juice and soda water, with little or no sugar.
Ratafia
A sweet liqueur or fortified wine flavored with fruit, almonds or herbs, made in France, Italy and Spain.
Rum Punch
A Caribbean party drink of rum, fruit juices, lime and grenadine, traditionally mixed to a sour-sweet-strong-weak ratio.
Rum Runner
A fruity Florida Keys cocktail of rum, banana and blackberry liqueurs, grenadine and pineapple juice.
Rob Roy
A classic cocktail of Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth and bitters, essentially a Manhattan made with Scotch.
Rusty Nail
A two-ingredient cocktail of Scotch whisky and Drambuie, stirred and served over ice.
Ramos Gin Fizz
A New Orleans cocktail of gin, citrus, cream, egg white and orange flower water, shaken until frothy.
Rakı
Turkey's national anise-flavored spirit, which turns milky white when mixed with water and is served with meze.
Rakija
A strong fruit brandy from the Balkans, distilled from plums, grapes or apricots and sipped as a welcome drink.
Rice Milk
A dairy-free milk made from rice and water, naturally sweet and thin, used on cereal and in smoothies.
Ristretto
A short shot of espresso made with the same coffee but less water, giving a sweeter, more concentrated flavor.
Cheeses & Dairy That Start With R
Fresh, soft, washed-rind and blue cheeses that start with R.
Ricotta
A soft, fresh Italian cheese made from whey, with a mild, milky taste used in lasagna, cannoli and cheesecake.
Roquefort
A sharp, tangy French blue cheese made from sheep's milk and aged in caves in southern France.
Romano
A hard, salty grating cheese; Pecorino Romano is made from sheep's milk and grated over pasta.
Raclette
A Swiss and French melting cheese heated and scraped over boiled potatoes, pickles and cured meats.
Reblochon
A soft, nutty washed-rind cow's milk cheese from the French Alps, the key ingredient in tartiflette.
Red Leicester
A firm English cow's milk cheese colored deep orange with annatto, with a mellow, nutty flavor.
Robiola
A soft, creamy Italian cheese from Piedmont and Lombardy, made from cow, goat or sheep's milk.
Roncal
A firm sheep's milk cheese from the Roncal Valley in Navarre, Spain, with a buttery, slightly piquant taste.
Raschera
A semi-hard cow's milk cheese from Piedmont, Italy, made in square or round forms with a delicate, savory flavor.
Ragusano
A Sicilian stretched-curd cow's milk cheese shaped into large rectangular blocks and aged until firm.
Roomkaas
A rich Dutch cream cheese whose name means cream cheese, a soft, buttery Gouda-style cheese.
Roaring Forties Blue
A sweet, nutty blue cheese from King Island in Tasmania, Australia, sealed in dark blue wax.
Rogue River Blue
An Oregon blue cheese wrapped in pear brandy-soaked grape leaves, named World's Best Cheese in 2019.
Ryazhenka
A Russian and Ukrainian fermented baked milk with a caramel color and mild, creamy, slightly tangy flavor.
Meat & Seafood That Start With R
Cuts of meat, game, fish and shellfish that start with R.
Ribs
Pork or beef ribs, slow-smoked, braised or grilled and coated in barbecue sauce or a dry rub.
Rabbit
A lean, mild white meat eaten across Europe, cooked in stews, braised with mustard or roasted.
Rack of Lamb
A row of lamb rib chops roasted in one piece, often with a herb crust, and carved into elegant cutlets.
Ribeye Steak
A richly marbled, tender beef steak cut from the rib section, prized for its juicy, beefy flavor.
Rump Steak
A lean, flavorful British beef cut from the hindquarter, roughly equivalent to top sirloin in the US.
Redfish
Also called red drum, a Gulf and Atlantic fish with mild white flesh, famous blackened in Cajun cooking.
Red Snapper
A pink-red Gulf of Mexico fish with sweet, firm white flesh, often grilled whole, baked or fried.
Rainbow Trout
A freshwater fish with pink-speckled skin and delicate flesh, pan-fried, baked or smoked.
Rockfish
A large family of Pacific fish with mild, flaky white flesh, used for fish tacos, fish and chips and stews.
Red Mullet
A small, rosy Mediterranean fish with sweet, delicate flesh, often pan-fried whole or grilled.
Rock Lobster
A clawless spiny lobster from warm seas, sold mainly as frozen lobster tails for grilling and broiling.
Razor Clams
Long, narrow clams shaped like an old straight razor, with sweet meat that is steamed, grilled or fried.
Roe
Fish eggs eaten fresh, salted or cured, from salmon roe and tobiko to the caviar of sturgeon.
Rock Shrimp
Small, hard-shelled Atlantic shrimp with firm, sweet meat that tastes similar to lobster when fried or grilled.
Rock Crab
A Pacific and Atlantic crab with heavy black-tipped claws full of sweet meat, used in crab cakes and salads.
Reindeer
A lean, tender game meat eaten in Scandinavia and Finland, often sauteed with lingonberries and mashed potatoes.
Ribbonfish
A long, silvery fish also called hairtail, popular in Asian cooking where it is braised, fried or grilled.
Rohu
A large freshwater carp from South Asia, one of the most eaten fish in India and Bangladesh, often curried.
Rollmops
Pickled herring fillets rolled around onion or pickle and held with a skewer, a German and Scandinavian classic.
Rocky Mountain Oysters
Bull calf testicles, peeled, breaded and deep-fried, a ranch-country specialty in the American West.
Ring Bologna
A smoked, horseshoe-shaped beef or pork sausage popular in Pennsylvania and the Midwest.
Rosette de Lyon
A large, coarse-ground French dry pork sausage from Lyon, sliced thin and served as charcuterie.
Herbs, Spices & Condiments That Start With R
Seasonings, sauces, oils and dressings that start with R.
Rosemary
A woody Mediterranean herb with pine-like needles and a strong aroma, used with roast lamb, potatoes and bread.
Rau Ram
Vietnamese coriander, a peppery, lemony herb eaten fresh in salads, spring rolls and with duck eggs.
Ras el Hanout
A warm North African spice blend whose name means head of the shop, often with cumin, cinnamon and rose petals.
Red Pepper Flakes
Crushed dried red chiles with seeds, sprinkled over pizza and pasta or added to sauces for heat.
Rock Salt
Coarse salt mined from underground deposits, used in grinders, for ice cream makers and for baking fish.
Rice Vinegar
A mild, slightly sweet vinegar made from fermented rice, used to season sushi rice, dressings and pickles.
Rapeseed Oil
A light cooking oil pressed from rapeseed; the canola oil sold in North America comes from bred varieties of it.
Ranch Dressing
A creamy American dressing of buttermilk, mayonnaise, garlic and herbs, used on salads and as a dip for wings.
Get the recipe →Relish
A chunky condiment of chopped pickled vegetables or fruit, such as sweet pickle relish for hot dogs.
Remoulade
A tangy mayonnaise-based sauce with mustard, capers and herbs, served with seafood, po'boys and crab cakes.
Romesco
A Catalan sauce of roasted red peppers, tomatoes, garlic, almonds and olive oil, served with grilled vegetables and fish.
Rouille
A Provencal garlic and saffron sauce similar to mayonnaise, spread on toast and floated in bouillabaisse.
Roux
A cooked mixture of flour and fat used to thicken sauces, gravies and gumbo, from pale blond to dark brown.
Raita
A cool Indian yogurt side dish with cucumber, mint or onion and cumin, served with spicy curries and biryani.
Rose Water
Fragrant water made by steeping rose petals, used in Middle Eastern and South Asian sweets and drinks.
Russian Dressing
A tangy American dressing of mayonnaise, ketchup or chili sauce, horseradish and spices, used on Reuben sandwiches.
Recado Rojo
A Yucatan seasoning paste of ground annatto seeds, spices and sour orange, used to make cochinita pibil.
Rayu
Japanese chili oil made by infusing sesame oil with dried chiles, drizzled over ramen and gyoza dipping sauce.
International Foods That Start With R
Global dishes that start with R, from Indonesia and India to Cuba, Scotland and Norway.
Rendang
An Indonesian and Malaysian dish of beef slow-cooked in coconut milk and spices until the sauce is dark and nearly dry.
Rogan Josh
A Kashmiri lamb curry with a deep red sauce from Kashmiri chiles, flavored with fennel, ginger and cardamom.
Ropa Vieja
Cuba's national dish of shredded beef stewed with tomatoes, peppers and onions, served with rice and beans.
Rajma
A North Indian curry of red kidney beans simmered in a spiced tomato and onion gravy, eaten with rice.
Rasam
A thin, tangy South Indian soup of tamarind, tomato, black pepper and cumin, served with rice or sipped.
Rava Dosa
A crisp, lacy South Indian crepe made from semolina, rice flour and spices, needing no fermentation.
Roti Canai
A flaky, layered Malaysian flatbread stretched thin and griddled, served with dal or curry for dipping.
Rojak
A Malaysian and Singaporean salad of fruit and vegetables tossed in a sticky, sweet shrimp paste and peanut dressing.
Red Curry
A Thai curry of red chili paste simmered with coconut milk, meat or tofu, bamboo shoots and Thai basil.
Rösti
A Swiss pancake of coarsely grated potatoes fried in butter until golden and crisp, served with eggs or sausages.
Risi e Bisi
A Venetian rice and pea dish, thicker than soup but looser than risotto, traditionally made in spring.
Ribollita
A thick Tuscan soup of bread, cannellini beans, kale and vegetables, its name means reboiled.
Rillettes
A French spread of pork, duck or goose slowly cooked in fat, shredded and potted, eaten on crusty bread.
Rumbledethumps
A Scottish bake of mashed potatoes, cabbage and onions topped with cheese, similar to bubble and squeak.
Rosół
A clear Polish chicken soup simmered with root vegetables and served with thin noodles, often for Sunday lunch.
Rassolnik
A Russian soup of pickled cucumbers, barley and kidneys or beef in a tangy, brine-flavored broth.
Rakfisk
A Norwegian specialty of trout fermented for months, eaten raw with flatbread, onions and sour cream.
Rice and Peas
A Jamaican side dish of rice cooked in coconut milk with kidney beans, thyme and scotch bonnet pepper.
Rellenos de Papa
Cuban and Puerto Rican fried balls of mashed potato stuffed with seasoned ground beef picadillo.
Rabokki
Korean street food that combines ramen noodles and chewy rice cakes in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce.
Rakott Krumpli
A Hungarian casserole of sliced potatoes, hard-boiled eggs and sausage layered with sour cream and baked.
Riz Djon Djon
A Haitian dish of rice cooked in the inky broth of dried black djon djon mushrooms, served at celebrations.
Rocoto Relleno
A Peruvian dish from Arequipa of spicy rocoto peppers stuffed with spiced beef and topped with cheese, then baked.
Raggmunk
Swedish crispy potato pancakes made with grated raw potato, served with fried pork and lingonberry jam.
Did You Know?
- Rhubarb is botanically a vegetable, but a New York customs court ruled in 1947 that it counts as a fruit in the US because it is mostly cooked and eaten as one.
- Rambutan gets its name from the Malay word rambut, meaning hair, after the soft, hairy spines that cover its red skin.
- Roquefort must be aged in the natural Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, and in 1925 it became the first French cheese protected by law.
- Two cities claim the Reuben sandwich: Omaha, where grocer Reuben Kulakofsky is said to have created it at a poker game, and New York, home of Reuben's Delicatessen.
Quick List: All 222 Foods That Start With R
Handy for alphabet games, quizzes and Scattergories. The full list, A to Z:
Rabbit, Rabokki, Rabri, Rachel Sandwich, Rack of Lamb, Raclette, Radiatori, Radicchio, Radish, Raggmunk, Ragi, Ragout, Ragusano, Ragù, Rainbow Chard, Rainbow Cookies, Rainbow Sherbet, Rainbow Trout, Rainier Cherry, Raisin Bran, Raisin Bread, Raisins, Raita, Rajma, Rakfisk, Rakija, Rakott Krumpli, Rakı, Rambutan, Ramen, Ramos Gin Fizz, Rampion, Ramps, Ramsons, Ramón Nut, Ranch Dressing, Rangpur Lime, Rapeseed Oil, Rapini, Rarebit, Ras el Hanout, Rasam, Raschera, Rasgulla, Rasmalai, Raspberry, Raspberry Ripple, Rassolnik, Ratafia, Ratatouille, Rau Muong, Rau Ram, Rava Dosa, Ravioli, Rayu, Razor Clams, Reblochon, Recado Rojo, Red Anjou Pear, Red Banana, Red Beans and Rice, Red Bell Pepper, Red Cabbage, Red Curry, Red Delicious Apple, Red Fife Wheat, Red Globe Grape, Red Kidney Beans, Red Kuri Squash, Red Leaf Lettuce, Red Leicester, Red Lentils, Red Mombin, Red Mullet, Red Onion, Red Pepper Flakes, Red Potato, Red Quinoa, Red Rice, Red Russian Kale, Red Snapper, Red Velvet Cake, Redcurrant, Redfish, Redhaven Peach, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Refried Beans, Reginette, Reindeer, Relish, Rellenitos, Rellenos de Papa, Remoulade, Rendang, Reuben Sandwich, Rewena Bread, Rhode Island Greening, Rhubarb, Rhubarb Dump Cake, Ribbon Candy, Ribbonfish, Riberry, Ribeye Steak, Ribollita, Ribs, Ribston Pippin, Rice, Rice and Peas, Rice Beans, Rice Cakes, Rice Crackers, Rice Krispie Treats, Rice Milk, Rice Noodles, Rice Paper, Rice Pilaf, Rice Pudding, Rice Vinegar, Rickey, Ricotta, Riesling, Rigatoni, Rillettes, Ring Bologna, Rioja, Risi e Bisi, Risoni, Risotto, Rissole, Ristretto, Ritz Crackers, Riz Djon Djon, Roaring Forties Blue, Roast Beef, Roast Chicken, Roast Potatoes, Roasted Chickpeas, Rob Roy, Robiola, Rock Cakes, Rock Candy, Rock Crab, Rock Lobster, Rock Salt, Rock Shrimp, Rocket, Rockfish, Rockmelon, Rocky Mountain Oysters, Rocky Road, Rocoto Pepper, Rocoto Relleno, Roe, Rogan Josh, Rogue River Blue, Rohu, Rojak, Rolled Oats, Rollinia, Rollmops, Rolls, Rolo, Roly-Poly, Romaine Lettuce, Romanesco, Romano, Romano Beans, Rome Apple, Romesco, Roncal, Rooibos, Roomkaas, Root Beer, Root Beer Float, Ropa Vieja, Roquefort, Rosca de Reyes, Rose Apple, Rose Hip, Rose Water, Roselle, Rosemary, Rosetta Roll, Rosette de Lyon, Rosé, Rosół, Rotelle, Roti, Roti Canai, Rotini, Rotisserie Chicken, Rouille, Roulade, Roux, Rowanberry, Royal Gala Apple, Ruby Chocolate, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Ruby Roman Grape, Rugbrød, Rugelach, Rukam, Rum, Rum Baba, Rum Balls, Rum Cake, Rum Punch, Rum Runner, Rumbledethumps, Rump Steak, Runner Beans, Runza, Rusk, Russet Potato, Russian Dressing, Russian Tea Cakes, Rusty Nail, Rutabaga, Ryazhenka, Rye, Rye Bread, Rösti
Frequently Asked Questions
What fruit starts with R?
Raspberry is the most popular fruit that starts with R. Others include redcurrants, rambutan, raisins, rose apples, rose hips, red bananas and riberries, plus well-known varieties such as Rainier cherries, Red Delicious apples and Ruby Red grapefruit.
What vegetable starts with R?
Radishes, red cabbage, romaine lettuce, rutabaga, radicchio and rhubarb are the most common vegetables that start with R. Rapini, rocket (arugula), romanesco, ramps, runner beans, rainbow chard and red potatoes also begin with R.
What dessert starts with R?
Red velvet cake and rice pudding are classic desserts that start with R. Rocky road, Rice Krispie treats, rugelach, rum cake, rum balls, rainbow sherbet, rasmalai and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups also start with R.
What dinner foods start with R?
Popular dinners that start with R include risotto, ramen, roast chicken, roast beef, ribs, ravioli, red beans and rice, rendang, rogan josh, ropa vieja and red curry. A Reuben sandwich makes a quick lunch.
What snack starts with R?
Snacks that start with R include rice cakes, rice crackers, Ritz crackers, raisins, roasted chickpeas, rusks and Rice Krispie treats. Radishes with dip or ranch dressing make a crunchy, fresh option.
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