55 Foods That Start With Z

Welcome to the wonderful world of zany, zesty and zippy foods! Did you know there are many foods that start with Z? From Ziti pasta with cream sauce to Zucchini Fritters, and even a classic Zigarolli dish.

We’ll explore all these unique eats plus plenty more in this blog post—so grab your chopsticks or forks; it’s time to take a flavor journey with foods that start with the letter Z.

Table of Contents

Best Foods Beginning With Z

In the culinary world, there are many foods with z as their first letter—and they’re all delicious. Take a look at our top picks for best foods beginning with Z.

Ziti Pasta

Ziti pasta is one of the most popular Italian pastas. This long and tubular-shaped pasta is often paired with savory tomato sauce for a hearty, yet healthy meal.

Baked Ziti is a great Italian cuisine and can be made with all types of pasta, from ziti to farfalle. This classic casserole dish gets its flavor from the savory roasted tomatoes and tender pasta, but it’s also elevated by the melted cheese on top.

Zucchini

You can’t have ziti without some zucchini! This green summer squash comes in many varieties and is popular when sliced into spirals to make zoodles, or “zucchini noodles”.

Zucchini Fritters

While you may be familiar with zucchini chips, zucchini fritters are also a delicious way to enjoy this versatile veggie.

These crispy treats are typically made with shredded zucchini, egg, flour and seasoning for a crunchy treat that’s perfect as an appetizer or side dish. Try making Zucchini Fritters with this fantastic recipe!

Zucchini Bread

Zucchini bread is a sweet treat that can be enjoyed all year long. This soft and fluffy quick bread gets its rich flavor from the zucchini mixed with cinnamon, applesauce or butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.

Zucchini bread is one of the easiest and tastiest breads to make at home, and it’s perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even a great addition to toddler lunches.

Have you tried any of these amazing foods beginning with Z? What’s your favorite way to eat zucchini or ziti pasta

What to Serve With Zucchini Bread?

You can enjoy eating zucchini bread alongside a wide range of dishes. For a classic pairing, try serving it with a bowl of homemade soup—its mild flavor pairs well with the richer flavors in soups and stews.

Zinfandel Grapes

Another great food to start with the letter Z is zinfandel grapes.

These robust and fruity wine grapes are popular for their deep red color and intense flavors of berry and cherry.

Zucotto

Zucotto is a classic Italian dessert that makes use of many different types of foods beginning with the letter Z.

This rich and creamy treat is typically made with layers of panna cotta, amaretto cookies, chocolate sponge cake, and whipped cream—but there are endless variations to this dish.

Zoni

Zoni is a Japanese soup that has mochi rice cakes and is traditionally enjoyed during the New Year. This savory soup is typically made with dashi, soy sauce and mirin and is almost always served with rice cake cakes and sweet soy sauce.

Zapikanka

If you’re looking for a traditional Eastern European food try Zapikanka.

What Is Zapikanka?

Zapikanka also known as Polish pizza is a toasted sub or baguette covered and served piping hot with mushrooms, melted cheese polish meat, and tomato ketchup.

Zhaliang

Zhaliang is a Chinese fried dough (crispy youtiao filled with savory and sweet fillings such as pork floss, ham and chicken.

This unique dish is often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack, and it’s truly a treat for all your senses—the salty meat paired with the crispy fried dough and sweet syrup makes this dish truly special.

Zha jiang mian

Zha jiang mian is a Chinese dish made with noodles, pork, and vegetables in a black bean sauce. It is typically served as a main course.

Zharkoye

Zharkoye is a Russian stew made with beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions in a tomato-based sauce. It is typically served as a main course.

Zhoug

Zhoug is a Yemeni hot sauce made with chili peppers, cumin, garlic, and other spices. It is typically used as a condiment or topping.

Zander

Zander is a type of freshwater fish that is native to Europe. It is also known as pikeperch or perch. Zander typically have a greenish-brown coloration and can grow to be over two feet long.

Zarzuela

Zarzuela is a type of Spanish seafood stew that typically contains fish, shellfish, and vegetables. It is often flavored with saffron and garlic and served with bread or rice.

Zerde

Zerde is a traditional Turkish dessert made from rice, nuts, and spices. It is typically served chilled with a sweet syrup for an indulgent and creamy treat. Whether you’re looking for something sweet to eat or just love trying unique dishes from around the world, zerde is the perfect food to start with the letter Z!

Zoodles

Zoodles are a delicious alternative to traditional pasta. These spiralized zucchini noodles make for the perfect base for many different kinds of sauces and toppings.

Zoodles are great with melted butter or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, but they also taste great with your favorite tomato-based sauce. Whether you like classic marinara or pesto, zoodles are a tasty and healthy way to enjoy all your favorite pasta flavors!

Zeppole

Zeppole are Italian fried dough balls that are traditionally served during Carnival season. Made from pate choux dough, zeppole can be plain or filled with cream, jelly, or chocolate and is often dusted with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar or chocolate sauce.

Zacuscă

Zacuscă is a Romanian dish made with eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, and onions. It is typically served as a side dish or appetizer.

Zamalek Salad

Zamalek salad is an Egyptian dish made with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and mint. It is typically served as a side dish or appetizer.

Zigzag Vine Fruit

Zig zag fruit is an Australian fruit that is rich in flavor. It is typically added to smoothies or eaten on its own as the perfect afternoon snack.

Zopf

Zopf is a traditional Austrian and Swiss bread that is eaten for breakfast or as a snack. This soft and fluffy loaf gets its rich flavor from the combination of wheat flour, yeast, milk, and eggs.

Zopf is golden brown and is sometimes called Sunday bread as it was traditionally eaten on Sunday mornings.

Zwiebelrostbraten

Zwiebelrostbraten is an Austrian Dish that consists of cubes of roast beef seared in oil before being baked in a cream-based sauce. It is typically served as a main course and is topped with fried onion rings.

Zwetschge

Zwetschge is a type of plum that is native to Central Europe. The fruit is oval in shape and has a dark purple skin. Zwetschge plums are used in a variety of dishes, including pies, tarts, and jams.

ZA’Atar

Za’atar is a spice blend that originates from the Middle East. This Middle Eastern spice blend typically includes herbs such as thyme or oregano, along with spices such as sumac or sesame seeds.

Za’atar is used to flavor a variety of dishes, including meats, vegetables, and breads.

Zephyr Squash

Zephyr squash is a type of winter squash that is similar in appearance to pumpkins. The squash is native to North America and was first cultivated by the Native Americans.

Today, zephyr squash is grown throughout the world and is a popular ingredient in pies, soups, and stews.

Zwiebelrostbraten

Zwiebelrostbraten is a traditional German dish consisting of beef tenderloin that has been cooked in butter, onions, and wine. It is typically served with boiled potatoes to create an easy-to-make, yet satisfying meal.

Zwetschkenknödel

Zwetschkenknödel is a traditional Austrian dish consisting of German plum dumplings that are filled with a mixture of dried plums and walnuts. This hearty dish is typically served as a main course and pairs perfectly with rich gravy or sweet applesauce.

Zupas

Zupas is a type of Colombian soup made from beef broth and potatoes. It is typically served with capers and other seasonings to add a bit of flavor. Zupas can be eaten on its own or as a side dish or appetizer.

Zebra Cakes

Zebra cakes are a type of cupcake that gets its name from the distinctive chocolate and white stripes on top.

These mini-cakes are typically filled with cream cheese or lemon filling and have chocolate frosting.

Zampone

Zampone is a type of Italian sausage that is made from pork and often contains ground pork rinds. It has a creamy texture and is typically seasoned with garlic and other spices, including nutmeg or cloves.

Zampone can be served on its own or as part of another dish.

Zigarelli

Another popular Italian dish beginning with Z is Zigarelli. This savory pasta dish is typically made with ziti or penne, tomato sauce and sausage. It’s a hearty meal that’s great for dinner time or taking to a potluck.

Zhu Pa Bing

Zhu pa bing is a traditional Chinese dish that consists of wide, flat flour pancakes. They are usually made with scallions and other herbs and can be served as an appetizer or side dish.

Zongzi

Zongzi is a traditional Chinese dish consisting of sticky rice and other ingredients, such as meat or beans. The ingredients are wrapped in bamboo leaves and cooked to create this savory treat. Zongzi can be made on its own or served alongside other dishes.

Zotter Chocolates

Zotter chocolates are a popular brand of chocolate that is made in Austria. They come in a variety of flavors, from classic dark or milk chocolate to unusual varieties such as green peas and pumpkin seeds.

Zotter chocolates are known for their high-quality ingredients and unique tastes.

Zurich-Style Veal

Zurich-style veal is a type of veal that is typically made from the hind leg of a calf. This popular Swiss dish consists of thin slices of veal that are pan-fried with butter and spices, and then served with vegetables or potatoes. Zurich-style veal is a classic Swiss dish that is sure to please.

Zurich Goulash

Zurich goulash is a traditional dish that comes from the city of Zurich in Switzerland. It consists of beef, onions, and other spices, including paprika and caraway seeds.

Zucchini Soup

Zucchini soup is a light and refreshing dish that is typically made using zucchini, tomatoes, and onions. This soup can be served either chilled or warm and makes for a great appetizer or side dish.

Potato soup is a popular dish that gets its flavor from a blend of spices, including cayenne pepper and paprika.

Potato Soup is typically made with potatoes and vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion. This soup makes for a great light lunch or dinner.

Zereshk Polo (Chicken and Rice Soup)

Zereshk polo is a popular Persian dish made with rice and chicken. This delicious soup is flavored with saffron and other spices, including cinnamon and cloves. It’s typically served as an appetizer for special occasions or celebrations.

Ziguener Suppe (Gypsy Soup)

Ziguener Suppe, also known as gypsy soup, is a popular German dish that is typically made with ground beef or pork. It’s seasoned with tomato sauce and other spices, including garlic and basil. This hearty stew-like soup makes for a great main course any time of year.

Zurek (Polish Sour Rye Soup)

Zurek is a traditional Polish soup that gets its sour flavor from fermented rye flour. This hearty soup is typically made with pork or sausage and can be served either hot or cold. It’s a popular dish for special occasions or cold winter days.

Zupa Grochowa (Polish Pea Soup)

Zupa grochowa is a popular Polish soup made from dried peas and pork or ham. This hearty soup has a strong savory flavor that comes from the combination of spices, including garlic and paprika.

Zupa grochowa is traditionally served as a main course and makes for a satisfying meal on cold winter days.

Zupa Ogorkowa (Polish Cucumber Soup)

Zupa ogorkowa is a traditional Polish soup made from cucumbers, onions, and other vegetables. This light and refreshing dish gets its distinctive flavor from the use of dill, garlic, and other aromatic spices.

Zupa ogorkowa is typically served as an appetizer or side dish and makes for a great complement to a variety of meals. Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or hearty and satisfying, this Polish soup is sure to please!

Zuppa Toscana (Tuscan Soup)

Zuppa Toscana is a popular Italian soup that gets its rich flavor from the addition of bacon and kale. This hearty soup also contains potatoes, onions, and garlic for a delicious combination of flavors.

Zupa toscana is typically served as a main course and makes for a filling meal on cold winter days.Pair it with toasted Tuscan bread or sour dough for a great meal.

Making zuppa Toscana In the Instant Pot.

Zurito (Asturian Garlic Soup)

Zurito, also known as Asturian garlic soup, is a traditional Spanish dish that gets its distinctive flavor from the use of fresh garlic and onions.

This hearty soup is made with beef broth or stock and typically served with crusty bread for dipping. Zurito is a popular dish in the region of Asturias.

Zambian Chicken Soup

Zambian chicken soup is a popular dish in Zambia that is made with fresh chicken, vegetables, and aromatic spices.

This hearty soup is typically simmered for several hours to allow the flavors to develop, resulting in a rich and delicious broth.

Zimbabwean Beef and Vegetable Soup

Zimbabwean beef and vegetable soup is a popular dish in Zimbabwe that gets its distinctive flavor from the unique blend of spices used.

Zimbabwean soup is made with ground beef, onions, carrots, and potatoes, making it a filling and satisfying meal. It’s typically served as a main course with crusty bread or cooked rice on the side.

Zest

Zest is made by grating or shaving the outer, colorful layer of citrus fruits. Zest can be used in both sweet and savory dishes to add a burst of flavor and aroma.

Some common uses for citrus fruit zest include adding it to marinades, salad dressings, baked goods, and stir-fries. It can also be used to infuse liquids like water or milk with a bright citrusy flavor. With its versatile taste and aroma, zest is sure to add a refreshing and delicious kick to any dish.

Zuni Pueblo Corn Soup

Zuni Pueblo corn soup is a popular dish in New Mexico that is made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Zuni Pueblo Corn soup gets its distinctive flavor from the Native American blend of herbs and spices used to season it.

It’s often served as a main course and makes for a satisfying meal on cold.

Zuppa Inglese

Zuppa Inglese is an Italian trifle made with layers of sponge cake, custard, and fruit. It is typically served cold and can be garnished with whipped cream or chocolate shavings.

Zabaglione

To end our list of best foods beginning with Z, we have to mention the decadent dessert: Zabaglione. This classic Italian custard is made with egg yolks, sugar and marsala or sherry wine. It’s the perfect sweet treat to end a meal!