82 Foods That Start With D

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We are continuing our food lists from A-Z with this post focusing on foods that start with D! After thinking of dates, daiquiri, and dough balls, you might be surprised how many foods we were able to find beginning with D! Read on to discover 82 foods that start with the letter D!

What are some foods that start with d? Between fruits, veggies, main dishes, snacks, drinks and more – there are so many foods out there for recipe and meal inspiration! This guide covers all of the foods with d, and everything you need to know about them!

Read on to find 82 foods that begin with the letter D including a range of fresh fruits, snacks, and beverages for you to try!

🍎 Fruits And Vegetables That Start With D

Most of the fruits and vegetables that start with D are high in fiber and contain several vitamins and minerals!

1. Dates

What Are Dates?

Dates come from date palm trees which usually grow in tropical areas. They originated in Iraq and were cultivated in Ancient Egypt, but are now often used for cooking and eating in North Africa and the Middle East.

Date trees are like large palm trees with a wide trunk and large, green leaves. Fresh dates grow in bunches and are plump, shiny, dark purple or bright red oval shaped fruits. Medjool and Deglet Noor are the most common varieties of dates. 

What Do Dates Taste Like?

This healthy food that starts with d is often purchased dried and due to its high sugar content. They are very sweet in flavor, almost resembling caramel. They have thin skin on the outside and are soft to chew.

Are Dates Healthy?

Dates are highly nutritious and can be comparable to figs and raisins. They are high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Though high in sugar, this is a natural source of sugar called fructose, rather than processed. Date syrup or date sugar offer a healthy alternative to using white sugar. Note: Dates are high in calories because they are a dried fruit, and you can have too much of a good thing, so watch your portions when you eat dates!

Recipe To Try!

Try this apple walnut salad for a fun way to incorporate dates into a salad!

2. Dandelion Greens

What Are Dandelion Greens?

Though many people consider dandelions to be a weed, they are actually a type of leafy greens. Dandelions traditionally were used for healing and cooking. This food starting with the letter d is a wild herb that grows a thick stem, long leaves, and has one yellow flower with multiple petals.

What Do Dandelions Taste Like?

Dandelions have an earthy taste and can be quite bitter. However, the earlier you pick them the less bitter they will taste.

The dandelion leaves can be used in salads similar to using lettuce, or made into soup. The flower from a dandelion is popular in omelets and even baked in cakes. However, the most popular use for dandelions is to make dandelion tea due to its health properties.

Are Dandelions Healthy?

Once cleaned and ensured no pesticides have been used on them, dandelion greens offer numerous health benefits.

They are full of many vitamins such as vitamins A, C, E, and K, and minerals like potassium, calcium, and iron.

Dandelions also contain antioxidants which have been known to help prevent several diseases.

3. Dill

What Is Dill?

Dill is a type of herb also known as dill weed which produces ‘feather-like’ green leaves and small, round fruit, and is one of the most popular d foods on our list! The fruit is used to create dill seed spice, whereas the leaves are used either fresh or dried as a herb.

What Does Dill Taste Like?

Dill is often described as having a mixture of citrus yet grassy flavor. It has a slight sweetness and often compliments other herbs such as mint.

Dill is mostly used for seasoning different recipes such as chutney, dressings, tzatziki, or pesto.

Is Dill Healthy?

The Dill plant has been found to contain several vitamins and minerals to support your health. The essential oils in dill can potentially offer pain relief from menstrual cramps, support bone health, and have antibacterial properties.

Recipe To Try!

Dill can be a great addition to salads and side dishes. Try this potato salad without eggs where dill is one of the star seasoning ingredients!

4. Damson Plum

What are damson plums?

Damson plums grow on damson plum trees and turn purple-blue in color when ripe. They are oval in shape, a similar size to a plum, and have a large stone in the middle.

What do damson plums taste like?

When unripe, they are quite sour and bitter in taste. When ripe, they are slightly sweeter, but still have a bitter aftertaste. It is recommended to use damson plums to cook with due to their bitterness to make pies and jams. They can also be dried to make prunes.

Are damson plums healthy?

Damson plums are full of fiber and can support a healthy digestive system. This food that starts with the letter d also contains a range of vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium.

5. Dewberry

What are dewberries?

Dewberries are a similar size to raspberries but have a deep flavor like blackberries. They are purple-red in color and grow in a dewberry bush, becoming ripe at the beginning of Spring.

What do dewberries taste like?

This d food is a blackberry-like fruit in taste, but are slightly sour. Dewberries are brilliant for making jams, jellies, pies, and fruit wine.

Are dewberries healthy?

Dewberries are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They are suggested to help lower blood pressure and support your immune system.

Recipe To Try!

Use dewberries instead of blackberries in this blackberry simple syrup recipe!

6. Durian

What is durian?

Durian is a type of large fruit that is oval in shape. The outside skin is thick and covered in sharp points. Durian fruit is common around SouthEast Asia in countries such as China, Japan, and Thailand. 

What does durian taste like?

Durian offers a very unique smell which is considered so foul, it is banned on local transport. It is considered the world’s smelliest fruit! When eaten ripe, the flesh is soft and becomes sweeter the riper it gets. If harvested before it is ripe, it’s very hard and bitter.

Is durian healthy?

Even with its potent smell, durian is still a popular fruit due to its numerous health benefits. It contains minerals such as calcium and potassium which support healthy bones. Durian is also high in fiber and helps to support a healthy digestive system.

7. Dragon Fruit

What is dragon fruit?

Dragon fruit is an oval-shaped fruit that has a bright red skin on the outside with green scales. When cut open, it reveals a soft white or pink flesh speckled with small, black seeds.

Also known as pitahaya, strawberry pear, and pitaya, dragon fruit is native to Mexico and Central America.

What does dragon fruit taste like?

Dragon fruit is often described as a cross between kiwis and pears. When ripe it has a slightly sweet taste. However, if eaten when unripe, it will taste bland.

Is dragon fruit healthy?

Dragon fruit is a low-calorie fruit with a range of health benefits. This food that start with the letter d is a good source of fiber, supporting your digestive system. Dragon fruit contains a range of antioxidants such as flavonoids which are linked to improved brain health.

Recipe to try!

Dragon fruit tastes great in this Mexican fruit salad recipe!

8. Date Plum

What are date plums?

Date plums are small, round fruit similar to the size of a plum. They are native to Iran, Turkey, and Southeast Europe.

Date plums grow on trees and can be golden orange or purple in color.

What do date plums taste like?

Date plums are rich and sweet in flavor with a soft, velvety texture. They can also be dried and are often compared with the flavor of dates.

Are date plums healthy?

Similar to dates, date plums contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. They contain a number of vitamins such as vitamins A, B, C, and K. Due to containing high amounts of fiber, they are also suggested to support blood sugar control.

Recipe To Try!

Try date plums as a garnish for this Moroccan stew recipe!

9. Davidson’s Plum

What are Davidson’s plums?

Davidson’s plums are native to Australia and grow on small trees. They are dark purple in color and have soft flesh in the middle. 

What do Davidson’s plums taste like?

They do not have a high sugar content and hence are quite sharp and acidic in flavor. Due to this, Davidson’s plums aren’t often eaten fresh but are made into jams, juice, and sauces.

Are Davidson’s plums healthy?

They contain a number of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E and C, potassium, calcium, and zinc. Davidson’s plums have been suggested to support the immune system, due to containing vitamin C, and help with digestion.

10. Doub Palm Fruit

What is doub palm fruit?

Also known as tala palm, toddy palm, and ice apple, daub palm fruit is native to SouthEastern Asia and India. This fruit grows on tall trees with doub palm fruit growing in clusters. One tree can produce 50-300 fruits.

What does daub palm fruit taste like?

The inside of the Doub palm fruit reveals almost a jelly consistency to eat. This food beginning with d is sweet and sugary in taste and can be eaten raw, roasted, or boiled.

Is daub palm fruit healthy?

Doub palm fruit is rich in vitamins B and C, along with several minerals such as zinc, calcium, thiamine, and potassium. It contains antioxidants and has been suggested to support healthy blood sugar levels.

11. Dolichos Bean

What is a dolichos bean?

Also known as lablab beans or hyacinth beans, dolichos beans are originally from Angola. They grow in pods on a vine.

What do dolichos taste like?

Mature beans contain cacogenic glycosides which are poisonous, so most people harvest the younger bean. These foods with the letter d taste like green beans and are use similarly to other beans in salads or stews. 

Are dolichos healthy?

Dolichos beans are a high source of protein, particularly good for vegans or vegetarians. They contain a high amount of fiber and support your digestive system.

Recipe To Try!

Try these beans as a topping for this vegan bruschetta recipe instead of the white beans!

12. Dwarf Banana 

What are dwarf bananas?

Dwarf bananas grow on a tropical tree with a thick stem and large, wide leaves. They originate from East Asia and have become a popular choice of house plant. Though, if kept inside, it is highly unlikely your dwarf banana tree will bear fruits.

What do dwarf bananas taste like?

These bananas tend to be about half the size of your standard grocery store banana. However, when fully ripe, they are extremely sweet, with a slight tart taste, and are considered the best-tasting variety of bananas.

Are dwarf bananas healthy?

Like other varieties of bananas, dwarf bananas are full of vitamins and minerals. They also contain amino acids and may support weight loss due to being high in fiber.

Recipe to try!

Dwarf bananas can be used instead of regular bananas in this delicious banana smoothie bowl!

13. Dangleberry

What is a dangleberry?

A dangleberry is similar to a huckleberry. The fruit grows on a shrub, are small, oval, and blue in color.

What do dangleberries taste like?

Dangleberries are full of flavor and can replace most berries when cooking with them. Dangleberries can be used to make jam, jellies, and in pies.

Are dangleberries healthy?

Dangleberries are full of vitamins A, B, and C. They promote a healthy metabolism and help with fatigue.

14. Darling Plum

What is darling plum?

Darling plum grows on a tree that can grow up to 7.5 meters tall. The fruit is round, almost egg-shaped with a black skin.

What do darling plums taste like?

These foods that start with a d can be eaten raw and are very sweet, similar to a black cherry.

Are darling plums healthy?

Plums are high in vitamin A, C, and K, along with fiber and copper. Plums contain antioxidants that help to protect your cells from free radicals.

15. Dracontomelon

What is dracontomelon?

Dracontomelon, also known as Pacific walnut, grows in lowland rainforests specifically in South Asia. It is a very tall tree with clementine-sized fruits. 

What does dracontomelon taste like?

Dracontomelon is very sour raw, and is best soaked with ginger and sugar to make a drink similar to lemonade. These fruits starting with the letter d are often cooked in curries, fish dishes or eaten with rice.

Is dracontomelon healthy?

Dracontomelon is often used in traditional Easten medicine and is believed to support dermatitis, inflammation, and a sore throat. Factual health benefits are unknown.

16. Dabai Fruit

What is dabai fruit?

Dabai fruit is native to Borneo. These fruits that start with the letter d are oval in shape, similar to a grape, with dark black skin and a yellow pulp inside.

What does dabai fruit taste like?

Dabai is said to be hard and not very nice when eaten without any preparation. To consume dabai fruit, it is recommended to place them in a bowl of hot water. This will help to soften them and then they taste similar to avocado. 

They are often seasoned with soy sauce, salt, or sugar and eaten, or added to fried rice.

Is dabai fruit healthy?

Yes! This healthy food starting with d contains several minerals such as magnesium, which helps to reduce blood pressure, and calcium, supporting healthy and strong bones.

17. Dekopon

What are dekopons?

Dekopons are a large mandarin with a thick, orange skin that’s easy to peel. This popular fruit originated in Japan but now grow as far as Brazil.

What do dekopons taste like?

For a citrus fruit, dekopons are incredibly sweet. They do not have a high level of citric acid and are compared to eating candy. Hence these foods that starts with d are enjoyed eaten raw, or are often made into desserts.

Are dekopons healthy?

Dekopons are a high source of vitamin C and also contain vitamin A, potassium, protein, and fiber.

18. Duku Fruit

What is Duku fruit?

Duku fruits are round and slightly thinner on one end. They have a hard rind that is yellow with white flesh on the inside. Duku fruits grow in Southeast Asia.

What does duku fruit taste like?

When young, duku fruit is sour. But as it matures, this food that begins with d becomes sweeter, similar to a grapefruit. 

Is duku fruit healthy?

They are full of vitamins A, B, C, and E. Duku fruits also contain several minerals such as fiber, calcium, and iron.

19. Dodder-Laurel

What is dodder-laurel?

Dodder-laurel is a fruit that grows on a type of climber with no leaves. This food that starts with a d is oval shaped and grows in tropical areas such as Australia, Africa, and Indonesia.

What does dodder-laurel taste like?

Dodder-laurels are sweet and are often eaten freshly picked and raw.

Are dodder-laurels healthy?

Dodder-laurel fruits contain vitamin C, fiber, and protein. They can aid digestion along with urinary difficulties.

20. Desert Lime

What is a desert lime?

Desert limes originate from Australia and are also known as wild lime or bush lime. They are a berry-sized lime with a bright green skin. They appear similar to a standard lime but are rounder and smaller.

What do desert limes taste like?

Desert limes have a citrus taste very similar to a standard lime, but not as sour. These foods that start with d are often used to make jam, preserves, or even flavor tea.

Are desert limes healthy?

Desert limes are full of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and E, calcium, and folate.

Recipe To Try!

Dessert limes can be used instead of regular limes in this taco stuffed peppers recipe!

21. Discovery Apple

What are discovery apples?

Discovery apples are grown in the UK and have a distinct yellow-green skin with dark red patches. They are smaller than some brands of apples and have a crisp bite.

What do discovery apples taste like?

Discovery apples are a sweet apple used in desserts, salads, or eaten fresh.

Are discovery apples healthy?

Apples are full of antioxidants that help to remove free radicals from your body. These healthy foods that start with d contain several vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, fiber, and magnesium.

Recipe To Try!

Any type of apple, including discovery apples, works great in this vegan apple crisp!

22. Dried Fruit

What are dried fruits?

Dried fruits are a range of different fruits which have had most of their water content removed through drying. During this process, the fruit shrinks and lasts a lot longer than fresh fruit.

Dried fruits include dates, bananas, raisins, apricots, and pineapples.

What do dried fruits taste like?

These grocery items that start with d usually taste like the fresh version but are a lot sweeter and offer a chewy texture.

Are dried fruits healthy?

Dried fruit is incredibly healthy containing the same nutrients as fresh fruit. They contain high amounts of fiber, antioxidants, and numerous vitamins and minerals. However, due to the drying process, they are lower in vitamin C. However, because dried fruit has has had all the water removed, 1 cup of dried fruit has way more calories and sugar than 1 cup of fresh fruit – so moderation is key when eating dried fruit!

Recipe to try!

Dried fruits pair well with oats and nuts in these healthy flapjacks!

23. Delicata Squash

What is delicata squash?

Delicata squash is a long, oval shape with light orange skin and deep green vertical lines. As it ages, the skin turns a darker orange. This variety of squash is native to North and Central America.

What does delicata squash taste like?

Delicata squash is quite sweet in flavor, a cross between corn and pumpkin. This veg that starts with d is often compared with sweet potato due to its sweet flavor.

Is delicata squash healthy?

Delicata squash offers a good source of fiber and potassium, along with several vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C – which can support immunity and vitamin A, which helps your immune system and eye health.

Recipe to try!

Use delicata squash instead of (or alongside) butternut squash in this savory and spicy butternut squash and chickpea curry!

24. Drumstick

What are drumsticks?

Drumsticks are a type of plant that is completely edible. Also known as Moringa, is grown in Asian and African regions. It originated in India and is commonly eaten in Southern India.

What do drumsticks taste like?

This d letter food tastes similar to green beans but slightly sweeter.

Are drumsticks healthy?

Drumsticks are rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, C, and folic acid. 

25. Daikon

What is a Daikon?

Daikons are a tropical starchy tuberous root vegetable that looks similar in shape to a carrot but is white in color. They are often called Japanese radish or winter radish. Daikons are commonly used in Japanese cuisine.

What does a Daikon taste like?

Daikons are similar in taste to radish. These vegetables that start with the letter d are crunchy and offer texture and a sweet flavor to dishes. Daikons can be cubed, grated, or sliced when used.

Are Daikon healthy?

Daikons are high in potassium and vitamin C. They also contain magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. They are a good choice of vegetable due to being nearly fat free and extremely low in calories.

26. Dasheen

What is Dasheen?

Dasheen is also known as coco or tannia. It is a starchy tuber vegetable that starts with a d, that has brown skin and white inside. It is grown in China, Japan, and the West Indies.

What does Dasheen taste like?

It has a texture and flavor similar to a potato and can be used in recipes as a substitute for potato.

Is Dasheen healthy?

Dasheen is high in fiber, vitamins C and E, plus numerous minerals such as magnesium and potassium. The high fiber content and resistant starch helps to control your blood sugar levels.

27. Dulse

What is dulse?

Dulse is a type of red seaweed that grows in the Northwest Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans. It is often found growing on rocks and boulders in the ocean.

What does dulse taste like?

Dulse is dried and then flaked, powdered, or left whole. It is very salty in taste and can be used when cooking soups, salads, and potatoes.

Is dulse healthy?

Dulse is full of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, B6, and B12, along with calcium, iron, and magnesium. It has also been suggested dulse can help to lower your blood pressure and improve your eyesight.

28. Desert King Fig

What is a desert king fig?

Desert king figs grow on trees and are green on the outside, almost resembling a pear in shape. When ripe, the skin changes from green to pale yellow. Inside the fruit is a bright red flesh. This sweet fruit is mostly grown in North and Central Australia.

What does a desert king fig taste like?

Desert king figs are said to taste almost like strawberry jam, only sweeter. The riper the fruit, the sweeter they taste.

Are desert king figs healthy?

Desert king figs are low in calories yet contain a number of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, folate, and riboflavin.

Recipe to try!

Add figs as a topping for this satisfying goat cheese pizza with caramelized onions!

🥨 Snacks, Condiments, And Spices That Start With A D

This list of snacks, condiments, and spices starting with the letter D include demerara sugar, durum wheat, and deli meat.

29. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs can be a healthy snack or are also common appetizers that start with d. They are referred to as ‘deviled’ due to the use of spices on the top.

To make deviled eggs, you need to boil the eggs and slice them in half. Take out the egg yolk and mash it with a fork. Add mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and seasoning until it creates a creamy mixture. 

Scoop this mixture back into the egg whites and top with a sprinkling of paprika.

Other variations may include the use of chilis, bacon, chives, or goats cheese. You can also make these healthy deviled eggs without mayo!

30. Durum Wheat

Durum wheat is a type of wheat that is used to make semolina, cereals, bulgur, or flour. It is rich in fiber and numerous minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and copper. This grocery item that starts with d is harder than bread wheat and hence is better for making pasta, rather than bread as it can be easily stretched.

31. Demerara Sugar

Demerara sugar is made from sugarcane, and is larger in size than white or brown sugar. It appears almost crystalized and is a light brown in color. Unlike white sugar, demerara sugar isn’t as processed which means it retains some of the vitamins and minerals. However, like any form of sugar, it is best to eat in moderation.

Demerara sugar is often used in baking, to top cakes, or can be added to hot beverages such as tea or coffee.

32. Dukkah

Dukkah is a nut and spice blend often used as an appetizer with bread and olive oil. It is made from nuts, coriander, cumin, and sesame seeds. The nuts and seeds are slightly toasted before being processed slightly with spices.

33. Dip

A dip is a thick sauce in which different foods are dipped into before eating. There are a range of dips which can be made including:

• Hummus Without Garlic
• Butter Bean Hummus
• Healthy Guacamole
• Roasted Chili Corn Salsa
• Pineapple Pico De Gallo
• Baba Ghanoush
• Jalapeno Artichoke Dip
• Kale Dip
• 7 Layer Taco Dip

You can eat these snacks starting with d with bread, raw vegetables, chips, tortilla chips, crackers, breadsticks, or tortillas.

34. Dolmas

Dolmas use grape leaves which are stuffed with a range of fillings such as rice, meat, herbs, and spices. This is a Mediterranean dish which is usually cooked in a lemon broth once stuffed.

Dolmas can be served with tzatziki sauce and salad as a fresh combination with the sweet lemony stuffed leaves.

35. Dahi Vada

This tasty snack is made of fried lentil dumpling fritters which are topped with whipped yogurt and a combination of spicy and sweet chutneys.

Dahi vada is a popular snack in North India. Traditionally they are made with urad dal, also known as urad bean or matpe bean. The yogurt is topped with spicy green coriander chutney and sweet tamarind chutney to provide a sweet and tangy flavor.

36. Deli Meat

Deli meats are classified as cooked meats which have been pre-sliced and are prepared for sandwiches and anti-pasti. Deli meats include slices of ham, beef, turkey, chicken, and salami. 

37. Droewors

Droewors is a traditional African snack that translates as ‘dry sausage’. As the translation suggests, it’s a coriander-seed spiced sausage that has been dried. It is very similar to a boerewors, with the difference that a droewor uses a thinner sausage as they dry quicker. Droewor also uses beef instead of pork or veal.

38. Domsiah Rice

Domsiah rice, also known as Persian rice, is a popular Iranian rice due to becoming fluffy and light when cooked. It is a type of long-grain rice that is preferred for its aroma and is often cooked with fish, grilled meats, and stews.

39. Dashi

Dashi is similar to a stock or broth. Various ingredients can be steeped in cold or warm water and the ingredients used will depend upon the flavor you are aiming for. A vegan option of making dashi is to use cold-brewed kombu. Whereas other meat versions consist of dried sardines, scallops, or shrimp.

Dashi is used to create an unami taste of sweet and sour. Once dashi is made, it can be used to add flavor to congee, miso soup, noodle soup, or even to flavor fish.

40. Dill Pickles

Dill pickles offer a sour taste and crunchy texture to any regular sandwich. Dill pickles typically are made with cucumbers but other vegetables such as green beans and carrots can be used as an alternative.

The cucumbers are sliced and stored in an upright container. The cucumbers are seasoned with dill seed, garlic, and additional flavors such as chili pepper and mustard. Finally, a brine made from cider vinegar and water is poured over the cucumbers and the container is sealed. 

Dill pickles taste stronger the longer they are left to soak in the brine. They can be served in a variety of ways, often on burgers or sandwiches. Try this grilled cheese with pickles for a twist on a classic recipe!

41. Dairy Products

Dairy products are classified as milk, or any products made from milk produced by a mammal e.g. sheep, cow, or goat.

Dairy products include:

• Milk
• Cream
• Yogurt
• Butter
• Cheese
• Ice cream
• Condensed milk
• Dried milk

Dairy products are often used in everyday cooking from baking cakes to pies, cooking pasta sauce to salads.

42. Double Cheeseburger

A double cheeseburger consists of two beef burgers with sliced cheese, onions, pickles, mustard, and ketchup layered in between them, and then placed in a burger bun. It is one of the most common dinner and lunch foods that start with d. This is a popular choice of burger available at McDonald’s and other burger restaurants.

43. Dijon Mustard

Dijon mustard originated from Dijon, France. It is bright yellow in color and is a condiment used to add flavor to a range of dishes from sandwiches and salads, to meat sauces and vinaigrettes. You can even use it in this mustard bbq sauce recipe!

Dijon mustard has a very strong, sharp flavor that is slightly spicy. It is made from brown mustard seeds and white wine.

🍲 Foods That Start With D: Side Dishes

Side dishes are great for sharing or complimenting a main meal with breads, vegetables, and soups.

44. Dough Balls

Dough balls are often served with garlic butter. These food dishes that start with d are small balls of bread dough cooked and served hot as a side or appetizer.

45. Dabberlocks

Dabberlocks, also known as badderlocks or winged kelp, is a type of seaweed that is yellow-green in color. It grows in the North Atlantic Ocean and can be eaten fresh in salads or cooked as a vegetable.

46. Draw Soup

Draw soup, also known as ogbono soup, is a Nigerian soup. This soup that starts with d is made from ogbono seeds, assorted meats, spices, and palm oil.

The ogbono seeds are a core ingredient, known as African mango and are native to Central and West Africa. It is often served with yam or eba.

47. Deep Dish Pizza

Instead of having a thin crust, deep dish pizzas have a deep, thick crust which is crunchy on the outside and ‘doughy’ on the inside. The dough is usually raised on the outside slightly above the pizza fillings in the middle. The pizza dough is often placed in a deep-pan dish similar to a cake tin to cook in the oven. These dinner foods that start with d originated in Chicago, but can now be found across the United States.

48. Dosa

This food starting with d and popular South Indian dish is similar to a crepe. It is made with lentil batter and fermented rice. Dosa’s are thin and soft or crunchy to eat depending on how long they have been cooked for. They are most often eaten at breakfast with a range of curries or chutney such as coconut chutney.

49. Dauphinoise Potatoes

These are potatoes that are thinly sliced and cooked in a creamy garlic sauce. Dauphinoise potatoes can have cheese added to the top when baked for a deeper flavor. 

The potato slices are slightly boiled to soften them and then mixed in the cooked cream, milk, and garlic sauce. They are then layered in a baking dish with the remaining sauce poured over the top and baked either with or without cheese.

Dauphinoise potatoes are usually served as a side dish to a main dish such as a roast dinner with green vegetables.

🌿 Vegetarian Dishes That Start With The Letter D

Doubles, dumplings, and dahl are all vegetarian foods that start with D.

50. Dumplings

Dumplings originated in Chinese cuisine but are now enjoyed all over the world. Dumplings are made of flour, water, and salt. Different dumplings will be made with different flours such as wheat, rice, or tapioca flour.

Dumplings can be sweet or savory depending upon the filling such as: Beef, Chicken, Vegetables, Spinach and ricotta, Red bean paste.

51. Dahl / Dal

Dahl is a spicy dish made from dried split peas or lentils. They are simmered for a long period of time to become soft and thick in consistency. Dahl originated from India and can vary depending on the region. In the south, they use pigeon peas and mung beans, compared with in the north, they use yellow split peas. To make Dahl flavorful, additional spices such as coriander seeds, ginger, and cumin are added when cooking.

Dal is a staple dish in Indian cuisine, and is one of the most popular dinner foods that start with d. It is a healthy food that can be paired with other Indian foods like sabjis, curries, rice, and naan. Super easy to make, and very affordable, it’s one of those popular dishes you will find different variations of throughout India! Try this red lentil dal, this Instant Pot Dal, this slow cooker yellow dal, or this Instant Pot dal makhani to get you started!

52. Doubles

Doubles are a delicious Trinidad sandwich using chickpeas and flatbread. The chickpeas are cooked in a chickpea curry and placed between two deep-fried spicy flatbreads and served with a chutney.

The flatbreads are small and round in shape, almost offering a bite-sized chickpea sandwich.

53. Ditalini

Ditalini is a type of Italian pasta which is often used in soups such as minestrone. This pasta shape is about 1cm long and round with a hole in the middle. It can be a great alternative to using penne in a bolognese or arrabiata sauce. Try it instead of penne in this pasta with sundried tomato pesto and feta!

🍖 Meat Dishes That Start With A D

A few of these foods that start with D include popular game meats and fish such as dogfish and deer.

54. Dim Sum

Dim sum is a cantonese style of steamed dumpling. Several different types of dim sum are served to be shared with family and friends. These might include steamed buns, noodle rolls, and different flavored dumplings.

55. Drum Fish

Drum fish is a type of freshwater fish which can be found in rivers and lakes around North America. It has a firm, meaty texture and is often eaten breaded or blackened. It can be baked, fried, grilled, smoked and broiled.

56. Dover Sole

Dover sole is a type of flatfish with mottled skin. The meat is firm and traditionally skinned on the top only. To cook, you can grill, fry or poach dover sole. Flavoring with butters and sauces such as lemon and parsley compliments the dover sole well.

57. Dogfish

Dogfish is actually a type of shark that is quite popular to eat in parts of Europe as it has quite a sweet yet mild taste. The meat is flaky and is used to make fish tacos, stews, soups, and fillets.

58. Deer

Deer meat is most commonly known as venison which encompasses deer, elk, caribou, buffalo, antelope, wild boar, and hare. 

Deer meat is very lean with a deep color. It is often served as steak, made into sausages, or burgers. Due to being so lean, it is best grilled to cook quickly without drying it out.

59. Doner Kebab

Doner kebabs originate from the Middle East and traditionally, a doner kebab is made from lamb. The meat is cooked on a vertical spit and outer layers are shaved off to be served with rice or in a flatbread.

Doner kebabs are now popular all over the world and a variety of meats are used from poultry to beed.

60. Duck

Duck meat is considered to be full of flavor and a popular meat choice. Once the excess fat is removed, it leaves behind a crispy skin and lean meat

Compared to other meats, duck is considered nutritious due to containing healthy unsaturated fat, omega-3s and omega-6s.

When cooked, duck meat is often paired with sweet fruits and vegetables such as plums, pomegranates, apricots, and squash.

61. Dried Squid

Dried squid is a popular meat across Asia. It can often be purchased to eat as a light snack. They are often fried in a pan with oil to make them crispy and served with a dip such as vinegar or ginger.

62. Drunken Shrimp / Drunken Prawns

Drunken shrimp is shrimp that is cooked in a white wine sauce. It is often served with a green salad or vegetables. Or with crusty bread for dipping into the sauce. Drunken prawns can be used as an alternative to shrimp.

63. Dragon Noodles

Dragon noodles doesn’t refer to the type of noodles used, but the spicy sauce cooked to create this noodle dish.

Dragon noodles consist of a type of noodle, often Chinese noodles, sriracha, soy sauce, spiralized vegetables, and chicken.

64. Dagwood Sandwich

A dagwood sandwich comprises layers of different meats and cheeses in between slices of bread. It is often made with ‘what you have at home’ which could be a range of cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, meats, pickles, mayonnaise, ham, turkey, and salami.

65. Dan Dan Noodles

Dan Dan noodles are a popular dish in the Sichuan province of China. They are thin noodles that are served with crispy pork and peanuts.

These noodles are cooked and served in a spicy broth which is made with chili oil. Another key ingredient for making Dan Dan noodles is Sui Mi Ya Cai, which is a Cardamine bean sprout native to Sichuan. This provides a sweet, yet salty flavor to the dish.

🍰 Desserts That Start With A D

These desserts that start with D include donuts, dark chocolate, and Danish pastries.

66. Donut

Donuts, or doughnuts, are a small fried cake which is made with sweet dough, and is one of the most common food names that start with d. It is often shaped in a ball with a hole in the middle.

The donuts can be covered in sugar, icing, or melted chocolate. They are also often filled with sweet sauces such as caramel, jam, or lemon curd. Donuts are actually really easy to make at home – either baked or fried. Try our homemade eggless donuts, vegan gluten free mochi donuts, blueberry cake donuts, or chocolate doughnuts!

67. Divinity

This food with the letter d is an old-fashioned style of candy and great to serve for friends and family. Divinity is a meringue-based candy and is similar to marshmallow and fudge due to its chewy texture.

Traditional divinity is made using granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. These ingredients are boiled together and then added to stiff egg whites. Before mixing, chopped nuts and vanilla are placed in the mixture to help add flavor and texture.

Other flavor variations can include: Coconut, Cherry, Peppermint, Cranberry

68. Dowdy

Dowdy, or also known as Pandowdy, is a sweet dish of stewed apples. The apples are topped with a crust which is softened. During cooking, the crust is broken to allow the juices to break it down and create a partly-caramelized topping.

69. Dilkush Bread

Also known as dilpasand, dilkush bread is a popular Indian dessert. It is made with puff pastry, tutti fruity, and coconut mixture. It looks very similar to a thin slice of cake which is crumbly and sweet. 

70. Dark Chocolate

Unlike milk or white chocolate, dark chocolate has a number of health benefits and can be very nutritious when eaten in moderation. It is one of our favorite foods that start with the letter d, and is rich in a number of minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

Dark chocolate is a healthy snack when eaten in moderation and raw. It can also be used to make a range of desserts from these low sugar chocolate cupcakes, to chocolate almond milk pudding, to this chocolate walnut cake and more!

71. Dutch Baby Pancake

Dutch baby pancakes are a cross between a pancake and Yorkshire pudding. Flat in the middle with raised sides, these breakfast foods that start with d are a sweet dish served with your choice of fresh fruit and served with a sprinkling of icing sugar.

72. Devil’s Food Cake

Devil’s Food Cake is a popular dessert originating in the U.S. The cake is made using chocolate powder with deep layers of chocolate cake and rich frosting, finished with chocolate frosting on top and a sprinkling of chocolate pieces. It is a truly rich cake and the perfect treat for any chocolate lover.

73. Dulce de Leche

Dulce de Leche offers a similar taste and appearance to caramel sauce, but is made through heating milk and sugar, or condensed milk.

Due to its sweet yet thick consistency, it is ideal for making cheesecakes and ice-cream with.

74. Dippin Dots

Dippin’ Dots are an ice-cream-like, cool treat enjoyed in America. These foods starting with d are made through cryogenic encapsulation, which is when ice cream is dipped into liquid nitrogen. When the ice cream is dropped into nitrogen, it freezes instantly so ice crystals are unable to form. This leaves a creamy, frozen ball of ice cream which takes a long time to unfreeze.

Dippin’ dots are available in a number of flavors including chocolate, strawberry, peanut butter, and vanilla.

75. Derby Pie

A Derby pie is a food that starts with d that is a pastry tart with a chocolate chip and walnut filling. Other variations of this classic pie include adding Bourbon whiskey, salted caramel, or pecans. This pie can easily be enjoyed on it’s own, with ice cream or cream as the ultimate finish.

76. Danish Pastry

Danish pastries are a layered sweet pastry that is laminated with butter. These foods that begin with d are made using flour, milk, eggs, yeast, and butter. They are very similar to croissants but is sweeter in taste.

The pastry can have berries or cream cheese added for additional flavor, and be braided into different shapes for visual appeal and added texture.

🍹Beverages That Start With A D

This list of beverages beginning with D include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

77. Darjeeling Tea

Darjeeling tea is a world-famous variety of black teas that grows in West Bengal, India. The leaves are uniquely processed to provide black, green, white, or oolong tea.

The tea is light in color with a floral scent. Darjeeling tea is popular due to being high in antioxidants and properties to reduce stress.

Darjeeling tea is best stored in a sealed container and somewhere dark as it is sensitive to light and will lose its aroma quickly if left open. Learn more: How To Make Tea.

78. Dark Rum

Dark rum is a popular alcoholic beverage and one of the most common foods beginning with d. It can easily be identified when compared with white rum due to its brown coloring. It is brown usually from the addition of molasses or caramel. Dark rum can be sweet in flavor and has additional flavors depending upon the ingredients used such as vanilla, cinnamon, or caramel.

79. Dead Man’s Fingers

Dead Man’s Fingers is a specific blend of rum created in Cornwall. It incorporates a range of local flavors such as vanilla, cinnamon, spiced fruit, and caramel mixed with dark rum.

Dead Man’s Fingers is a popular alcoholic beverage and is now available in a range of flavors including coconut, mango, passionfruit, and coffee.

80. Draft Beer

Draft beer is a popular food with d – it’s beer that is served on a tap from a keg barrel rather than a beer from a bottle or can. Being poured from a keg as it leads to a fresher drink of beer than one from a bottle as it has a shorter turnaround time from the brewery. Draft beers include Heineken, Guinness, Budweiser, Corona, and Coors.

81. Demitasse Coffee

Demitasse is both tye type of cup an espresso is served in, as well as the type of espresso served in that cup! They are incredibly tiny cups holding 2-3 fluid ounces and are half the size of a regular cup. Demitasse coffee is a strong black coffee, and the cups are usually used to serve a shot of espresso or other concentrated drinks e.g. hot chocolate or Greek coffee.

82. Daiquiri

Daiquiri is a food that starts with the letter d, and is a type of rum-based cocktail that originated in Cuba. A traditional daiquiri uses rum, lime juice, and sugar syrup mixed with ice. Now, there are a number of fruit-flavored variations such as mango, strawberry, or pineapple daiquiri.

✔️ More Delicious Food Guides!

If you would like more inspiration on new and exciting foods to cook with, then take a look at some of our other food lists from A-Z.

• Foods That Start with A
• Foods That Start with Y
• Foods That Start With W
• Foods That Start with I
• Foods That Start with U

💭 Final Thoughts

This list of 82 foods starting with the letter D have taken us around the world from dahls in India to dan dan noodles in China. They offer an excellent insight into the variety of foods available in different cuisines and offer you something new and healthy to try in the kitchen.