If a person asks you to name foods that begin with S, you’re likely to name just the popular ones like sausage, spaghetti, steak, sandwich, and sushi. But how many S-letter foods do you know? Test yourself as you read through our list of 47 beverages, fruits, and more worldwide that start with the letter S.
The List: 47 Foods That Start With S
1. S’mores
A s’more is a popular and favorite snack famous for camping trips. It’s an extraction of “some more” because it is deliciously irresistible. S’more is melted marshmallow with sweet and bitter chocolate sandwiched between Graham crackers. Make s’mores with your friends and family while camping and gather around a campfire to make it more fun and memorable.
2. Sachima
This is a traditional Chinese egg pastry popular in Taiwan and China. They are made from fried egg noodles or flour batter, deep-fried, and coated in sugar syrup. They are similar to the American Rice Treats and usually sprinkled with sesame seeds, raisins, or desiccated coconut.
3. Sage
Sage is an herb affiliated to the mint family. It is grown all over the world but is originally from the Mediterranean region. Sage has a slightly peppery taste with a blend of lemon flavor, mint, and eucalyptus. It’s often used to flavor chicken, turkey, and other dishes like potatoes. However, sage is famous for Thanksgiving stuffing.
Fun fact: sage is also used in medicine because it improves brain health. If you burn it, sage will boost the quality of your sleep and help relieve stress.
4. Sajji
Sajji is cuisine from Pakistan. It’s made from lamb or chicken and secured to skewers. The meat is usually marinated in a mixture of spices and roasted over coals. Other people stuff rice inside the chicken or goat. Sajjis unique flavor and texture comes from the inside out when the meat turns juicy and with crispy skin.
5. Sake
Sake is a Japanese alcoholic drink produced from fermented rice. The brewing process entails soaking the rice in water that has been heated below the boiling point over an extended period of time. This serves to ensure that the starch molecules are removed and guarantees fermentation. It can be served hot or cold depending on what you have it with and your preferences.
6. Salad
Salad is a mixture of different vegetables or fruits and at least one raw ingredient. It is often paired with a dressing made from mayonnaise, vinegar, garlic, or cheese. Salads are usually served as an appetizer or as a side dish.
7. Salami
This is a cured variety of Italian sausage that consists of pork, venison, and beef meats blended with fat and flavored with different types of herbs and other ingredients like vinegar, garlic, and salt. Unlike the other sausage types, salami is usually dry and hard. It can be used as a topping for pizza or sandwiches. Popular salamis are capocollo, cacciatore, lardo and genoa salami.
8. Salmon
Salmon is freshwater fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Salmon is the preferred fish because of its sweetness, tenderness, flavor, and ease of preparation. It can be pan-fried, grilled, or smoked. Compared to other types of fish, salmon is ideal for making curries because it doesn’t have an intense fishy taste.
9. Salmorejo
Salmorejo is a traditional thick, cold soup made from tomatoes, olive oil, bread, and garlic with origins from Spain. Usually, the tomatoes are skinned and then pureed with other ingredients for unique flavors and taste. It’s often served in small bowls and garnished with hard-boiled eggs, chopped Jamon, or Spanish serrano.
10. Salsa
Salsa is a typical Mexican cuisine. It is a type of sauce usually served with tortilla chips at room temperature. Depending on your preferences, it contains tomatoes, garlic, jalapenos, onions, cilantro, and other flavors. It can be spicy, mild, chunky, or smooth
11. Sambal
If intense and hot spicy food is your thing, then sambal is your perfect bet. Sambal is a famous sauce in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. It’s a sauce made from a mixture of chili and other ingredients like garlic, ginger, scallion, shrimp paste, and lime juice. It’s traditionally eaten as a condiment. Basic sambal consists of just chili, salt, and vinegar.
Fun fact: the more the ingredients, the more intense. And because it’s so hot, just a little goes a long way.
12. Samosas
Samosas are a popular snack. They are triangular pastries filled with spiced meat, potatoes, vegetables, and then fried in oil. Muslims, usually serve samosas as snacks during the holy month of Ramadan. They aren’t just limited to Muslims, though. You can eat them with a chutney or as an appetizer.
13. Sandwich
You must be familiar with a sandwich because you have probably made it yourself at home when you were hungry. Sandwiches are two pieces of bread mixed with other ingredients between the two slices of bread. Vegetables, cheese, or meat are added to the slices of bread to produce a complete meal. It can be grilled or eaten cold.
14. Santol
Santol is a fruit grown and found in the Philippines, Southern Laos, and Malaysia. Depending on maturity and variety, it has different flavors, from sour to sweet. It has a round to oval shape and is eaten raw. Santol fruit can be cooked into jams and jellies and added to curries, soups, and sauces.
15. Sardines
Sardines are saltwater fishes often packed in a can because they are highly perishable. Just like the other types of fish, sardines are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins, calcium, and protein. Fresh sardines can be served grilled, smoked, or pickled. Some people love to add it to their sandwiches or pizza.
16. Sashimi
Sashimi is the most famous Japanese cuisine known for its uniqueness and freshness. Its raw seafood and meat are cut into thin slices and dipped into soy sauce with spicy ingredients like finely grated ginger roots or wasabi. The dish is generally reserved for formal dining occasions. The process of making sashimi is an art in itself. If you love having fun with your taste buds by trying different cuisines, make sure sashimi doesn’t miss on your list of foods.
17. Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is originally a German dish. It is raw cabbage sliced and fermented by lactic acid bacteria. It has a distinct sour taste and can be eaten with crackers, added to sandwiches, or served as a side dish. If you are the health-conscious type, sauerkraut is great for your health because it boosts your immune system and is rich in probiotics and vitamin K2.
18. Sausage
Sausage is processed meat made from either beef, poultry, or pork and then flavored with spices. Sausages are perfect for breakfast and eaten with pancakes or eggs. It also makes good pizza toppings. The different seasonings used in making it usually determine its flavor. With the popularity and adoption of vegan lifestyles on the increase, vegetarian sausages are made of ingredients like textured vegetable protein or tofu.
19. Scallop
Scallop is a shellfish belonging to the mollusks and clams family. They have a buttery texture with a mild and sweet flavor close to that of crabs. They can be served as part of a dinner dish or alone. Fun facts: they are also an aphrodisiac, and sea scallops are usually bigger than bay scallops.
20. Schnitzel
Schnitzel is a thin slice of meat like pork, beef, turkey, or chicken. Usually, the meat is thinned by pounding with a meat tenderizer or marinated in ginger, pineapple, or wine. It is then breaded and fried. Although the name comes from Germany, schnitzels are enjoyed globally.
21. Scones
Scones were made famous in Britain. Depending on where you live, though, they have different meanings. English scones are more like American biscuits and are eaten with cream or jam. To add more flavor and fun, you can toss in some lime zest, fresh fruits like raspberries, chocolate chips, or your favorite jam.
22. Scotch pie
From the name, you can guess the origin of this pie; Scotland. Scotch pie is like any other pie with fillings and spices used depending on your preferences. What differentiates the scotch pie is its unique “indented lid.” Fun fact: if you are keen on losing weight, stay away from the scotch pie.
23. Seaweed
Sea vegetables or edible seaweed is a type of algae that grows in the ocean and is eaten worldwide. It has a unique crunchy texture and salty taste. Not everyone can eat seaweed because of the saltiness, so they are mixed into salads or added to soups. Popular seaweed varieties are sea grapes and sea lettuce.
24. Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds are oil-rich, tiny, edible seeds that grow in pods from the Sesamum indicum plant. They have a nutty, earthy flavor and are often used in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Sesame seeds have a richer flavor after grinding or roasting, and they bring a nutty and crunchy flavor to any dish. White sesame is the most popular, but there is also golden and black sesame.
25. Shabu-shabu
Shabu-shabu is a Japanese cuisine made of thinly sliced meat, and different types of vegetables cooked in broth or water and dipped in soy sauce or sesame seed sauce. The name originates from the sound “swish wish” made from boiling water in the hot pot. The next time you walk into a Japanese restaurant or get the opportunity to visit the country itself, make sure to enjoy this cuisine.
26. Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a North African cuisine of eggs simmered in a sauce of tomatoes, cumin, and chili pepper and eaten with bread. You can improve its flavor by using other ingredients like paprika, onions, and garlic. Fun fact: shakshuka loosely translates to “all mixed up” in Arabic.
27. Shallots
Shallots belong to the allium family and are related closely to garlic, onions, and chives. They are used as the base for a variety of dishes. While onions bring more intense heat to dishes, shallots have a sweet, delicate flavor with a bit of sharpness.
28. Shepherd’s pie
In England, shepherd’s pie is made with lamb or mutton. It is a dish made up of cooked minced meat topped with mashed potatoes. Its popular ingredients are gravy or sauce, red meat, onions, and mashed potatoes. You can also add some vegetables or cheese to add some fun and flavor to the toppings. Regardless of what you add to it, shepherd’s pie is a pure comfort food.
29. Shrimp
Shrimp is seafood rich in Iodine, vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fats. For those cautious about their weight, shrimp is very low in calories. It can be prepared in different ways and still maintain its amazing, crunchy taste and fishy flavor. It can be fried and served with sauce or grilled with pasta. If you want high-quality raw shrimps, go for the firm and transparent ones.
30. Snake Fruit
Snake fruit, also known as salak, is a palm tree grown initially in Indonesia. The fruit derives its name from its outer scaly appearance, like a snake and its prickly cactus. But don’t be fooled by its outward appearance or the name. The fruit is incredibly juicy, sweet, and sour like a pineapple, leaving a citrus-like sting.
Fun fact: Indonesians call this fruit the fruit of memory as it boosts brain health and is rich in pectin and potassium.
31. Snow peas
Snow peas are small peas in a pod that are eaten raw or cooked. Snow peas are used in various ways including stir-frying with ingredients such as sesame oil, garlic, mint, or pine nuts, or added to curries and stews.
32. Soba
Soba is a chewy, thin Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour and water. They derive their flavor from buckwheat rather than wheat flour. It has a grainy texture and earthy taste and is best enjoyed with noodle salads or other dishes. It can also be served chilled with hot soup or dipping sauce.
33. Sosaties
Sosatie is a classical South African dish comprising meat cooked on skewers. The meat is cut into bite-sized chunks and marinated in a mixture of tamarind juice, chilies, garlic, fried onion, and curry leaves. Skewers are cooked in a barbecue style or grilled and pan-fried. Prunes, red peppers, dried apricots, and red onions are normally layered between the meat pieces.
34. Soufflé
Soufflé traces its roots in France. It’s a dish made from egg yolks, beaten egg whites and flavoring. Sometimes, vegetable puree like vegetables, fruit, or seafood or even chocolate is incorporated into a souffle. Soufflés are traditionally served as a delicious main dish, or as a dessert.
35. Soup
In cold weather, soup is the perfect comfort food that can be served hot, creamy, plain, brothy, thick, or thin. Soup is a liquid dish made from boiling either meat, vegetables, or fish in broth, water, or stock for many hours. It is seasoned with herbs and spices and often served with piping hot bread.
36. Souvlaki
Souvlaki is a Greek cuisine made of grilled meat or seafood marinated in lemon, oregano, pepper, salt, and oil. The meat for this dish is either pork, chicken, or lamb. You can enjoy this delicious dish straight from the skewer, over fresh vegetables, or in a warm pita with your favorite toppings. However, you shouldn’t confuse souvlaki with gyros. Even though they are both Greek cuisines, they aren’t the same. While souvlaki is served on a skewer, the gyro is stacked meat cooked on an upright rotisserie.
37. Soto Banjar
Soto Banjar is a popular chicken noodle soup originally from Indonesia. It’s mixed with spices and aromatic herbs and served with shredded chicken meat, rice cakes, and half-boiled eggs. To give your chicken more flavor, you fry it first before shredding it.
The origin of the name of this cuisine is soto for South of Kalimantan and Banjar is the short form of the city of Banjarmasin.
38. Spaghetti
Spaghetti is the most popular pasta dish worldwide and is very easy to prepare. It is made from durum wheat and comes in long, thin strands. It is steamed or boiled and served with meatballs, herbs, tomato sauces, or used for other dishes like spaghetti bolognese. You can also eat it alone with sauce toppings.
39. Spinach
Spinach is leafy, green vegetable rich in vitamins (Vitamin K, A), antioxidants, Manganese, folate, and is low in carbs. It can be eaten on its own or added to other dishes like sauteed spinach, rice, curries, and pasta. Spinach dip, made of spinach combined with dairy products, is often served with pieces of bread for dipping.
40. Squash
Squash is a type of gourd that comes in different colors, sizes, shapes, and varieties, from zucchini to pumpkins. It is famous for its silky and sweet flavor. It is a good addition to stews and pastries, pasta, and risotto. Zucchini is more mildly flavored than butternut and pumpkin.
41. Squid
Squid is a type of seafood that belongs to the mollusks family. Squids live in the ocean and feed on small fish and shrimps. They are usually braised, boiled, fried, seared, or grilled. You can also eat it raw as sashimi.
42. Steak
Steak is a slice of beef cooked to one’s preference. It is served with mashed potatoes or french fries or a side of vegetables and salads. The most popular varieties of steak are sirloin, T-bone, flank, round steak, and ribeye steak. Pork can also be cut into pieces of steak and eaten in the same way as a beefsteak.
43. Strawberry
This is a popular, bright red fruit eaten by everyone. Known for their sweet taste and juicy texture, strawberries are often eaten fresh. However, they can be put into jams, desserts, salads, smoothies, and jellies.
44. Sukiyaki
Sukiyaki is a typical Japanese dish made up of beef, tofu, noodles, and vegetables and simmered in a sweet sauce. It is ideally served on special occasions or during family dinners. Other ingredients added to sukiyaki are enoki mushrooms, kikuna leaves, and naganegi onions.
45. Sushi
If you have ever been to a Japanese restaurant or love sampling different cuisines, you have probably had sushi served. Sushi is a popular Japanese traditional food stuffed with either raw or cooked seafood, fruits, or vegetables rolled in rice or seaweed sheet. Sushi is usually served with pickled ginger or soy sauce. Sushi has many varieties like temaki, uramaki, and nigiri, and all have their own unique flavor and form.
46. Svickova
Svickova is a popular Czech and Slovakian cuisine. For the Czechs, it’s literally the queen of sauces. This sauce is made from root vegetables (carrots, celeriac, parsley root, and onions), spices, heavy cream and thickened with a roux. The primary meat for this dish is sirloin. Svickova can be served warm with bread dumplings.
Fun fact: the literal translation of this dish is “candle sauce.”
47. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are root crops that are starchy but sweet, healthy, and nutritious. They are a good source of antioxidants and beta-carotene. They can be boiled, baked, fried, or roasted. Because of their creamy texture, they are ideal for hearty dishes like curry, soups, and risotto. In the US, baked sweet potatoes are eaten like a dessert and served with cinnamon, butter, sugar, and other sweet ingredients like honey. Sweetcorn is a type of maize with a naturally high sugar content, rich in amino acids. Unlike other types of maize, sweetcorn is harvested while it’s still young, making it even more juicy. Sweet Corn is eaten in various ways like on its own, grilled, glazed in a sauce, or straight on the barbecue.
