Why X Foods Are Hard to Find
The letter X is one of the least common starting letters in the English language, which makes finding foods that begin with X a genuine challenge. Whether you are playing a food-themed alphabet game, completing a culinary bucket list, or simply satisfying your curiosity, you might be surprised to learn that there are actually more X foods than most people realize. The key is to look beyond English-language foods and explore the rich culinary traditions of China, Mexico, Greece, and other cultures where X is a more commonly used letter.
Many X foods come from languages that use X to represent sounds that English speakers might spell differently. In Chinese cuisine, X often represents a sound similar to sh in English. In Nahuatl, the Aztec language that has influenced Mexican cuisine, X represents a sh sound as well. Understanding these linguistic connections opens up a fascinating world of foods that most English speakers have never heard of but are enjoyed by millions of people around the world.
Xigua: The Chinese Watermelon
Xigua is the Mandarin Chinese word for watermelon, and it is one of the most commonly cited X foods. China is the world's largest producer of watermelons, growing over 60 million metric tons annually, which represents about 60 percent of global production. Xigua in China comes in many varieties beyond the familiar large green-striped melons found in Western supermarkets, including small round varieties, yellow-fleshed varieties, and seedless cultivars.
Chinese xigua culture goes far beyond simply eating watermelon slices on a hot day. Watermelon seeds are roasted and eaten as a popular snack, watermelon rind is pickled and stir-fried as a vegetable, and watermelon juice is a common street food beverage served over ice. In traditional Chinese medicine, watermelon is considered a cooling food that helps reduce internal heat and is often recommended during the hot summer months.
Xiaolongbao: Shanghai Soup Dumplings
Xiaolongbao are perhaps the most famous X food in the culinary world. These delicate steamed dumplings originated in Shanghai and are distinguished by the rich, flavorful broth that is sealed inside each dumpling alongside the meat filling. When you bite into a properly made xiaolongbao, the hot soup bursts forth, creating one of the most unique and satisfying eating experiences in Chinese cuisine.
The secret to xiaolongbao lies in the preparation of the aspic, a gelatinized broth that is mixed with the pork filling before the dumplings are assembled. When steamed, the aspic melts into liquid soup, creating the signature burst of broth. The wrapper must be thin enough to be translucent yet strong enough to hold the soup without tearing. Master dumpling makers aim for exactly 18 folds in each wrapper, which creates both the characteristic pinched top and the structural integrity needed to contain the hot broth.
Xacuti: Goan Indian Curry
Xacuti, also spelled xacutti or shakuti, is a complex and aromatic curry from the Indian state of Goa. This dish reflects the unique blend of Portuguese and Indian culinary traditions that define Goan cuisine. Xacuti typically features chicken or lamb cooked in a rich sauce made from roasted coconut, poppy seeds, and a blend of spices that can include over 20 different ingredients.
The preparation of xacuti is an elaborate process that involves dry-roasting coconut, coriander seeds, cumin, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, mace, nutmeg, and dried red chilies, then grinding everything into a fine paste. This paste forms the base of the sauce, to which onions, tomatoes, and tamarind are added for depth and acidity. The result is an incredibly layered and nuanced flavor profile that sets xacuti apart from other Indian curries.
More X Foods from Around the World
Xoconostle is a sour prickly pear fruit used extensively in Mexican cuisine, particularly in mole sauces and as a flavoring for drinks. Xavier soup is an Italian soup made with chicken broth, parmesan cheese dumplings, and fresh herbs, named after Saint Francis Xavier. Ximenia is a genus of tropical fruits found in Africa and the Americas that have a tart, citrus-like flavor and are used in jams, juices, and traditional medicines. Xinomavro is a Greek red wine grape variety that produces full-bodied wines with high acidity and aging potential, similar to Barolo from Italy.
Xoi is a Vietnamese sticky rice dish that is a popular breakfast and snack food throughout Vietnam. It comes in both savory and sweet varieties, with savory versions topped with mung beans, fried shallots, and meat, while sweet versions feature coconut, peanuts, and sugar. Xouba is a small sardine-like fish found off the coast of Spain that is served fried or grilled. With a little exploration, the world of X foods turns out to be surprisingly diverse and delicious.
