24+ Foods That Begin With The Letter “L”

It’s always fun to challenge yourself, or others around you, to name as many foods beginning with each letter of the alphabet.

And, you may be surprised to know that from A to Z, there are food items that start with each letter. 

Whether you just want to find a list of foods beginning with a certain letter (see also ‘38+ Knockout Foods That Start With The Letter ‘K’‘) or you have a special occasion coming up and want to do something unique, finding out what foods start with letters of the alphabet is fascinating.

And, if it’s a special someone’s birthday coming up, why not make them a tasty dish with foods that start with the first letter (see also ‘25 Amazingly Awesome Foods That Begin With The Letter R‘) of their name.

If their name starts with “L,” then you’re in luck. In today’s post, we are going to be looking at different foods beginning with “L.”

Maybe you have thought of a few but got stuck along the way. If so, we are here to help you with the rest! 

You can probably think of a few foods beginning with “L” (see also ‘23 Foods Beginning With The Letter J‘) but you’ll probably be surprised by how many there actually are.

Want to find out more? Continue reading and find out how many you thought of, off the top of your head.

Once you read this article, test your friends and family to see how many they know! And don’t stop with “L.” Check out our other articles with foods starting with different letters of the alphabet (see also our favorite foods beginning with “E”)! 

Foods That Start With The Letter L

1. Lemon 

Okay, you probably thought of this already, so we had to include it first. Although not popular when consumed on their own, lemons are one of the world’s most favorite citrus fruits.

They are also one of the most versatile. You can add them to alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, make lemonade out of them, and use them for cooking. You can also use lemons to clean your home. 

Lemons are popular for their wonderful scent, too. But, eaten alone, they can taste sour and even pretty bitter to make your eyes water.

Therefore, we recommend sticking to adding lemon to your tea (see also ‘What Does Crystal Boba Actually Taste Like?‘) and summer drinks instead.

2. Lamb

From fruit to meat. It may not be the best segway, but lamb is as popular in the world of meat as lemons are in the world of fruits.

In countries worldwide, lamb is the most consumed type of meat, after chicken, especially in Middle Eastern cuisine (see also ‘33 Easiest Middle Eastern Recipes For You To Try‘).

When cooking lamb, we recommend doing so while it’s still attached to the bone. This is because the meat is more tender and mouth watering.

If you’re cooking a leg of lamb in the oven, we suggest preparing it with extra virgin olive oil first. Rub some sea salt, rosemary, and black salt into the meat, and even a little garlic salt.

Then, place some cloves of garlic into the leg of lamb and cook on medium heat (135 – 140 degrees Fahrenheit) for around 25 minutes.

In the end, your leg of lamb will be the most succulent piece of meat you’ve ever tried! 

3. Lime

Back to citrus fruits! Limes are a popular fruit used in dishes to add extra flavor and to garish different types of drinks. It can also be used to create limeade or zest to refresh you on a hot, summer’s day. 

Size wise, limes are similar to lemons, but, rather than turning yellow when ripened, limes turn green.

But, they do share similarities with lemons in the form of their bitter and sour flavors, especially when consumed individually. However, overall, lemons tend to be far more bitter than limes. 

4. Lasagna 

As soon as we see the word “lasagna,” our bellies start to rumble!

When the majority of people think about a lasagna, they typically think of a combination of beef, cheese, tomato sauce, noodles, and other ingredients to make a full dish.

And, while this is essentially true, the pasta used to make a traditional lasagna is also known as lasagna.

Lasagne (with an “e” at the end, rather than an “a”) refers to more than one lasagna. These are the flat, long noodles that complete the layers of a full lasagna dish.

We recommend serving it with a basil garnish. Trust us, it will be incredibly delicious. 

5. Leek

A national symbol of the country Wales, UK, leeks (see also ‘23 Leek Recipes ‘) are basically gigantic green onions. And, one you probably thought of before reading our list.

Over the years, leeks have not always been used in salads, as slops have been preferred.

Nevertheless, leeks work great when added directly into salads, as long as they have been cooked for a little time beforehand.

This veggie was widely used in the middle-ages throughout Europe thanks to its relatively easy cultivation.

Moreover, leeks are exceptionally good for you as they contain zeaxanthin and lutein, two substances that provide protection for our eyes.

They are also beneficial for bone health and density thanks to being rich in vitamin K. 

6. Lobster 

Known as “Kings of the sea,” lobsters are a popular seafood around the world. These large crustaceans have hard shells, antennas, two long, bulbous eyes, and ten feet.

Okay, this may not sound like food, but lobster is served in most of the top restaurants throughout the world. It goes extremely well with many recipes, especially seafood pasta. 

Although popular, lobster tends to be very expensive, meaning many people have never tried it. In the U.S., however, lobsters are typically quite affordable, defending on whether it is frozen or fresh.

In the past, lobsters were actually known as the “poor man’s chicken,” due to its low cost. How times have changed.

7. Lentil Soup

As the name suggests, lentil soup is soup made from lentils. Lentils, also known as Lens culinaris, are legumes.

These are plants with edible seeds encased in a tough outer covering. Lentil soup contains other ingredients, too, such as carrots, celery, tomatoes, onions, and a wide array of seasonings and herbs. 

8. Loin

Often regarded as the best cut of beef, the loin is red meat, cut from the spinal region of a cow and lower ribs.

Known for being juicier than many other beef cuts, the loin is surrounded by a large capacity of water, resulting in a succulent piece of meat. 

Although a favorite cut, the loin is also the most expensive cut of beef.

A quick fun fact – the further away a cut of meat is from the ground, the more tender it will be, and, more often than not, the more expensive, too.

9. Licorice 

From fruit to meat to vegetables and now candy. What a recipe we have on our hands here!

Licorice is a bitter type of candy, either loved or loathed the world over. Before it was enjoyed as a candy treat, however, it was only known as a flowering plant.

Today, licorice remains a plant that is related to a range of legumes and beans. 

Today, we know licorice better as candy. The part of the plant used to make licorice candy is the root. This is typically very strong in both aroma and flavor.

If eaten in large quantities, licorice can be toxic. But, it is mostly consumed in small doses and rarely eaten in its raw form. 

10. Lovage 

Now, we may be getting into unfamiliar territory. Also known as sea parsley, liveche, smallage, and lavose, lovage is a tall, perennial plant with medicinal properties.

Its roots can be eaten as veggies and its seeds in the form of spices. 

When looking through various south European recipes, you are likely to see lovage spring up quite regularly. The whole of this plant can be used, most typically as garnish, or mixed with kebab seasoning.

It is also popular as the base of Mediterranean salads, such as Tabbouleh. The leaves taste similarly to celery, helping enhance the flavor and aroma of many dishes containing potatoes.

Lovage is high in apigenin, a protein that enhances healthy testosterone levels in men. 

11. Lollipops 

Back to something easy starting with “L” but one many forget. If you got this, well done! 

It’s amazing to think that there was once a world with lollipops. In fact, the first lollipops were not invented until 1908, when George Smith of Connecticut, USA, founded them.

He coined his new refreshing food after a famous racehorse of the day called Lolly Pop, later trademarking the name in 1931. 

Today, there are thousands of lollipop flavors to choose from, as well as all sorts of shapes and sizes. But, the most popular are typically large and round lollipops. 

12. Linguini 

Linguini is a super tasty type of pasta, but you wouldn’t think of it from its translation into English as “little tongues.”

Thankfully, this less than appetizing translation does not translate literally to what the food is.

Linguini is like a combination of spaghetti and fettuccine, with its ribbon-like, long pieces of pasta. In other words, it’s long like spaghetti, but flat like fettuccine.

As for its taste, linguini is pretty mild but it is wonderful for soaking in the flavors of any sauces it is combined with. 

13. Lahana Sarmasi

Unless you know some Turkish, you probably didn’t think of Lahana Sarmasi off the top of your head. Lahana translates as cabbage in English, and this dish consists of stuffed cabbage rolls.

These are known as dolma in other cultures and Gołąbki, is the very popular Polish version (see also ‘17 Authentic And Delicious Polish Dessert Recipes‘). In fact, it is believed that stuffed cabbage originated in Poland and various other Slavic nations.

Today, Lahana Sarmasi is hugely popular in Turkish cuisine. Cabbage leaves are stuffed with spicy minced meat and then rolled up, and lemon is often squeezed on top for a delicious flavor. 

14. Liver 

As soon as many people hear the word “liver,” they will run a mile. But, liver has been and remains a popular piece of meat throughout the world.

There are actually various types of liver you can consume, such as chicken liver, beef liver, pork liver, and duck liver. Lamb liver is also edible, but not as popular.

Liver is often fried or sautéd with onions. It is also possible to bread liver, but this only works in certain, unique recipes. 

Liver divides people like licorice. They either love it or loathe it. And, even those you love liver will tend to agree, that is an acquired taste. 

15. Liqueurs 

Typically made from fruits, liqueurs are alcoholic spirits that are very popular worldwide.

Once the fruit ferments, the content of alcohol becomes greater, and becomes very tasty alongside the unique smell of the fruit.

Nevertheless, additional flavors are included such as spices, herbs, fruits, and sugar to finish off the taste.

Liqueur is another example of people either loving or loathing it. If you are a fan of cocktails, you have probably had liqueurs added to many in the past. 

You may be getting confused as to the difference between liqueurs and liquor.

Well, both are essentially the same, as they go through the exact same distillation process, however, liqueurs are usually flavored with oils, extracts, and other flavorings.

Liquors, such as whiskey, or rum, tend to be a great base for liqueur. 

16. Legumes

A member of the plant family Leguminosae, legumes are essentially the fruits and seeds of these plants.

These vegetables are cultivated due to their high protein content and beneficial vitamins and minerals.

They are also excellent substitutes for meat, making them a popular food item in vegetarian (see also ‘34 Easy Vegetarian Dinner Recipes‘) and vegan diets. An example would be chickpeas in falafels.

Legumes are eaten by both humans and animals, but are mainly cultivated for human consumption. Some examples of legumes include peas, lentils, peanuts, clover, and chickpeas. 

17. Lady Fingers

Before you ask, we haven’t started making up foods beginning with L! Lady Fingers are egg-based cookies, with crispy exteriors and a slightly sweet yet mild flavor.

Lady Fingers are typically used in desserts, like tiramisu, banana puddings, and meringues. 

You can also enjoy Lady Fingers by themselves, but they go really well with either a cup of hot chocolate or coffee.

You can buy them in most grocery stores or make them yourself. One thing is for sure, no after-dinner party is complete without some Lady Finger desserts! 

18. Lard 

Lard. Just its name is one of the most unappealing sounds in the English language.

But, this soft fat from a pig’s fatty tissues has been a staple of many cuisines for hundreds of years, especially through world wars when food has been sparse. 

Lard is considered to be a highly unhealthy food item by many but it can help to enhance the flavors of many dishes.

It can be used in various fillings, in sausages, and can be spread like butter on bread. In fact, it can be used as an alternative to butter thanks to its flakiness in pastries. 

Lard remains very popular in eastern European cuisines, such as in Poland and Ukraine (see also ‘20 Best Ukrainian Foods‘).

Many people eat lard to absorb alcohol, and it is sometimes brought to tables in Eastern European countries as an appetizer.

Quite different to the complimentary salads in Greece or complimentary bread in Western Europe! 

19. Lychee

Onto something that may be more appealing to you – lychee. The lychee fruit is one of the most unique fruits in the world.

Both its appearance and taste are like no other. They look like small, pink balls, with scaly, thick skin encompassing their exterior. This is known as their alligator skin. 

Lychee may not look refreshing but they are one of the juiciest fruits out there. They can be enjoyed raw – just make sure you peel them first!

They can also be used in many recipes. As for their flavor, lychees tend to have a citrus taste and floral undertones.

Some compare them to watermelons and strawberries combined, and we think this is a perfect description of their tastes. 

20. Lettuce 

Lettuce is one of the most widely consumed vegetables in the world, but rarely eaten on its own. But, take it out of many salads, wraps, and burgers, and you’ll be missing a key ingredient. 

Today, Romaine lettuce tends to be the most popular kind of lettuce, whereas Iceberg lettuces have lost some appeal.

This is because the high nutritional value many thought they had is not true. Therefore, they are not as beneficial for your health as first thought. 

21. Linguica 

Linguica may sound exotic, but is simply a Portuguese pork sausage (see also ‘16 Smoky Recipes With Linguiça‘). It is made by combining pork meat with garlic and onion.

It may not sound like a lot, but just one Linguica sausage will fill you up for most of the day with a high number of calories!

Linguica is popular throughout Portugal and, unlike many sausages, it doesn’t have a bad smell. It can be prepared with many meals, but goes especially well with mashed potatoes. 

22. Latkes

We are definitely in the realm of little known foods, beginning with L. Latkes (see also our favorite Jewish dishes) may be a new word to you, but these are basically potato pancakes.

However, many believe that Latkes (see also ‘27 Traditional Jewish Dishes‘) are different to pancakes, as they tend to be thicker and are not as round. They also tend to be smoother than traditional potato pancakes.

But, for argument’s sake, we’re insisting they are potato pancakes! It tends to boil down to how you cook Latkes.

Check out some recipes online and let us know whether you think they are pancakes or not! 

23. Littleneck 

Littleneck is a kind of quahog. In other words, these are edible clams. They are typically very small and young clams (see also ‘23 Salty And Savory Clam Recipes To Make At Home‘) that taste delicious when cooked correctly. 

We suggest steaming Littlenecks for the best results. Simply heat a frying pan on a high heat before adding garlic and butter until these are golden.

Then, pout in some lemon juice and wine, and then toss in the Littlenecks. Cover the pan and steam until the clams have opened.

Transfer them to a plate and sprinkle with some parsley. Then, they are ready to enjoy! 

24. Limburger 

Last on our list today is perhaps the smelliest of all the foods, starting with L. Limburger is a type of cheese that has a very, very strong smell. For cheese lovers, though, it’s proven to be very popular. 

Limburger is typically eaten in the form of a cheese sandwich.

And, it is best enjoyed after three months, as this is when Limburger’s texture begins to transform and ripen. At this point, it becomes spreadable on bread.

We recommend trying it on rye bread with a few pieces of onion. It also works well as a snack to go alongside your coffee or beer. Try it! You may love it.

In Summary

So, there is our list of foods starting with the letter L (see also ‘16 + Foods That Start With The Letter U‘). We could have included so much more but we’ll leave it to you to tell us what we missed out.

Thanks for reading!