70 Popular Foods That Start with G

Granola is a popular breakfast and snack food consisting of rolled oats, nuts, and sweeteners like honey or brown sugar.

It’s often baked until it becomes crisp and is commonly eaten with yogurt, milk, or fruits. Granola can also be formed into bars for a convenient, nutritious snack.

Guacamole is a Mexican dip, spread, or salad primarily made from avocados. It’s traditionally prepared by mashing ripe avocados with salt and often includes other ingredients like lime juice, cilantro, onions, and jalapeños.

It’s a popular accompaniment in Mexican cuisine and has become widely used internationally in various dishes.

Gumbo is a rich, flavorful stew that’s a staple in Louisiana cuisine in the United States. It’s known for its deep flavors and thick consistency, which comes from a combination of a strong stock, meat or seafood, and a thickening agent like okra or filé powder.

The dish often includes a mix of vegetables known as the “holy trinity” in Creole cooking, consisting of celery, bell peppers, and onions.

Gumbo can vary in its ingredients, with some versions using shellfish, chicken, sausage, or ham. It’s typically served with rice and has roots in various cultures, including African, French, Spanish, and Native American.

Grapes are small, round fruits that grow in clusters on deciduous woody vines. They come in various colors, including green, red, black, yellow, and pink.

Grapes can be eaten fresh as table grapes, dried to make raisins, or crushed to produce juice and wine. They have been cultivated for thousands of years and are integral to various cultural traditions, especially in winemaking.

Guava is a tropical fruit that is cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The common guava, Psidium guajava, is known for its round or oval shape and can vary in size.

Guavas have a unique fragrance, often compared to a blend of lemon and other tropical scents. The skin can range from green to yellow or maroon, while the flesh inside can be white, pink, or red, with a sweet or sour flavor.

Guavas are rich in vitamins and nutrients and are consumed in various forms, including raw, in juices, or as an ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes.

Ginger is a plant known for its pungent and spicy root, which is widely used in cooking and traditional medicine. The plant itself is a perennial, growing about a meter tall with narrow leaves.

The ginger root, or rhizome, is the part most commonly used. It’s recognized for its pale yellow interior and rough, brownish skin.

Originating from Southeast Asia, ginger has been a key ingredient in many cuisines around the world and has a long history in various traditional medicinal practices.

Garlic is a bulbous plant belonging to the Allium family, closely related to onions, leeks, and chives. Originating from Central Asia, it has been used for thousands of years for both culinary and medicinal purposes.

Garlic is known for its strong aroma and flavor, which is released when the cloves are crushed or chopped. Each bulb is made up of multiple cloves, each enclosed in a thin, papery skin.

Garlic is a staple in many cuisines around the world and is often used to enhance the flavor of dishes.

Garlic bread is a popular side dish made by topping bread, usually a baguette or ciabatta, with garlic. It’s often enhanced with olive oil or butter and can include additional herbs like oregano or chives.

The bread is then toasted or baked until it’s crispy. Variations of garlic bread may include cheese toppings.

This dish has its origins in the United States and is a product of Italian-American cuisine, evolving from traditional Italian bruschetta.

Greek yogurt is a creamy, thick yogurt known for its rich texture and slightly sour taste. It is made by straining regular yogurt to remove the whey, resulting in a product that is thicker and creamier than unstrained yogurt.

Greek yogurt is often used in cooking and baking, as well as a healthier alternative to sour cream or mayonnaise. It can be enjoyed plain or with added flavors like fruit or honey.

Green beans are the unripe, young fruits and protective pods of various cultivars of the common bean. They are slender, crisp, and typically green in color, though they can vary.

Green beans are a popular vegetable, often steamed, boiled, stir-fried, or baked, and are a common ingredient in many dishes, including salads and casseroles.

Green beans are the young, unripe fruits of the common bean plant, known scientifically as Phaseolus vulgaris.

They are typically harvested with their enclosing pods before the seeds inside have fully matured.

Green beans are versatile in the kitchen, used in a variety of dishes worldwide, and can be consumed raw or cooked in various ways such as steaming, boiling, or stir-frying.

Gouda is a famous Dutch cheese named after the city of Gouda in the Netherlands. It’s made from cow’s milk and is known for its rich, creamy, and somewhat sweet flavor, which becomes more complex as it ages.

The texture of Gouda can vary from semi-hard to hard. It’s often used in sandwiches, as a snack with mustard, or melted in cooking. The cheese is also characterized by its yellow wax coating.

Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is made from goat’s milk. It comes in many varieties, ranging from soft and fresh to aged and hard.

Goat cheese is known for its tangy, earthy flavor profile and is often considered easier to digest than cow’s milk cheeses. It’s versatile in cooking and can be used in salads, as a spread, or in various cooked dishes.

Gnocchi is an Italian dish consisting of small, soft dough dumplings. Traditionally, they are made from a mixture of ingredients like potatoes, flour, and eggs.

These dumplings are typically boiled and then served with various sauces, such as melted butter with sage or tomato sauce. Gnocchi can vary in ingredients and preparation methods across different regions of Italy.

Gelato is a creamy frozen dessert originating from Italy that’s similar to ice cream but with a few key differences.

It typically has a lower fat content than regular ice cream, as it’s made with more milk and less cream.

Gelato is also churned at a slower rate, incorporating less air and giving it a denser texture. It often features bold, rich flavors and is served at a slightly warmer temperature than ice cream, making it softer and smoother.

Graham Crackers are sweet, crunchy crackers made with graham flour originating in the United States. They were initially developed as a health food in the mid-19th century by Sylvester Graham, a dietary reformer.

Today, they are commonly flavored with honey or cinnamon and are a popular snack on their own. They are also a key ingredient in making crusts for cheesecakes and pies and are famously used in the campfire treat known as s’mores.

Gingerbread refers to a variety of baked goods flavored with ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and sweetened with sugar, honey, or molasses.

Its forms range from a soft, moist loaf cake to crisp cookies. The term originally described a confection made with honey and spices.

Gingerbread is often associated with shapes like gingerbread men and is a popular treat in various cultural traditions, especially around Christmas.

Gorgonzola cheese is a type of Italian blue cheese that’s known for its strong and pungent flavor. It’s made from cow’s milk and is characterized by its soft, crumbly texture with blue or green veins running through it.

The cheese can range from buttery and smooth to firm and salty, depending on its aging.

Originating from the town of Gorgonzola in Italy, it has a rich history and is often used in a variety of dishes, including salads, pizzas, and sauces.

Gherkins are small, tangy pickles made from cucumbers. They are typically pickled in a solution of vinegar or brine, which gives them their characteristic sour taste.

Gherkins can vary in size but are generally smaller than regular pickles. They are often used as a garnish, in sandwiches, or as part of a salad.

Grapefruits are large, round citrus fruits known for their slightly bitter and sour taste. They are a hybrid of sweet orange and pomelo and were first discovered in Barbados.

The flesh inside can vary in color from pale yellow to deep pink or red, and the fruit is segmented like other citrus fruits. Grapefruits are often eaten fresh, juiced, or used in salads.

Green onions, also known as scallions, are a versatile ingredient that can elevate your dishes in a snap. Unlike spring onions, they have a smaller bulb with long, green stalks and a white stem.

These onions deliver a mild and grassy taste with a bright, earthy smell that can be enjoyed in many different ways. You can toss them in soups, stir-fries, baked dishes, sandwiches, or loaves of bread.

Gyros is a popular Greek dish consisting of meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Traditionally, it’s made with pork or chicken, but beef or lamb can also be used.

The cooked meat is thinly sliced and served in pita bread, often accompanied by a variety of fillings like tomatoes, onions, lettuce, fried potatoes, and a creamy yogurt-based sauce called tzatziki.

Gazpacho is a refreshing, cold soup made from a blend of raw vegetables. It’s a traditional dish from the southern regions of Spain and Portugal, particularly popular during the hot summer months.

The soup typically includes ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and sometimes bread.

Gazpacho has evolved over time, with many modern variations incorporating ingredients like avocados, watermelon, or even seafood.

Gruyère is a type of hard Swiss cheese that hails from the Alpine regions of Switzerland. It’s named after the town of Gruyères.

This cheese is known for its rich, creamy, and slightly nutty flavor, which becomes more complex and earthy as it ages.

Gruyère is a versatile cheese, often used in baking, melting for fondues, and in dishes like French onion soup and croque-monsieur.

It’s characterized by a smooth texture with small, occasional cracks but lacks the large holes that are typical in cheeses like Emmental.

Gervais cheese is a French cheese that is soft and spreadable, which makes for an excellent cream cheese alternative. It contains between 60 and 75% milk fat and boasts a sweet and tangy flavor.

Gervais cheese comes in small cylinders or flat squares. Perfect for serving with crackers or fruit as an appetizer, this cheese is a delicious way to elevate your party.

Goat meat is used in various cuisines around the world, often in curry form. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, goat curry is a staple in Southeast Asian and Caribbean cuisines.

It’s made by cooking goat meat with a blend of spices, including curry powder, and is often served with rice or flatbread.

This dish is particularly popular among Muslim communities in these regions and is a common feature in festive and special occasions.

Goose is a type of poultry that is used in various culinary traditions. The meat, liver, fat, and even eggs of the goose are utilized in cooking.

Popular methods of preparing goose include roasting, braising, steaming, and grilling. Roast goose is a traditional feast meal in many cultures.

The meat has a distinctive flavor and is often served with accompaniments like gravy or fruit sauces. In some cuisines, goose fat is highly prized for cooking other dishes.

Grouper is a type of fish known for its mild flavor and firm texture, making it a popular choice for various seafood dishes. It can be prepared in multiple ways, such as grilling, frying, or baking.

Grouper is often featured in Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisines, sometimes served with a light sauce or seasoning to complement its delicate taste.

It’s also a common ingredient in fish stews and curries, appreciated for its ability to hold up well during cooking.

Ghee is a type of clarified butter that originated in India and is commonly used in South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. It is made by simmering butter to separate the liquid fats from the milk solids, which are then removed.

This process gives ghee a distinct nutty flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying and sautéing. Ghee is also used in traditional medicine and religious rituals in many cultures.

Garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas, are round, beige legumes that are particularly popular in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines.

They have a nutty taste and a grainy texture, and are commonly used in dishes like hummus and chana masala. Garbanzo beans are a good source of protein and dietary fiber.

Goulash is a hearty soup or stew, originating from Hungary, known for its rich flavor infused with paprika and other spices.

It’s a traditional Central European dish, often made with meat (like beef, pork, or lamb), vegetables (such as potatoes and carrots), and sometimes noodles.

The dish has a deep history, tracing back to Hungarian shepherds, and has become a symbol of Hungarian cuisine.

Gala apple is a variety of apple known for its sweet taste and crisp texture. It has a distinctive appearance, often showing a mix of red and orange stripes on a yellow background.

This apple variety was first developed in New Zealand in the 1930s and has since become popular worldwide. It’s a versatile apple, suitable for both eating fresh and cooking, and is particularly good for making apple sauces.

The Gala apple has gained significant popularity, especially in the United States, where it’s known for its pleasant flavor and attractive appearance.

Gravy is a sauce often made from the juices that run naturally from meat during cooking. It’s typically thickened with ingredients like flour or cornstarch and can be flavored with various seasonings.

This sauce is versatile, commonly served with meats, mashed potatoes, rice, and biscuits. It’s a staple in different cuisines, including British, Irish, and American, and is particularly famous as part of traditional meals like the Sunday roast or Thanksgiving dinner.

Gatta curry is a dish of Rajasthani cuisine from India, known for its unique preparation and flavors due to the arid climate and local traditions.

It typically involves dumplings made of gram flour, which are then cooked in a spicy and tangy yogurt-based curry.

The dish is a reflection of the resourcefulness of the cuisine in using locally available ingredients to create rich flavors.

Genoise is a type of light and airy French sponge cake. Its uniqueness lies in the method of preparation, where eggs are beaten with sugar and heated simultaneously to create a foamy texture.

Unlike other sponge cakes, genoise often includes melted butter for added richness. It serves as a versatile base for many French pastries and is frequently used in layered cakes, often soaked with syrups or liqueurs and paired with fillings like whipped cream or buttercream.

Gugelhupf (alternatively known as Kugelhopf) is a widely popular sponge-like cake in Western and Central Europe, especially in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.

The traditional cake derives its eye-catching beauty from its distinctive circular shape, which is usually crafted in a Bundt pan. It’s commonly served with a comforting beverage like morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Galbi is essentially grilled ribs, typically made with beef short ribs. It’s a popular feature in Korean barbecue, where diners often cook it themselves on tabletop grills.

Galbi can be marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, which usually includes soy sauce, garlic, and sugar, though it can also be enjoyed non-marinated.

The meat is known for its glossy, dark-reddish appearance and smoky, sweet flavor when grilled properly. A variation known as “LA galbi” involves a different cut to allow the marinade to penetrate more easily.

Galantine is a refined French dish where meat, usually poultry or fish, is deboned and stuffed. This dish is known for elaborate and sophisticated presentation.

The stuffing is typically a forcemeat, and the dish is poached and served cold, often coated with a gelatinous glaze known as aspic.

Gefilte fish is a traditional Jewish dish made from a poached mixture of ground deboned fish, such as carp, whitefish, or pike.

This dish is commonly served as an appetizer and is often garnished with a slice of carrot. It originated as a stuffed whole fish and has evolved into patties or fish balls.

It’s a beloved addition to many Shabbat and Jewish holiday celebrations, such as Passover.

Gobi matar is a North Indian dish made with cauliflower (gobi) and peas (matar) in a spiced tomato-based gravy.

It’s a vegetarian dish that combines the flavors of garlic, ginger, onion, tomatoes, and various Indian spices. It’s commonly served in North Indian restaurants and is a staple in the region’s cuisine.

Garganelli is a type of pasta that hails from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It is made by rolling a flat, square noodle into a cylindrical shape, which gives it a distinctive ridged texture.

This pasta is similar to penne but can be identified by a visible seam where the pasta sheet is rolled over itself. It’s often served with rich, hearty sauces like traditional duck ragù.

Gammon refers to a specific cut of pork, the hind leg, which is cured through dry-salting or brining and sometimes smoked. In British cuisine, it’s distinguished from ham, which is the cured back leg of pork.

Gammon is typically cooked before eating, differentiating it from dry-cured hams like prosciutto. It’s a popular dish in the United Kingdom and Ireland, often served during Christmas. The term “gammon” has its roots in Middle English and Old French.

Gâteau Basque is a traditional dessert from the Basque region in France. It’s a rich and tender cake, often filled with either black cherry jam or a smooth, almond-flavored pastry cream.

The cake is known for its buttery, shortbread-like texture, and it’s typically made with a soft wheat flour. The cake’s exterior is often marked with a Basque cross or a crosshatch pattern, depending on the filling.

Galette refers to various types of French flat, round, crusty cakes. One popular version is the Breton galette, a savory pancake made from buckwheat flour, often filled with ingredients like eggs, cheese, or ham.

Another type is a sweet pastry, resembling a rustic, free-form pie with fruit fillings. These sweet galettes can include a variety of fruits and are sometimes served with ice cream.

Gao bean, also known as winged bean, is a tropical legume plant notable for its unique appearance and versatility.

All parts of this plant are edible, including the leaves, flowers, tubers, and seeds. The beans themselves are recognized by their distinctive four-winged shape and can be used similarly to soybeans.

This nutrient-rich plant is native to Southeast Asia and is valued for its ability to grow in a variety of conditions, including poor soils.

Ghost peppers, or bhut jolokia, are cultivated in Northeast India and are a fiery fusion of habanero-type pepper (Capsicum chinense) and Tabasco peppers (Capsicum frutescens).

Their red and orange hues and bumpy skin are their hallmark traits. They are the hottest chili pepper, boasting a whopping 1,001,304 Scoville heat units (SHU).

The central core with the seeds is the spiciest part, but there’s a slight sweetness and fruitiness hiding beneath the heat.

Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are small, sweet fruits from the Lycium barbarum or Lycium chinense plants.

Originating in Asia, these berries are a staple in traditional Asian cuisine and have been used in Asian medicinal practices for centuries.

They are recognized for their rich, slightly tangy flavor and are often compared to raisins when dried.

In recent years, they have gained popularity worldwide as a health food, though some of their purported health benefits are not scientifically proven.

Gooseberries are small, round fruits that can vary in color from green to purple. They belong to the Ribes genus and are known for their slightly tart and tangy flavor.

Gooseberries are versatile in culinary uses, often found in jams, desserts, and savory dishes.

Greek olives encompass various types grown in Greece, but Kalamata olives are among the most internationally recognized. They are a staple in Greek cuisine and Mediterranean diets.

These olives are typically large, dark purple, and have a smooth, meaty texture. They are often preserved in wine vinegar or olive oil and are known for their rich, robust flavor.

Greek olives are commonly used in salads, as appetizers, or as an accompaniment to various dishes.

Galangal is a group of spices derived from the rhizomes of tropical plants in the ginger family. These spices are integral to Southeast Asian cuisines, notably in Thai, Indonesian, and Vietnamese dishes.

Galangal is known for its aromatic and spicy flavor, distinct from ginger, and is used in various forms such as fresh, dried, or powdered.