Looking for a list of foods that begin with M? Well, you're in the right place because here, I'll be sharing foods that start with the letter M for various different food groups including fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, beverages, sweet treats, and foods from around the world.

There are hundreds of foods beginning with M and some of my favourite dishes are my marry me chicken ramen, marry me chicken pie, sticky miso aubergine, and the most delicious mango curry. Let me know if you have any other foods starting with M that you want to suggest in the comments below!
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- Vegetables that start with M
- Fruits that begin with the letter M
- Meats beginning with M
- Grains that start with M
- Dairy foods beginning with M
- Breakfast dishes starting with M
- Snacks starting with the letter M
- Dinners that start with the letter M
- Desserts that begin with M
- Beverages beginning with M
- World foods beginning with M
- FAQs
- Other dishes you might enjoy!
- Foods that begin with M
Vegetables that start with M
Mushroom: Mushrooms are fungi that come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors. They are prized for their meaty texture and earthy taste, making them a versatile ingredient in many cuisines worldwide. Common types include button mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and oyster mushrooms. I've used chestnut mushrooms in my salmon and mushroom risotto and creamy miso mushroom udon recipe.
Mung bean: Mung beans are small green legumes commonly used in Asian cuisine. They are highly nutritious, packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Mung beans can be sprouted, cooked whole, or ground into flour to make various dishes such as soups, stews, curries, and desserts.
Mizuna: Mizuna is a Japanese leafy green vegetable belonging to the mustard family. It has a mild, peppery flavor and a delicate texture, often used in salads, stir-fries, and soups. Mizuna is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to your diet.
Mustard greens: Mustard greens are leafy vegetables with a slightly spicy taste, similar to mustard seeds. They are commonly used in Southern American, Indian, and Chinese cuisines. Mustard greens can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in various dishes like soups, stir-fries, and braised dishes.
Maize (corn): Maize, commonly known as corn, is a cereal grain native to the Americas. It is one of the most widely consumed grains globally and is used in various forms, including fresh, dried, and ground into flour. Corn can be boiled, grilled, roasted, or processed into products such as cornmeal, corn syrup, and popcorn. I adore my Pork and Corn dumplings that I make on the regular!
Marrow: A marrow is a cucurbit, which means it’s from the same family as the melon, cucumber, squash and courgette/zucchini. The marrow is actually a courgette that has been left on the plant to grow a little longer; likewise, if you pick a marrow when small, it's classed as a courgette. Marrow has a creamy flesh, edible skin and seeds, and a mild flavour. You can steam, bake, boil, fry or roast marrow. The stripy skin is edible, but if you are roasting or frying you might want to remove the seeds and stringy middles so you can just enjoy the flesh.
Microgreens: Microgreens are young vegetable greens harvested at an early stage of growth, typically when they are one to three inches tall. They are known for their intense flavors, vibrant colors, and nutrient density. Microgreens are often used as garnishes, salad toppings, or ingredients in sandwiches, wraps, and smoothies.
Mangetout (snow peas): Mangetout, also known as snow peas, are edible-podded peas harvested when the pods are still flat and the peas inside are very small. They have a crisp texture and a sweet flavor, making them a popular ingredient in stir-fries, salads, and vegetable dishes.
Malanga: Malanga, also called taro root or dasheen, is a starchy tuber vegetable native to tropical regions. It has a rough, hairy exterior and a creamy white flesh with a nutty flavor. Malanga can be boiled, mashed, fried, or used in soups and stews as a nutritious and versatile ingredient.
Fruits that begin with the letter M
Mango: I adore mangoes, they're juicy, sweet, and tangy all at the same time. It's a tropical fruit native to South Asia but now cultivated in many warm regions around the world. Mangoes are often eaten fresh, sliced, or used in smoothies, salads, desserts (I love my hot honey fruit pasties as an example), sauces or in curries like my mango curry recipe. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Mandarin: Mandarin oranges are small citrus fruits closely related to tangerines and clementines. They have a sweet and tangy flavor with a bright orange, easy-to-peel skin. Mandarin oranges are typically eaten fresh as a snack or used in salads, desserts, and preserves. They are rich in vitamin C and other nutrients.
Melon: Melon refers to various fruits belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, including watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, and casaba. Melons have a sweet, juicy flesh and are typically eaten fresh as a refreshing snack or used in fruit salads, smoothies, and desserts. One of my favorite ways to serve them is wrapped in prosciutto and served as an appetiser...so good!
Mulberry: Mulberries are small, sweet berries that grow on deciduous trees belonging to the Moraceae family. They come in different colors, including black, red, and white. Mulberries have a sweet and slightly tart flavor and can be eaten fresh, dried, or used in jams, jellies, pies, and desserts.
Meats beginning with M
Mutton: Mutton is the meat of mature sheep, typically over one year old. It has a rich flavor and can vary in tenderness depending on the age of the sheep. Mutton is commonly used in various cuisines worldwide, often in dishes like stews, curries, roasts, and kebabs.
Mahi-mahi (fish, but often referred to as "dolphinfish"): Mahi-mahi is a type of fish found in tropical and subtropical waters. It has firm, lean flesh with a mild, sweet flavor and is versatile and can be grilled, baked, or pan-seared. It's popular in seafood dishes and often served with citrusy or spicy sauces.
Moose (game meat): Moose meat comes from the largest member of the deer family. It has a rich, gamey flavor and a lean texture. Moose meat is often used in hearty dishes like stews, roasts, burgers, and sausages. It's popular in regions where moose hunting is practiced.
Mackerel: Mackerel is a type of oily fish found in both temperate and tropical seas. It has a strong, distinct flavor and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Mackerel can be grilled, baked, smoked, or pickled. It's commonly used in salads, sandwiches, sushi, and as a topping for crackers or toast.
Grains that start with M
Millet: Millet is a group of small-seeded grasses that are cultivated for their edible seeds. It is a gluten-free grain that is rich in nutrients like magnesium, phosphorus, and antioxidants. Millet is commonly used in various cuisines around the world, especially in Asia and Africa, where it is used to make porridge, flatbreads, pilafs, and as an ingredient in soups and stews.
Maize (corn): Maize, commonly known as corn, is a cereal grain that is native to the Americas and is now one of the most widely cultivated crops worldwide. Corn can be eaten fresh, dried, or processed into products like cornmeal, corn flour, cornstarch, and corn syrup. It is used to make a wide range of dishes, including bread, tortillas, polenta, popcorn, various snacks, including Venezuelan Arepas also known as Reina Pepiada.
Mochi rice: Mochi rice, also known as glutinous rice or sticky rice, is a type of short-grain rice that becomes sticky when cooked due to its high starch content. It is commonly used in East Asian cuisines, especially Japanese cuisine, to make mochi, a type of chewy rice cake.
Mung beans (technically a legume, but often used as a grain): Mung beans are small, green legumes that are native to Asia and are commonly cultivated for their edible seeds. While technically a legume, mung beans are often used in a similar manner to grains in cooking. They are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals and are used in various dishes, including soups, curries, salads, stir-fries, and desserts. Mung bean sprouts are also popular in many cuisines and are used fresh as a crunchy topping or ingredient in salads, sandwiches, and stir-fries.
Dairy foods beginning with M
Milk: Milk is a nutrient-rich liquid produced by the mammary glands of mammals, primarily for nourishing their offspring. Cow's milk is the most commonly consumed type, but milk from other mammals like goats, sheep, and buffaloes is also consumed in various regions. It is consumed fresh, used in cooking, and processed into various dairy products like cheese, yogurt, butter, and ice cream.
Mozzarella: Mozzarella is a soft, mild-flavored cheese originating from Italy. It is traditionally made from the milk of water buffaloes but can also be made from cow's milk. It is commonly used in Italian cuisine, especially in dishes like pizza, caprese salad, lasagna, and panini but also used in a variety of others. One of my favourite dishes to make with it is my baked mozzarella pasta that's super cheesy and so delicious.
Mascarpone: Mascarpone is a rich, creamy cheese originating from Italy. It is made from cream that is coagulated with an acid, such as lemon juice or vinegar, and then drained and lightly sweetened. Mascarpone has a thick, velvety texture and a delicate, slightly sweet flavor. It is a key ingredient in desserts like tiramisu, cheesecake, and fruit tarts, as well as savory dishes like pasta sauces and risottos.
Manchego: Manchego is a Spanish cheese made from sheep's milk, originating from the La Mancha region of Spain. It has a firm, buttery texture and a rich, nutty flavor with hints of sweetness and tanginess. Manchego cheese is aged for different periods, ranging from a few weeks to several years, resulting in varying levels of flavor intensity and texture. It is often enjoyed on its own or served with cured meats, olives, and crusty bread.
Monterey Jack: Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese originating from the United States, particularly from California. It has a mild, creamy flavor and a smooth texture that melts easily when heated, making it popular for melting on sandwiches, burgers, and Mexican dishes like quesadillas and nachos. Monterey Jack cheese comes in various flavors, including plain, pepper jack (with added jalapeños), and garlic jack.
Mimolette: Mimolette is a French cheese made from cow's milk, originating from the region of Normandy. It has a distinctive orange-colored rind and a firm, crumbly texture with a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. Mimolette is aged for several months to develop its unique taste and texture. It is often enjoyed as a table cheese or used in cooking, particularly in salads, quiches, and gratins.
Matzoon: Matzoon, also known as matsoni or Armenian yogurt, is a fermented dairy product originating from the Caucasus region. It is made by fermenting milk with specific bacterial cultures, resulting in a creamy, tangy yogurt with a smooth texture. Matzoon is rich in probiotics and protein and is commonly consumed on its own or used as a base for dips, sauces, and dressings.
Muenster cheese: Muenster cheese is a semi-soft cheese originating from France but widely produced in the United States. It has a smooth, creamy texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor. Muenster cheese is often used in sandwiches, grilled cheese, and cheese platters. It melts well, making it suitable for melting over burgers, pizzas, and casseroles.
Myzithra: Myzithra, also spelled Mizithra, is a traditional Greek cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk. It has a crumbly texture and a tangy, slightly salty flavor. Myzithra cheese comes in two main varieties: fresh (soft) and aged (hard). Fresh myzithra is often used as a topping for salads, pasta, and savory pies, while aged myzithra is grated and used as a condiment for pasta dishes like spaghetti with browned butter and myzithra.
Breakfast dishes starting with M
Muesli: Muesli is a nutritious breakfast cereal originating from Switzerland, consisting of rolled oats, dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and sometimes grains. It is typically consumed cold, either soaked in milk or yogurt, and often enjoyed with added fruit or juice. Muesli is valued for its high fiber content, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthy and filling breakfast option. It is versatile and can be customized to suit different dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Muesli is considered a healthier alternative to sugary breakfast cereals due to its natural ingredients and absence of added sugars or artificial additives.
Muffins: Muffins are a great option for breakfast. You can either make them savoury or sweet. Some of my favourite options are blueberry muffins or cheese muffins.
Mushroom omelette: I love using chestnut or button mushrooms for an omelette, but you could also use slice portobello for a meatier option. If you're wanting a more Asian-style omelette, you could use shiitake or shimeji mushrooms.
Maple syrup pancakes: The warm, sweet maple syrup adds a rich, caramelized flavor that complements the fluffy texture of the pancakes. Maple syrup pancakes are a beloved breakfast tradition in North America and are often served with butter and additional toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or nuts.
Mango smoothie: They can be customized with additional ingredients such as bananas, strawberries, spinach, protein powder, or honey for added flavor and nutrition. Mango smoothies are a quick and convenient breakfast option, ideal for enjoying on-the-go or as a post-workout snack.
Migas (Mexican scrambled eggs): Migas is a traditional Mexican breakfast dish made by scrambling eggs with strips of corn tortillas, onions, tomatoes, and chili peppers. The tortilla strips are typically fried until crispy before being mixed with the beaten eggs and cooked until fluffy and set. Migas are seasoned with spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder for added flavor. They are often served with toppings such as cheese, avocado, salsa, cilantro, and sour cream. Migas are a hearty and flavorful breakfast option, perfect for starting the day with a satisfying meal.
Mixed berries: Berries are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy choice to add to breakfast dishes like yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, pancakes, waffles, or smoothie bowls. Mixed berries provide a burst of color, flavor, and nutritional benefits to any breakfast spread.
Snacks starting with the letter M
Mixed nuts: A variety of nuts, such as almonds, cashews, walnuts, and peanuts, combined into one snack mix, offering a flavorful and satisfying blend of textures and flavors.
Muesli bars: Nutritious snack bars made from a mixture of rolled oats, dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, providing a convenient and portable source of energy and fibre.
Mango slices: Fresh or dried slices of mango, offering a naturally sweet and tropical-flavored snack that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Mozzarella sticks: breaded and deep-fried sticks of mozzarella cheese, offering a crispy exterior and a gooey, melted cheese interior, ideal for snacking or as a party appetizer.
Multigrain crackers: Crispy crackers made from a blend of whole grains, such as wheat, oats, barley, and seeds, providing a wholesome and crunchy snack option that pairs well with cheese, dips, or spreads.
Macadamia nuts: Creamy and buttery nuts harvested from the macadamia tree, offering a rich and indulgent snack option that is high in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Milk chocolate: A lovely snack to eat when you're craving something milky and cocao-y.
Mini pretzels: Small, twisted knots of baked dough, typically sprinkled with salt, offering a crunchy and savory snack option that is perfect for munching on-the-go or as a party snack.
Dinners that start with the letter M
Meatloaf: A classic comfort food made from ground meat, typically beef or pork, mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, and seasonings, formed into a loaf shape, and baked until cooked through, often served with gravy or tomato sauce.
Moussaka: A traditional Greek dish made with layers of sliced eggplant, ground meat (often lamb or beef), onions, tomatoes, and potatoes, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden and bubbly.
Minestrone soup: A hearty Italian soup made with a variety of vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, celery, onions, beans, and pasta or rice, simmered in a flavorful broth seasoned with herbs and spices.
Miso-glazed eggplant: I love my miso-glazed eggplant recipe. It comes together in no time and is such a quirky and easy dinner.
Margherita pizza: A classic Italian pizza topped with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil, representing the colors of the Italian flag (red, white, and green). I love my homemade pizza recipe using marinara sauce (another food beginning with m)!
Mushroom risotto: An Italian rice dish made with Arborio rice cooked slowly in broth until creamy and tender, then mixed with sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, white wine, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs.
Moroccan tagine: A North African stew cooked in a traditional clay pot called a tagine, typically made with tender meat (such as lamb, chicken, or beef), vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, and a blend of aromatic spices, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.
Macaroni and cheese: A beloved comfort food made with cooked macaroni pasta coated in a creamy cheese sauce made from butter, milk, and melted cheese (such as cheddar or Gruyère), often baked until golden and bubbly. A great version I love is my turkey mac and cheese but you can always remove the turkey and just have it plain!
Masala dosa: A South Indian dish consisting of a thin, crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter, filled with a spicy potato filling (masala) and served with chutneys and sambar (a lentil-based vegetable stew). I had so much of this when we travelled to India...it was amazing!!
Desserts that begin with M
Macarons: Macarons are delicate French sandwich cookies made from almond flour, egg whites, and sugar, with a creamy filling sandwiched between two cookies. They come in a variety of flavors and colors, with popular fillings including ganache, buttercream, or fruit curd. Macarons are known for their crisp exterior and chewy interior texture.
Madeleines: Madeleines are small, shell-shaped sponge cakes originating from France. They are made with a genoise batter, which includes flour, sugar, eggs, and melted butter, and often flavored with lemon zest or other extracts. Madeleines have a light and airy texture with a slightly crisp edge, perfect for pairing with tea or coffee.
Mooncake: Mooncakes are traditional Chinese pastries typically eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival. They are round, dense cakes filled with sweet or savory fillings such as lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or salted egg yolks. Mooncakes are often intricately decorated with designs symbolizing prosperity, happiness, and longevity.
Mousse: Mousse is a light and airy dessert made by folding whipped cream or beaten egg whites into a base mixture such as chocolate, fruit puree, or custard. The resulting dessert has a smooth and creamy texture and can be served chilled or frozen. Common types of mousse include chocolate mousse, fruit mousse (such as mango or raspberry), and savory mousse (such as salmon or foie gras).
Beverages beginning with M
Mango lassi: Mango lassi is a refreshing Indian drink made from blending ripe mangoes with yogurt, milk, sugar, and sometimes a pinch of ground cardamom. It has a smooth and creamy texture with a sweet and tangy flavor, perfect for cooling off on hot days or complementing spicy Indian dishes.
Mojito: Mojito is a classic Cuban cocktail made with white rum, fresh lime juice, mint leaves, sugar, and soda water. It is served over ice in a highball glass and garnished with a sprig of mint. Mojitos are known for their refreshing and citrusy flavor, making them a popular choice for summertime cocktails.
Mocha (coffee): Mocha is a type of coffee beverage made by combining espresso with hot milk and chocolate syrup or cocoa powder. It is typically topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for added richness and flavor. Mochas have a creamy texture and a balanced flavor profile, combining the bitterness of coffee with the sweetness of chocolate.
Mint tea: Mint tea, also known as Moroccan mint tea or Maghrebi mint tea, is a traditional North African beverage made by steeping fresh mint leaves with green tea leaves and sweetening with sugar. It is often served hot in small glasses and is known for its refreshing and aromatic flavor, with the mint providing a cooling sensation.
Margarita: Margarita is a classic Mexican cocktail made with tequila, triple sec (orange liqueur), and fresh lime juice, served over ice in a salt-rimmed glass. It can be served straight up or blended with ice to create a frozen margarita. Margaritas are known for their tangy and citrusy flavor, with a hint of sweetness from the triple sec. I also LOVE a spicy margarita...delish.
Martini: Martini is a classic cocktail made with gin and dry vermouth, typically served in a chilled cocktail glass and garnished with an olive or lemon twist. It is known for its simplicity and elegance, with a crisp and clean flavor profile. Martinis can be customized with different ratios of gin to vermouth and garnishes to suit individual preferences.
Masala chai: Masala chai is a spiced tea beverage originating from India, made by simmering black tea with a blend of aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and black pepper, along with milk and sweetener. It is traditionally served hot and is known for its bold and flavorful profile, with a warming and aromatic quality. Masala chai is often enjoyed as a comforting drink throughout the day.
World foods beginning with M
Miso soup (Japanese): Miso soup is a traditional Japanese soup made from a savory broth called dashi, combined with miso paste, tofu, seaweed, and sometimes vegetables or mushrooms. It has a rich umami flavor and is often enjoyed as a starter or side dish in Japanese cuisine. Another miso dish that I love are my miso-marinated eggs that are a great snack or element to have with rice.
Matzo ball soup (Jewish): Matzo ball soup is a classic Jewish dish consisting of chicken broth with fluffy matzo meal dumplings, called matzo balls, along with vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. It is often served during Jewish holidays such as Passover and is cherished for its comforting and nourishing qualities.
Mofongo (Puerto Rican): Mofongo is a traditional Puerto Rican dish made from mashed green plantains mixed with garlic, olive oil, and pork cracklings (chicharrones). It is typically formed into a ball or mound shape and served with a savory sauce, such as garlic sauce or tomato-based stew, and often accompanied by meat or seafood.
Mole sauce (Mexican): Mole sauce is a rich and flavorful sauce from Mexico, made from a complex blend of ingredients including chili peppers, chocolate, nuts, seeds, spices, and sometimes fruits. It can vary in color and flavor depending on the region and recipe, with variations such as mole poblano, mole negro, and mole verde. Mole sauce is commonly served over chicken or turkey and is a staple of Mexican cuisine.
Madras curry (Indian): Madras curry is a spicy and aromatic curry dish originating from the South Indian city of Madras (now Chennai). It is made with a blend of spices such as chili powder, turmeric, coriander, cumin, and fenugreek, along with tomatoes, onions, and coconut milk or yogurt. Madras curry can be prepared with various proteins such as chicken, lamb, or vegetables, and is typically served with rice or bread. If you're a fan of curries, then you should try my eggplant tikka masala, it's a crowd-pleaser!
Mapo tofu (Chinese): Mapo tofu is a popular Chinese dish from the Sichuan province, made with soft tofu cubes cooked in a spicy and savory sauce made from chili bean paste, fermented black beans, garlic, ginger, and ground pork or beef. It is known for its numbing and spicy flavor profile and is often served with steamed rice.
Manakish (Lebanese): Manakish is a traditional Lebanese flatbread topped with a mixture of za'atar (a blend of herbs, spices, and sesame seeds) and olive oil, then baked until crispy. It is often enjoyed as a breakfast or snack and can be served plain or with additional toppings such as cheese, tomatoes, or minced meat.
FAQs
Mango, Muffins, Mixed Nuts, Madeleines, and Muesli Bars to name a few!
Moussaka is a great dish comprising of layers with sliced eggplant, ground meat (often lamb or beef), onions, tomatoes, and potatoes, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden and bubbly.
Other dishes you might enjoy!
Foods that begin with M
Ingredients
- 1 dish that begins with M
Instructions
- Browse all of the food ideas beginning with M further up in the blog and pick a dish or a food group that you like.
- Make the chosen dish or create a recipe from the ingredient chosen.
- Serve up with any sides you like and enjoy!
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