The letter X introduces one of the rarest categories in Spanish cuisine, featuring authentic Catalan specialties that have been enjoyed for generations. From the famous Xató salad to the sweet and creamy Xuxos pastry, these traditional dishes highlight the regional diversity and culinary heritage of northeastern Spain.
Alongside favorites like paella, tortilla española, gazpacho, and jamón ibérico, the foods beginning with X offer another exciting opportunity to explore authentic Spanish food culture.
This guide explores Spanish foods that start with X, introducing traditional recipes, regional specialties, and classic dishes enjoyed throughout Spain.
X Showcases Catalonia’s Unique Culinary Traditions
The letter X is uncommon in the Spanish language, so only a handful of authentic foods begin with this letter. Most originate from Catalonia, where the Catalan language uses X more frequently.
One of the best-known examples is Xató, a traditional Catalan salad made with escarole, salt cod, tuna, anchovies, olives, and a rich xató sauce prepared with almonds, hazelnuts, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and ñora peppers. It is especially popular during the winter xatonades festivals.
Another favorite is Xuxos, a delicious Catalan pastry from Girona. The pastry is filled with smooth pastry cream, deep-fried until golden, and coated with sugar. Crispy on the outside and creamy inside, it remains one of Catalonia’s most beloved desserts.
You’ll also encounter Xocolata Calenta, the Catalan name for rich Spanish hot chocolate. Thick, velvety, and intensely chocolatey, it is traditionally served with churros or melindros for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
These specialties show that the letter X offers a fascinating glimpse into Spain’s regional culinary traditions.
Benefits of Learning Spanish Foods Beginning With X
- Complete your Spanish food vocabulary from A to Z.
- Discover authentic Catalan specialties.
- Learn about Spain’s regional culinary diversity.
- Explore traditional salads, pastries, and beverages.
- Recognize foods unique to Catalonia.
- Improve confidence when reading Spanish and Catalan menus.
- Strengthen memory through alphabetical learning.
- Prepare for travel by identifying local specialties.
- Support classroom and worksheet activities.
- Learn about Spain’s rich culinary heritage.
- Find inspiration for cooking authentic regional recipes at home.
- Experience both sweet and savory Spanish foods.
- Develop a deeper appreciation for Spanish cuisine.
Spanish Foods That Start With X
The list below features authentic Spanish foods beginning with the letter X, primarily from Catalonia, including salads, pastries, and traditional beverages enjoyed throughout the region.
Although the letter X includes fewer entries than other letters, these dishes represent centuries of regional cooking traditions. Fresh vegetables, seafood, nuts, olive oil, pastry cream, chocolate, and carefully prepared sauces all contribute to their distinctive flavors.
Their continued popularity reflects Catalonia’s strong culinary identity and Spain’s remarkable regional food culture.
Ham
Xamón
Syllable: shah-MOHN
Pronunciation: Xamón
- Ham is a popular food served in many different ways. – O xamón é un alimento popular que se serve de moitas maneiras diferentes.
- It can be eaten alone or added to other dishes. – Pódese comer só ou engadir a outros pratos.
- We served ham with bread and cheese. – Servimos xamón con pan e queixo.
Roast Ham
Xamón Asado
Syllable: shah-MOHN ah-SAH-doh
Pronunciation: Xamón Asado
- Roast ham is tender, savory, and flavorful. – O xamón asado é tenro, saboroso e cheo de sabor.
- It is often served as a main course with vegetables. – A miúdo sérvese como prato principal con verduras.
- We enjoyed roast ham for dinner. – Desfrutamos de xamón asado para a cea.
Ham with Cheese
Xamón con Queixo
Syllable: shah-MOHN kohn KAY-shoh
Pronunciation: Xamón con Queixo
- Ham with cheese is a simple and satisfying combination. – O xamón con queixo é unha combinación sinxela e satisfactoria.
- The salty ham pairs well with the creamy cheese. – O xamón salgado combina ben co queixo cremoso.
- We served ham with cheese as an appetizer. – Servimos xamón con queixo como aperitivo.
Ham with Melon
Xamón con Melón
Syllable: shah-MOHN kohn meh-LOHN
Pronunciation: Xamón con Melón
- Ham with melon is a refreshing sweet and savory dish. – O xamón con melón é un prato refrescante, doce e salgado.
- The sweetness of the melon complements the savory ham. – O dulzor do melón complementa o sabor salgado do xamón.
- We enjoyed ham with melon on a warm afternoon. – Desfrutamos de xamón con melón nunha tarde calorosa.
Galician-Style Mackerel
Xarda á Galega
Syllable: SHAR-dah ah gah-LEH-gah
Pronunciation: Xarda á Galega
- Galician-style mackerel is a flavorful traditional fish dish. – A xarda á galega é un prato tradicional de peixe cheo de sabor.
- The mackerel is prepared in a style inspired by Galician cuisine. – A xarda prepárase ao estilo da cociña galega.
- We tried Galician-style mackerel for lunch. – Probamos xarda á galega para o xantar.
Grilled Mackerel
Xarda á Prancha
Syllable: SHAR-dah ah PRAHN-chah
Pronunciation: Xarda á Prancha
- Grilled mackerel is a simple and flavorful fish dish. – A xarda á prancha é un prato de peixe sinxelo e saboroso.
- Grilling gives the mackerel a delicious roasted flavor. – Cociñala á prancha dálle á xarda un delicioso sabor torrado.
- We served grilled mackerel with vegetables. – Servimos xarda á prancha con verduras.
Fried Small Sardines
Xoubiñas Fritas
Syllable: shoh-BEE-nyahs FREE-tahs
Pronunciation: Xoubiñas Fritas
- Fried small sardines are crispy and flavorful. – As xoubiñas fritas son crocantes e saborosas.
- They are often served hot as a simple seafood dish. – A miúdo sérvense quentes como un prato sinxelo de peixe.
- We enjoyed fried small sardines by the coast. – Desfrutamos de xoubiñas fritas preto da costa.
Small Sardines in Escabeche
Xoubas en Escabeche
Syllable: SHOH-bahs ehn ehs-kah-BEH-cheh
Pronunciation: Xoubas en Escabeche
- Small sardines in escabeche have a tangy and savory flavor. – As xoubas en escabeche teñen un sabor ácido e saboroso.
- The marinade helps preserve the fish and adds a distinctive taste. – O escabeche axuda a conservar o peixe e dálle un sabor característico.
- We served small sardines in escabeche as an appetizer. – Servimos xoubas en escabeche como aperitivo.
Beans with Lacón
Xudías con Lacón
Syllable: shoo-DEE-ahs kohn lah-KOHN
Pronunciation: Xudías con Lacón
- Beans with lacón are a hearty and traditional dish. – As xudías con lacón son un prato tradicional e substancioso.
- The tender beans pair well with the rich flavor of the cured pork shoulder. – As xudías tenras combinan ben co sabor intenso do lacón.
- We enjoyed beans with lacón on a cold day. – Desfrutamos de xudías con lacón nun día frío.
Green Beans
Xudías Verdes
Syllable: shoo-DEE-ahs BEHR-dehs
Pronunciation: Xudías Verdes
- Green beans are a healthy and versatile vegetable. – As xudías verdes son unha verdura saudable e versátil.
- They can be boiled, sautéed, or added to many dishes. – Pódense cocer, saltear ou engadir a moitos pratos.
- We served green beans as a side dish. – Servimos xudías verdes como acompañamento.
Spanish Cuisine Celebrates Regional Identity
One of the defining strengths of Spanish cuisine is the diversity found across its autonomous communities. Each region preserves unique recipes that reflect local ingredients, history, and traditions.
Xató represents Catalonia’s celebrated salad tradition, while Xuxos showcase the region’s outstanding pastry craftsmanship. Xocolata Calenta continues to be a comforting favorite enjoyed by families throughout Spain during cooler months.
Together, these specialties demonstrate how regional traditions enrich Spanish cuisine as a whole.
Practice Activities
- Learn three Spanish foods beginning with X.
- Practice pronouncing each food name aloud.
- Create flashcards with food pictures.
- Match dishes with their main ingredients.
- Read authentic Catalan recipes.
- Watch Spanish cooking videos featuring regional specialties.
- Organize foods into salads, desserts, and beverages.
- Research the history of Xató and Xuxos.
- Visit a Spanish bakery or restaurant and identify foods beginning with X.
- Keep a notebook of Spanish culinary terms.
- Try making Xató at home.
- Review your favorite foods from every alphabet letter.
- Share your discoveries with family or friends.
- Test your knowledge using the worksheet.
Continue Your Spanish Food Alphabet Journey!
The letter X may be one of the rarest in Spanish cuisine, but it introduces several authentic regional specialties. From the refreshing Xató salad and sweet Xuxos pastry to rich Xocolata Calenta, these dishes celebrate Catalonia’s unique culinary traditions and Spain’s incredible regional diversity.
Now we’d love to hear from you! Which Spanish food beginning with X caught your attention the most, or is there another authentic X specialty we should include? Share your recommendation in the comments, tell us your favorite Spanish dish, and pass this worksheet along to anyone who enjoys discovering new foods from around the world.
