If you only know a little Spanish, like me, it’s very nice to have a list of food terms when you go to a grocery store or restaurant. Some of the restaurants have menus written in English, but many do not. I remember the day soon after we moved here that my hubby and I stood at the deli in the Mega store trying to figure out which of the meats was turkey. I wish I would have had this list then. I hope it will be helpful to you.
Carnes – Meats
Cabra: Goat
Carne de Res: Beef
Carnero: Lamb
Hígado: Liver
Jamón: Ham
Lengua: Tongue
Pavo: Turkey
Pato: Duck
Pollo: Chicken
Puerco: Pork
Salchicha: Sausage
Ternera: Veal
Tocino: Bacon (sometimes salted pork)
Pescado Y Mariscos – Fish and Shellfish
Abulón: Abalone
Atún: Tuna
Cabrilla: Sea Bass
Calamar Squid
Callos: Scallops
Camarones: Shrimp
Almejas: Clams
Cangrejo or Jaiba: Crab
Jurel: Yellowtail
Pargo: Snapper
Huachinango: Red Snapper
Langosta: Lobster
Ostiones: Oysters
Pez Espada: Swordfish
Tiburón: Shark
Lenguado: Flounder or Sole
Legumbres – Vegetables
Aceitunas: Olives
Apio: Celery
Arroz: Rice
Betabeles: Beets
Calabazas: Pumpkins or Squash
Camotes: Sweet Potatoes
Cebolla: Onion
Cebollita: Green Onion
Chícharos: Peas
Champioñes: Mushrooms
Ejotes: String Beans
Elote: Corn on the Cob
Ensalada: Salad
Frijoles: Beans (cooked)
Lechuga: Lettuce
Maiz: Corn off the Cob
Nopales: young Prickly Pear Cactus leaves
Pepino: Cucumber
Papas: Potatoes
Rábano: Radish
Repollo: Cabbage
Tomate: Tomato
Zanahoria: Carrot
Frutas Y Nueces – Fruits & Nuts
Aguacate: Avocado
Cacahuates: Peanuts
Coco: Coconut
Duraznos: Peaches
Fresas: Strawberries
Guayaba: Guava
Higo: Fig
Limón: Lime or Lemon
Manzana: Apple
Melón: Melon
Naranja: Orange
Nuez de Castilla: Walnuts
Pacanas: Pecans
Piña: Pineapple
Plátano: Banana
Sandía: Watermelon
Toronja: Grapefruit
Uvas: Grapes
Bebidas – Drinks
Agua: Water
Aguardiente: Brandy
Cafe: Coffee
Cerveza: Beer
Crema: Cream
Ginebra:: Gin
Jugo de Naranja: Orange Juice
Leche: Milk
Refrescos: Soft Drinks
Ron: Rum
Té Caliente: Hot Tea
Té Helado: Iced Tea
Vino Blanco: White Wine
Vino de Champaña: Champagne
Vino Rosado: Rose Wine
Vino Tinto: Red Wine
Especias Y Condimentos – Spices & Condiments
Ajo: Garlic
Azucar: Sugar
Canela: Cinnamon
Cilantro: Fresh, Green Coriander
Mantequilla: Butter
Mayonesa: Mayonaise
Miél: Honey
Mostaza: Mustard
Parejíl: Parsley
Pimienta: Pepper
Sal: Salt
Vainilla: Vanilla
Postres y Dulces – Desserts & Sweets
Bolillos: French-style Rolls
Flan: Custard
Galletas: Cookies
Helado: Ice Cream
Paleta: Flavored Ice on a Stick
Pan Dulce: Sweet Bread
Pastel: Cake
Pay: Pie
Other Foods
Avena: Oatmeal
Caldo: Broth
Fideos: Noodles
Huevos: Eggs
Pan: Bread
Queso: Cheese
Sopa: Soup