Tapioca is a starchy food made from the roots of cassava, also known as tapioca starch and tapioca vermicelli. In Asia, tapioca is a common kitchen seasoning with a wide range of uses, for example, it can be used to make dumpling skins, cold noodles, and pastries. In supermarkets, tapioca is usually sold on the shelves in the seasoning or dry goods section.

Besides tapioca, there are many other starchy foods, such as corn starch, potato starch, and pea starch. Each of these starchy foods has a specific use and application in cooking.