A food or a type of food

Hi. I think the word "food" is a mass noun like the words "wine" and "liquid." What is the difference for these?

Could we say that if we can replace the phrase "a food" with "a type of food," then we can use the word in singular as well as in plural?

Noodles is a type of food. vs. Noodles is a food.

I think the phrase "a type of food" virtually (did I use that word correctly?)the same as the phrase "a food." I think we use the phrase "a food" to mean a type of food. Would you notice/see a difference here?

1.Welcome to my birthday party. Here, you might see, to your delight, some foods/some food that are/is exotic to your sight and never-been-tasted for your taste.

2. This market stocks foods/food that are/is priced low but high in quality.