In IELTS Speaking exams, candidates are often asked to describe traditional dishes from their country. This topic has been a recurring theme in past tests and is likely to remain relevant in future examinations. Being well-prepared to discuss traditional cuisine can significantly boost your speaking performance and overall band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In the first part of the speaking test, the examiner may ask general questions about food and traditional dishes. Here are some common questions you might encounter:
- What’s your favorite traditional dish from your country?
- How often do you eat traditional food?
- Do you know how to cook any traditional dishes?
Let’s focus on the first question and explore a sample answer:
Question: What’s your favorite traditional dish from your country?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“My favorite traditional dish is pho, which is a Vietnamese noodle soup. It’s made with beef or chicken broth and served with rice noodles, meat, and fresh herbs. I love it because it’s flavorful and comforting.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d have to say that my all-time favorite traditional dish is pho, a quintessential Vietnamese noodle soup. It’s an exquisite blend of rich, savory broth – typically made from beef or chicken – complemented by tender rice noodles, thinly sliced meat, and an array of fresh herbs and vegetables. What I find particularly captivating about pho is its perfect harmony of flavors and textures, combining the umami-rich broth with the crisp freshness of the herbs. It’s not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that encapsulates the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.”
Authentic Vietnamese Pho bowl with chopsticks
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a traditional dish:
Describe a traditional dish from your country
You should say:
- What the dish is called
- What ingredients are used to make it
- How it is prepared
- And explain why you like or dislike this dish
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d like to talk about a traditional dish from my country called banh mi. It’s a Vietnamese sandwich that combines French and Vietnamese cuisines. The main ingredients are a crispy baguette, various meats like pork or chicken, pate, vegetables such as cucumber and carrots, and herbs like cilantro. To prepare it, the baguette is sliced open and filled with the ingredients. The vegetables are usually pickled to add a tangy flavor. I really enjoy banh mi because it’s delicious and convenient to eat on the go. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a satisfying meal.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to delve into the culinary delight that is banh mi, a quintessential Vietnamese sandwich that exemplifies the fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisines. This gastronomic marvel begins with a crusty yet airy baguette, a legacy of French colonial influence, which serves as the perfect vessel for an array of tantalizing ingredients. The star of the show is often a succulent protein – be it char-grilled pork, tender chicken, or even a velvety pate. These are then harmoniously combined with a medley of crisp, pickled vegetables such as daikon radish and carrots, which provide a refreshing contrast to the rich meats. Fresh cucumber slices and aromatic cilantro add a burst of freshness, while a smear of mayo and a drizzle of soy sauce tie all the flavors together.
The preparation of banh mi is an art form in itself. The baguette is lightly toasted to enhance its crispiness, then deftly assembled with each ingredient layered to ensure a perfect bite every time. What I find particularly captivating about banh mi is its remarkable ability to encapsulate the essence of Vietnamese cuisine – the interplay of flavors, textures, and culinary traditions. It’s a portable feast that never fails to tantalize my taste buds and transport me to the bustling streets of Saigon.”
Freshly prepared Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich
Follow-up questions:
- Are there any special occasions when this dish is eaten?
- How has this traditional dish changed over time?
Band 6-7 Answer for question 1:
“Banh mi is popular for everyday meals, but it’s also common at casual gatherings and picnics. It’s not typically associated with specific festivals or ceremonies.”
Band 8-9 Answer for question 1:
“While banh mi is ubiquitous in daily Vietnamese life, its versatility lends itself to various occasions. It’s a staple for quick lunches and on-the-go meals, but it has also carved out a niche in casual social gatherings and picnics. Interestingly, while not traditionally tied to specific festivals, banh mi has evolved to become a crowd-pleaser at modern Vietnamese events, bridging the gap between convenience food and celebratory fare. Its adaptability allows it to seamlessly fit into both mundane and special occasions, reflecting the dynamic nature of contemporary Vietnamese culinary culture.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s an example:
Examiner: How do you think globalization has affected traditional cuisines around the world?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Globalization has had a significant impact on traditional cuisines. It has made ingredients from different countries more accessible, allowing people to try new flavors. However, it has also led to some traditional dishes becoming less popular as people prefer international fast food. Overall, I think globalization has both positive and negative effects on traditional cuisines.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Globalization has undeniably revolutionized the landscape of traditional cuisines worldwide, yielding a complex tapestry of effects. On one hand, it has facilitated an unprecedented cross-pollination of culinary traditions, broadening our collective palate and fostering a rich cultural exchange through food. The increased accessibility of exotic ingredients has empowered chefs and home cooks alike to experiment and create innovative fusions, often breathing new life into traditional recipes.
Conversely, this culinary globalization has also posed challenges to the preservation of authentic traditional cuisines. The homogenizing force of global food trends and the ubiquity of international fast-food chains have, in some cases, overshadowed local culinary heritage, particularly among younger generations. This has led to a concerning erosion of culinary diversity in some regions.
However, I believe that globalization has also sparked a countermovement of culinary preservation and revival. Many communities are now consciously safeguarding their traditional recipes and techniques, recognizing them as integral parts of their cultural identity. This renewed focus on culinary heritage, ironically fueled by global awareness, is leading to a renaissance of traditional cuisines, often with a modern twist.
In essence, while globalization has undoubtedly altered the traditional culinary landscape, it has also created opportunities for these cuisines to adapt, evolve, and reach new audiences, ultimately enriching our global food culture.”
Global cuisine fusion representing culinary globalization
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated words and phrases:
Culinary heritage /ˈkʌlɪnəri ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ (noun): The traditional dishes and cooking methods of a particular culture or region.
Example: “Pho is an integral part of Vietnam’s culinary heritage.”Gastronomic /ˌgæstrəˈnɒmɪk/ (adjective): Related to the art or science of good eating.
Example: “Banh mi is a gastronomic delight that combines various flavors and textures.”Quintessential /ˌkwɪntɪˈsenʃəl/ (adjective): Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.
Example: “Pho is a quintessential Vietnamese dish that embodies the nation’s culinary traditions.”Amalgamation /əˌmælɡəˈmeɪʃən/ (noun): The action, process, or result of combining or uniting.
Example: “Banh mi is an amalgamation of French and Vietnamese culinary influences.”Umami /uːˈmɑːmi/ (noun): A category of taste in food corresponding to the flavor of glutamates, especially monosodium glutamate.
Example: “The rich broth of pho provides a deep umami flavor that is both satisfying and comforting.”
Describe a change in your life that you embraced can be as exciting as exploring new cuisines. Just as we adapt to life changes, traditional dishes also evolve over time, reflecting cultural shifts and global influences.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing traditional dishes:
- Expand your culinary vocabulary: Learn specific cooking terms and ingredients to describe dishes accurately.
- Practice describing preparation methods: Be able to explain cooking processes in detail.
- Connect dishes to culture: Discuss how the dish reflects your country’s history or traditions.
- Use sensory language: Describe tastes, textures, and aromas vividly.
- Prepare personal anecdotes: Share stories about your experiences with the dish to make your description more engaging.
Remember, describing your favorite food at a traditional festival can be an excellent way to showcase your language skills and cultural knowledge. By following these tips and incorporating sophisticated vocabulary, you’ll be well-equipped to impress the examiner with your culinary descriptions.
IELTS candidate preparing for speaking test
Describe a festival you want to attend can be another great opportunity to discuss traditional foods in the context of cultural celebrations. Many festivals are centered around specific dishes, providing a rich topic for discussion in your IELTS Speaking test.
By mastering the art of describing traditional dishes, you’ll not only improve your IELTS Speaking score but also gain a deeper appreciation for your own culinary heritage and those of other cultures. Remember, the key to success lies in thorough preparation, authentic enthusiasm for the subject, and the ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and engagingly.
Describe a traditional dish you like to cook can be an excellent way to demonstrate your knowledge of cooking processes and ingredients while showcasing your language skills. This approach allows you to discuss not only the dish itself but also your personal connection to it, adding depth to your response.
In conclusion, discussing traditional dishes in the IELTS Speaking test provides a unique opportunity to showcase your language skills, cultural knowledge, and personal experiences. By incorporating sophisticated vocabulary, detailed descriptions, and cultural insights, you can create a compelling narrative that will impress the examiner and boost your score. Remember, practice is key – the more you familiarize yourself with describing various aspects of traditional cuisine, the more confident and articulate you’ll become in the actual test.
Describe a weekend that you enjoyed could potentially include experiences with traditional food, combining multiple topics to create a rich, multifaceted response. This approach demonstrates your ability to connect ideas and speak on various subjects fluently.