The topic of describing a dish you tried for the first time is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to discuss personal experiences, express opinions, and use descriptive language. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests.

Describe a foreign dish you tried for the first time is a popular variation of this topic that candidates often encounter. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this theme across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about food and eating habits. Here are some common questions and sample answers:

1. Do you like trying new foods?
2. What’s your favorite cuisine?
3. How often do you eat out?

Let’s focus on the first question:

Do you like trying new foods?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I enjoy trying new foods. It’s exciting to taste different flavors and experience new cuisines. I think it’s a great way to learn about other cultures.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely! I’m quite adventurous when it comes to food. I relish the opportunity to expand my culinary horizons by sampling diverse cuisines. It’s not just about the flavors; I find it fascinating to delve into the cultural significance and history behind each dish.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe A Dish You Tried For The First Time

You should say:

• What the dish was
• Where you ate it
• Who you were with
• And explain whether you liked it or not

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about my first experience trying sushi, a traditional Japanese dish. It was during a business trip to Tokyo last year, and I was accompanied by my colleagues from our international office.

We visited a renowned sushi restaurant in the Ginza district, known for its exquisite seafood and authentic atmosphere. The restaurant had a minimalist decor with a long counter where the sushi chefs showcased their culinary prowess.

The dish I tried was called ‘omakase’, which means ‘I’ll leave it up to you’ in Japanese. It’s a chef’s selection of the freshest seafood available that day. The presentation was impeccable, with each piece of sushi artfully arranged on a beautiful ceramic plate.

I was initially apprehensive about eating raw fish, but the first bite was a revelation. The texture of the fish was incredibly tender, and the flavors were surprisingly delicate yet complex. The rice was perfectly seasoned with a hint of vinegar, complementing the fish beautifully.

What struck me most was the attention to detail in every aspect of the meal. The chef expertly paired each piece with a specific condiment, enhancing the natural flavors of the fish. It was not just a meal, but a culinary experience that engaged all my senses.

I thoroughly enjoyed the dish and found it to be a eye-opening introduction to Japanese cuisine. It challenged my preconceptions about raw fish and broadened my culinary horizons. Since then, I’ve become quite enthusiastic about exploring more Japanese dishes and have even attempted to make sushi at home, though it’s nowhere near as exquisite as what I experienced in Tokyo.”

Possible follow-up questions:

1. Have you tried cooking this dish yourself since then?
2. How does this dish compare to the food you usually eat?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):

“While I’ve made a few attempts at recreating the sushi experience at home, I must admit it’s been quite challenging. The art of sushi-making requires years of practice to master. I’ve managed to put together some passable rolls, but they’re a far cry from the exquisite craftsmanship I witnessed in Tokyo. However, this DIY experience has given me an even greater appreciation for the skill involved in preparing authentic sushi.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to food and culture. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

1. How do you think globalization has affected traditional cuisines?
2. Do you think it’s important to preserve traditional cooking methods?
3. How do you think food trends influence people’s eating habits?

Let’s focus on the first question:

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think globalization has had a big impact on traditional cuisines. It’s made it easier for people to try foods from other countries. This is good because we can experience different cultures, but it might also mean some traditional dishes are being forgotten.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Globalization has undoubtedly had a profound impact on traditional cuisines worldwide. On one hand, it has facilitated cultural exchange, allowing people to experience a diverse array of flavors and cooking techniques from across the globe. This cross-pollination of culinary ideas has led to exciting fusion cuisines and innovative dishes that blend different cultural elements.

However, there’s also a flipside to this culinary globalization. The homogenization of food culture poses a real threat to traditional cuisines. As international fast-food chains and globally popular dishes become more prevalent, there’s a risk of local specialties being overshadowed or even forgotten. This could lead to a loss of culinary heritage and the unique flavors that define regional identities.

That being said, I believe globalization has also sparked a renewed interest in preserving traditional cuisines. As people become more aware of the importance of cultural diversity, there’s a growing movement to safeguard and celebrate local food traditions. This has led to initiatives like slow food movements and the recognition of traditional cuisines as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.

In essence, while globalization presents challenges to traditional cuisines, it also offers opportunities for their revival and appreciation on a global scale. The key lies in striking a balance between embracing culinary diversity and preserving local food traditions.”

Globalization's impact on traditional cuisine

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high band score in IELTS Speaking, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Here are some key terms and phrases used in the sample answers above:

1. Relish the opportunity (phrase) – /ˈrelɪʃ ðə ˌɒpəˈtjuːnəti/ – to enjoy or take pleasure in something
   Example: “I relish the opportunity to learn about new cultures through their cuisine.”

2. Expand one’s horizons (phrase) – /ɪkˈspænd wʌnz həˈraɪznz/ – to broaden one’s knowledge or experience
   Example: “Trying new foods is a great way to expand your culinary horizons.”

3. Delve into (phrasal verb) – /delv ˈɪntuː/ – to research or explore something deeply
   Example: “I love to delve into the history behind traditional dishes.”

4. Exquisite (adjective) – /ɪkˈskwɪzɪt/ – extremely beautiful, carefully made, or delightful
   Example: “The sushi chef created exquisite pieces of art on the plate.”

5. Culinary prowess (noun phrase) – /ˈkʌlɪnəri ˈpraʊəs/ – exceptional skill in cooking
   Example: “The chef demonstrated his culinary prowess with each dish he prepared.”

6. Attention to detail (noun phrase) – /əˈtenʃn tə ˈdiːteɪl/ – careful consideration of every aspect
   Example: “The attention to detail in the presentation of the dish was impressive.”

7. Eye-opening (adjective) – /ˈaɪ ˌəʊpənɪŋ/ – revealing or surprising
   Example: “My first experience with authentic sushi was truly eye-opening.”

8. Broaden one’s culinary horizons (phrase) – /ˈbrɔːdn wʌnz ˈkʌlɪnəri həˈraɪznz/ – to expand one’s knowledge and experience of different foods
   Example: “Traveling is a great way to broaden your culinary horizons.”

Describe a time when you tried something new and liked it is another topic that allows you to showcase these vocabulary items and phrases in a similar context.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a new culinary experience:

1. Use a variety of descriptive adjectives to bring your experience to life.
2. Incorporate idiomatic expressions and sophisticated vocabulary naturally.
3. Discuss not just the taste, but also the texture, appearance, and cultural significance of the dish.
4. Show your ability to reflect on the experience by explaining your thoughts and feelings.
5. Practice speaking about different cuisines and dishes to build your food-related vocabulary.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just accuracy, but also fluency and the ability to express complex ideas. Regular practice with a variety of food-related topics will help you describe a foreign dish you want to try or even describe a food you want to learn how to cook with confidence and eloquence.

By following these guidelines and incorporating rich vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any food-related topic in your IELTS Speaking test, whether it’s about a dish you’ve tried or a recent holiday that you enjoyed where you experienced new cuisines.