In IELTS Speaking tests, questions about unusual or unique food experiences frequently appear, particularly in Part 2 and Part 3. Similar to describe a food you disliked as a child but enjoy now, this topic allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary and speaking skills effectively.
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions in Part 1 related to food preferences include:
- Do you like trying new foods?
- What’s the most unusual food in your country?
- How often do you eat at restaurants?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m quite adventurous when it comes to food. I make it a point to try local specialties whenever I travel. In my experience, some dishes might look peculiar at first but often turn out to be delightful surprises.”
Vietnamese street food vendor preparing unusual local delicacy
Part 2: Cue Card
Speaking Task:
Describe a dish you tried that was unusual
You should say:
- What the dish was
- Where you tried it
- Who you were with
- And explain why you found it unusualSample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about when I tried balut for the first time. It’s a fertilized duck egg that’s popular in Southeast Asia. I tried it during my trip to Vietnam last year with my local friend. The dish was quite unusual because we don’t eat anything similar in my country. The texture was different from what I expected, and the taste was quite unique.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share my experience of trying molecular gastronomy at a prestigious restaurant in Paris. The dish that particularly stood out was a deconstructed apple pie that came in the form of foam and spheres. I was there celebrating my anniversary with my partner, and what made it extraordinarily unusual was how the chef had completely transformed familiar flavors into unrecognizable forms while maintaining the authentic taste. The innovative preparation techniques and presentation were absolutely mind-blowing.”
For those interested in more food-related topics, you might want to check out describe a foreign food you tried for the first time.
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: Why do people enjoy trying unusual foods?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe people are drawn to unusual foods for several reasons. Primarily, it’s about expanding their culinary horizons and gaining new experiences. There’s also a social aspect to it – sharing unusual food experiences on social media has become increasingly popular. Moreover, trying unusual foods can be seen as a way of demonstrating cultural openness and adventurousness.”
Chef preparing molecular gastronomy dish with modern techniques
Q: Do you think traditional dishes are being replaced by modern fusion cuisine?
Similar to what is your favorite food ielts speaking, this question requires careful consideration of cultural aspects.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“While fusion cuisine is gaining prominence, I don’t believe it’s completely replacing traditional dishes. Instead, we’re seeing an interesting convergence where chefs are innovatively reinterpreting traditional recipes while preserving their essence. This culinary evolution reflects our increasingly interconnected world while maintaining cultural authenticity.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Culinary adventure /ˈkʌlɪnəri ədˈventʃə/ – an exciting food experience
- Gastronomic delight /ˌgæstrəˈnɒmɪk dɪˈlaɪt/ – exceptional food pleasure
- Acquired taste /əˈkwaɪəd teɪst/ – something you learn to like over time
- Palate /ˈpælət/ – sense of taste
- Innovative preparation /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv ˌprepəˈreɪʃn/ – creative cooking methods
For more detailed feedback on restaurant experiences, you might find describe a bad service you received in a restaurant or shop helpful.
