The topic of describing a dish to introduce to a friend is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to express personal preferences, describe food, and explain cultural aspects. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask questions like:
- Do you enjoy cooking?
- What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
- How often do you try new dishes?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you enjoy cooking?
Candidate (Band 6-7): Yes, I do enjoy cooking. It’s a relaxing activity for me, especially on weekends. I like trying out new recipes and experimenting with different ingredients. Cooking allows me to be creative and also helps me save money on eating out.
Candidate (Band 8-9): Absolutely, I’m passionate about cooking. It’s not just a hobby for me; it’s a form of self-expression and a way to connect with my cultural roots. I find the process of transforming raw ingredients into a delectable meal both therapeutic and intellectually stimulating. Moreover, I appreciate how cooking allows me to control the nutritional content of my food and cater to my specific dietary preferences.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a dish you would like to introduce to a friend
You should say:
- What the dish is
- How it is prepared
- Why you like this dish
- Why you think your friend would enjoy it
Take one to two minutes to talk about this topic. You will have one minute to prepare what you are going to say.
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
The dish I’d like to introduce to my friend is Pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup. It’s a popular street food in Vietnam and has gained international recognition in recent years.
Pho is prepared by simmering beef bones and spices for hours to create a flavorful broth. The soup is then served with rice noodles, thin slices of beef or chicken, and topped with fresh herbs like basil and cilantro. Bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili peppers are often served on the side for people to add according to their taste.
I love this dish because it’s comforting and satisfying, especially on a cold day. The combination of the rich broth, tender meat, and fresh herbs creates a perfect balance of flavors. It’s also quite healthy, as it’s not heavy or greasy.
I think my friend would enjoy Pho because it’s a great introduction to Vietnamese cuisine. The flavors are unique but not overwhelming, and there’s room for customization with the side ingredients. Plus, it’s a fun, interactive eating experience that I’m sure they would appreciate.
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
The culinary delight I’m eager to introduce to my friend is Pho, a quintessential Vietnamese dish that has captivated food enthusiasts worldwide. This aromatic noodle soup is not merely a meal; it’s a cultural emblem that encapsulates the essence of Vietnamese gastronomy.
The preparation of Pho is an art form in itself. It begins with the meticulous simmering of beef bones and an assortment of aromatic spices such as star anise, cinnamon, and cloves for hours on end. This process yields a profoundly nuanced broth that serves as the foundation of the dish. The soup is then artfully assembled with delicate rice noodles, paper-thin slices of beef or chicken, and a symphony of fresh herbs including Thai basil, cilantro, and mint. The dish is customarily accompanied by an array of condiments such as bean sprouts, lime wedges, and fiery chili peppers, allowing diners to tailor the flavor profile to their individual preferences.
My affinity for Pho stems from its remarkable ability to offer both comfort and complexity. The interplay between the umami-rich broth, tender meat, and crisp, verdant herbs creates a harmonious sensory experience that is simultaneously satisfying and invigorating. Moreover, I appreciate how Pho embodies the Vietnamese culinary philosophy of balancing flavors and textures, resulting in a dish that is nourishing yet light.
I’m confident my friend would be enamored with Pho for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as an excellent gateway into the diverse world of Vietnamese cuisine, offering a flavor profile that is distinct yet accessible. The interactive nature of the dining experience, where one can customize the soup to their liking, adds an element of fun and personal touch. Furthermore, the health-conscious composition of Pho, with its clear broth and abundance of fresh ingredients, aligns well with contemporary dietary preferences. Lastly, I believe the cultural significance and story behind the dish would resonate with my friend, who has always shown a keen interest in exploring culinary traditions from around the world.
Examiner: How popular is this dish in your country?
Candidate (Band 6-7): Pho is extremely popular in Vietnam. It’s considered a national dish and you can find it everywhere, from street vendors to high-end restaurants. Many people eat it for breakfast, but it’s enjoyed at any time of the day. It’s also gaining popularity in other countries as Vietnamese cuisine becomes more well-known globally.
Candidate (Band 8-9): Pho holds an unparalleled status in Vietnamese culinary culture. It’s not merely popular; it’s a cultural institution that permeates every stratum of society. From the bustling street corners of Hanoi to the refined establishments in Ho Chi Minh City, Pho is omnipresent. It’s traditionally consumed as a breakfast dish, but its appeal transcends time constraints, making it a beloved option around the clock. The dish’s popularity has surged beyond national borders, becoming a global ambassador for Vietnamese cuisine. This international recognition has led to a culinary diaspora, with authentic Pho restaurants proliferating in major cities worldwide, further cementing its status as a gastronomic phenomenon.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How has globalization affected traditional cuisines?
Candidate (Band 6-7): Globalization has had a significant impact on traditional cuisines. On one hand, it has made international foods more accessible, allowing people to try dishes from different cultures. This has led to fusion cuisines and new culinary experiences. However, it has also led to some traditional dishes becoming less popular or being modified to suit global tastes. Fast food chains have spread worldwide, sometimes at the expense of local food traditions.
Candidate (Band 8-9): Globalization has profoundly transformed the landscape of traditional cuisines, yielding both positive and negative consequences. On the positive side, it has facilitated a cross-pollination of culinary ideas, leading to an unprecedented level of gastronomic innovation. This culinary exchange has not only broadened palates globally but also revitalized interest in traditional foods through fusion cuisines.
Conversely, globalization has posed challenges to the preservation of culinary heritage. The homogenization of food culture, driven by multinational food corporations, has sometimes led to the dilution or displacement of local food traditions. Traditional ingredients and preparation methods may be supplanted by more commercially viable alternatives, potentially compromising authenticity.
However, there’s also a countertrend where globalization has sparked a renewed interest in local and traditional cuisines. This culinary renaissance often manifests as a form of cultural resistance, with communities striving to safeguard their gastronomic identity in the face of global influences. Ultimately, the impact of globalization on traditional cuisines is a complex interplay of preservation, adaptation, and innovation.
Examiner: Do you think it’s important to preserve traditional cooking methods?
Candidate (Band 6-7): Yes, I believe it’s important to preserve traditional cooking methods. These methods are part of our cultural heritage and help maintain the authentic flavors of traditional dishes. They often use local ingredients and techniques that have been perfected over generations. Preserving these methods can also be good for the environment, as they often rely less on modern technology and more on natural processes.
Candidate (Band 8-9): Preserving traditional cooking methods is, in my opinion, paramount for several compelling reasons. Firstly, these culinary techniques represent an invaluable repository of cultural knowledge, encapsulating centuries of collective wisdom and reflecting the intricate relationship between communities and their environments. They are not merely ways of preparing food but living artifacts that narrate the story of human adaptation and ingenuity.
Moreover, traditional cooking methods often embody sustainable practices that have stood the test of time. In an era of increasing environmental consciousness, these methods can offer valuable insights into resource-efficient food preparation and preservation techniques that are often more ecologically sound than their modern counterparts.
From a gastronomic perspective, traditional methods are crucial in maintaining the authentic flavor profiles and textures that define a cuisine. The nuanced techniques passed down through generations often yield results that are difficult, if not impossible, to replicate with modern shortcuts.
However, it’s essential to approach preservation not as a static process but as a dynamic one that allows for thoughtful evolution. The goal should be to honor the essence of traditional methods while allowing for adaptations that ensure their relevance and practicality in contemporary contexts. This balanced approach can ensure that traditional cooking methods continue to enrich our culinary landscape and cultural identity for generations to come.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Culinary heritage [ˈkʌlɪnəri ˈherɪtɪdʒ] (noun phrase): The traditional dishes and cooking methods of a particular culture or region.
Example: Pho is an important part of Vietnam’s culinary heritage. -
Gastronomic [ˌgæstrəˈnɒmɪk] (adjective): Relating to the art or science of good eating.
Example: The festival celebrated the gastronomic diversity of Southeast Asia. -
Aromatic [ˌærəˈmætɪk] (adjective): Having a pleasant and distinctive smell.
Example: The aromatic spices in the broth filled the kitchen with a delightful scent. -
Nuanced [ˈnjuːɑːnst] (adjective): Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.
Example: The chef’s nuanced approach to flavoring resulted in a complex and delicious dish. -
Quintessential [ˌkwɪntɪˈsenʃl] (adjective): Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.
Example: Pho is considered the quintessential Vietnamese comfort food.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a dish:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary related to food, cooking, and cultural significance.
- Provide detailed descriptions, focusing on flavors, textures, and preparation methods.
- Express your opinions clearly and support them with specific reasons or examples.
- Discuss the broader implications of food, such as its cultural importance or global influence.
- Practice speaking fluently and coherently, using appropriate linking words and phrases.
- Be prepared to discuss related topics, such as food trends, nutrition, or cultural preservation.
Remember, the key to success is not just in knowing the language, but in using it effectively to communicate your ideas and experiences.
describe a favorite tradition in your family can be a great way to expand your speaking skills beyond food topics. Similarly, describe a time when you tried a new cuisine allows you to combine your knowledge of food with personal experiences, enriching your IELTS Speaking responses.
For those interested in culinary exploration, describe a foreign dish you want to learn to cook provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm for international cuisines. Additionally, discussing describe a special family tradition you follow can often involve food-related customs, allowing you to blend cultural insights with culinary descriptions.
Lastly, if you’re passionate about sharing your knowledge of cooking or cuisine, you might find describe a time when you taught something to a friend particularly relevant, especially if you’ve ever shared a recipe or cooking technique with someone.