Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Famous Dish from Your Country

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about food and culture, making “describe a famous dish from your country” a common topic. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample answers for different band scores and essential vocabulary to help you excel in your IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

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

1. What’s your favorite food?
2. Do you enjoy cooking?
3. How often do you eat out?
4. What’s a typical meal in your country?

Let’s focus on question 4 and provide a sample answer:

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“In Vietnam, a typical meal usually consists of steamed rice as the main staple, accompanied by various side dishes. We often have a protein-rich dish like grilled fish or stir-fried chicken, a vegetable dish that could be stir-fried or in a soup, and sometimes a small bowl of soup. Fish sauce is a common condiment that adds flavor to many dishes. This combination provides a balanced diet with carbohydrates, proteins, and vegetables all in one meal.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a famous dish:

Describe a famous 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 this dish is famous in your country

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about pho, which is probably the most famous dish from Vietnam. Pho is a traditional noodle soup that’s loved by people all over the country.

The main ingredients of pho are rice noodles and a flavorful broth. The broth is made by simmering beef bones or chicken for hours with spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. The dish is usually served with thin slices of beef or chicken, and topped with fresh herbs like basil and cilantro.

To prepare pho, the cook first makes the broth, which can take several hours. Then, they cook the rice noodles separately. When serving, they put the noodles in a bowl, add the meat, and pour the hot broth over everything. Finally, they add the fresh herbs and other toppings like bean sprouts or lime wedges.

Pho is famous in Vietnam because it’s delicious, nutritious, and represents our culinary culture. It’s a comfort food that people enjoy for breakfast or any time of the day. The dish has also become popular internationally, making it a symbol of Vietnamese cuisine around the world.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to introduce you to pho, undoubtedly the quintessential dish of Vietnamese cuisine. This iconic noodle soup has not only captured the hearts of locals but has also gained international acclaim for its complex flavors and comforting qualities.

At its core, pho consists of tender rice noodles swimming in a meticulously prepared broth. The broth, which is the soul of the dish, is a labor of love, requiring hours of simmering beef bones or chicken with a harmonious blend of spices such as cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and coriander seeds. This aromatic concoction is then ladled over the noodles and adorned with thin slices of beef or chicken, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

The preparation of pho is an art form in itself. It begins with the painstaking process of creating the broth, which can take up to 12 hours to achieve the perfect depth of flavor. The rice noodles are cooked separately to achieve the ideal al dente texture. When assembling the dish, the noodles form the base, followed by the meat, and then the piping hot broth is poured over. The final touch involves a generous garnish of fresh herbs like Thai basil, cilantro, and mint, along with bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sometimes slices of chili for those who enjoy a kick of heat.

Pho has earned its fame in Vietnam for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it’s a culinary representation of our country’s history, blending influences from Chinese and French cuisines with indigenous ingredients. Secondly, its versatility makes it suitable for any meal of the day, from a hearty breakfast to a late-night supper. Moreover, pho embodies the Vietnamese philosophy of yin and yang in cooking, balancing hot and cold, spicy and sweet, and fresh and fermented elements. Lastly, its global popularity has transformed pho into a cultural ambassador, introducing Vietnamese flavors to food enthusiasts worldwide and cementing its status as a national culinary treasure.”

Follow-up questions:

1. How has this dish changed over time?
2. Do young people in your country enjoy traditional dishes?

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

“Pho has undergone a fascinating evolution since its inception in the early 20th century. Originally a humble street food in northern Vietnam, it has transformed into a national staple with numerous regional variations. The most significant change has been the diversification of ingredients. While the traditional Hanoi-style pho was made with just beef, the southern version introduced chicken as an alternative protein. Moreover, the garnishes have become more elaborate over time, with the addition of bean sprouts, herbs, and sauces that were not part of the original recipe.

In recent years, there’s been a trend towards fusion and gourmet interpretations of pho. Innovative chefs are experimenting with non-traditional ingredients like seafood or vegetarian options, catering to changing dietary preferences. Some upscale restaurants now offer deconstructed versions of pho, presenting the components separately for diners to assemble themselves.

Despite these changes, there’s also a strong movement to preserve the authenticity of traditional pho. Many purists argue that the simplicity of the original recipe is what makes it special. This tension between innovation and tradition has sparked interesting debates about culinary heritage and modernization in Vietnam’s food scene.”

Vietnamese Pho noodle soup – traditional dish

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions:

1. How do traditional dishes represent a country’s culture?
2. What impact does globalization have on traditional cuisines?
3. How important is it to preserve traditional cooking methods?

Let’s focus on question 2:

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“Globalization has had a significant impact on traditional cuisines around the world. On one hand, it has led to the widespread popularity of various national dishes. For example, you can now find Vietnamese pho or Japanese sushi in many countries. This has helped to promote cultural exchange and introduce people to new flavors and culinary traditions.

However, globalization has also posed challenges to traditional cuisines. The influx of international fast-food chains and processed foods has sometimes led to a decline in the consumption of traditional dishes, especially among younger generations. There’s also a risk of cultural dilution, where traditional recipes are modified to suit global tastes, potentially losing their authenticity.

Despite these challenges, I believe globalization has also sparked a renewed interest in preserving and celebrating traditional cuisines. Many people are now more curious about authentic, local food experiences when they travel, and there’s a growing trend of ‘food tourism’. This has encouraged many countries to safeguard their culinary heritage and promote it as part of their cultural identity.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“Globalization has ushered in a paradigm shift in the world of traditional cuisines, yielding both positive and negative consequences. On the optimistic side, it has facilitated an unprecedented cross-pollination of culinary ideas and techniques. This global exchange has not only broadened our palates but has also inspired chefs to innovate and reinterpret traditional dishes in exciting ways. The international success of dishes like pho or sushi serves as a testament to how globalization can elevate a nation’s culinary profile on the world stage.

Conversely, the homogenizing force of globalization poses a tangible threat to culinary diversity. The ubiquity of multinational food corporations and the standardization of food production methods risk overshadowing local food traditions. This is particularly evident in urban areas where the convenience and marketing prowess of global brands often overshadow traditional eateries. There’s also the danger of culinary appropriation, where traditional dishes are stripped of their cultural context and commercialized in ways that fail to honor their origins.

However, I’d argue that globalization has paradoxically fueled a counter-movement that champions traditional cuisines. We’re witnessing a resurgence of interest in food provenance and authenticity, with consumers increasingly valuing locally-sourced, traditionally-prepared foods. This trend has empowered local communities to reclaim and celebrate their culinary heritage. Moreover, the digital age aspect of globalization has democratized access to culinary knowledge, allowing traditional recipes and techniques to be documented and shared globally, thus ensuring their preservation for future generations.

In essence, while globalization presents challenges to traditional cuisines, it also offers powerful tools for their preservation and promotion. The key lies in striking a balance between embracing culinary innovations and safeguarding the integrity of traditional food cultures.”

Global cuisine fusion – traditional meets modern

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Culinary heritage (noun) – the traditional dishes and cooking methods of a particular culture
   Pronunciation: /ˈkʌlɪnəri ˈherɪtɪdʒ/
   Example: Pho is an important part of Vietnam’s culinary heritage.

2. Gastronomic delight (noun phrase) – a food that gives great pleasure to eat
   Pronunciation: /ˌɡæstrəˈnɒmɪk dɪˈlaɪt/
   Example: Trying authentic pho for the first time was a true gastronomic delight.

3. Quintessential (adjective) – representing the most perfect or typical example of something
   Pronunciation: /ˌkwɪntɪˈsenʃəl/
   Example: Pho is the quintessential Vietnamese dish, loved by locals and tourists alike.

4. Aromatic (adjective) – having a pleasant and distinctive smell
   Pronunciation: /ˌærəˈmætɪk/
   Example: The aromatic broth of pho fills the kitchen with enticing scents.

5. Slow-simmered (adjective) – cooked slowly at a temperature just below boiling point
   Pronunciation: /sləʊ ˈsɪməd/
   Example: The rich flavor of pho comes from its slow-simmered broth.

6. Fusion cuisine (noun phrase) – a style of cooking that combines elements from different culinary traditions
   Pronunciation: /ˈfjuːʒən kwɪˈziːn/
   Example: Some modern restaurants offer fusion cuisine versions of pho, blending traditional Vietnamese flavors with other culinary influences.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a famous dish from your country:

1. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate descriptive adjectives and specific culinary terms to showcase your language skills.

2. Provide detailed explanations: Don’t just list facts; explain the significance of the dish and its cultural context.

3. Use idiomatic expressions: Naturally integrate idiomatic phrases related to food and culture to demonstrate fluency.

4. Practice pronunciation: Focus on clearly articulating challenging words, especially those specific to your cuisine.

5. Develop your answers: Aim to speak for the full time given, especially in Part 2, by elaborating on each point.

6. Show enthusiasm: Your tone and body language should convey genuine interest in the topic.

7. Be prepared for follow-up questions: Think about potential related topics and practice discussing them.

8. Stay relevant: Always tie your answers back to the original question, maintaining coherence throughout your response.

Remember, regular practice with a variety of food-related topics will help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual test. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!