Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Food You Once Disliked but Now Enjoy

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and preferences, including changes in taste over time. One common topic is describing a food that you disliked as a child but now enjoy. This question allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to discuss past and present experiences, explain reasons for change, and use descriptive language effectively. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic and achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about food preferences. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:

Question: “Do you have any foods that you enjoy now but didn’t like when you were younger?”

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, absolutely. One food that comes to mind is broccoli. As a child, I couldn’t stand its bitter taste and unusual texture. However, as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate its nutritional value and versatility in cooking. Now, I actually look forward to having broccoli in my meals, especially when it’s roasted with a bit of olive oil and garlic.”

Describe a food you disliked as a child but now enjoy by providing specific details about the change in your preferences over time, as demonstrated in this sample answer.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe a food that you disliked as a child but now enjoy.
You should say:
- What the food is
- Why you disliked it as a child
- When and how you started to like it
- And explain why you enjoy it now

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about avocados, a food that I absolutely detested as a child but have grown to love as an adult.

As a youngster, I found avocados to be utterly unappealing. Their mushy texture and what I perceived as a bland, almost grass-like taste were completely off-putting to me. I remember vividly pushing away plates with avocado slices and refusing to eat guacamole at family gatherings.

My transformation began in my early twenties when I moved to a city with a thriving food scene. A friend convinced me to try avocado toast at a trendy café, and to my surprise, I found it palatable. The creamy texture, which I once despised, now seemed luxurious when combined with crusty bread, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of lemon juice.

From that point on, I started experimenting with avocados in various dishes. I discovered their versatility – they work wonderfully in both sweet and savory recipes. Now, I relish avocados for several reasons. Firstly, I’ve come to appreciate their subtle, nutty flavor that complements so many other ingredients. Secondly, I’m much more health-conscious now, and avocados are packed with beneficial nutrients like healthy fats, fiber, and various vitamins. Lastly, I love how they can elevate simple dishes, making them feel more gourmet and satisfying.

In retrospect, it’s fascinating how our tastes can evolve so dramatically. What was once a food nightmare for me has become a culinary delight that I now incorporate into my diet regularly.”

Avocado toast on a rustic wooden board

Follow-up questions:

1. How has your overall diet changed since childhood?
2. Do you think it’s common for people’s food preferences to change as they get older?

Sample answers:

Band 6-7:

1. “My diet has changed quite a bit since I was a child. I eat more vegetables now and try to have a balanced diet. I also cook for myself more often, which helps me control what I eat.”

2. “Yes, I think it’s pretty common. As people grow up, they try new things and their tastes change. Also, adults often become more health-conscious, which can affect their food choices.”

Band 8-9:

1. “My diet has undergone a significant transformation since childhood. I’ve transitioned from a diet heavy in processed foods to one that prioritizes whole, nutrient-dense ingredients. I’m also much more adventurous in my food choices, regularly trying cuisines from different cultures and incorporating a wider variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains into my meals.”

2. “Absolutely, I believe it’s a common phenomenon for food preferences to evolve with age. This change can be attributed to several factors: our taste buds mature, we become more open to new experiences, and we often develop a greater awareness of nutrition and its impact on our health. Additionally, exposure to diverse cuisines through travel or cultural exchanges can broaden our palates and lead to newfound appreciation for previously disliked foods.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Question: “How do you think food preferences in your country have changed over the past few decades?”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Food preferences in my country have undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few decades. There’s been a noticeable shift towards more health-conscious eating habits, with a growing emphasis on organic, locally-sourced produce and plant-based diets. This change has been driven by increased awareness of the health benefits associated with certain foods and the environmental impact of our dietary choices.

Moreover, globalization has played a significant role in diversifying our culinary landscape. We’ve seen a surge in popularity of international cuisines, particularly those from Asia and the Mediterranean. This exposure has not only expanded our palates but also influenced fusion cooking, where traditional local dishes are being reinvented with global flavors.

Another notable trend is the rise of convenience foods, albeit with a healthier twist. While fast food was gaining popularity a few decades ago, now we’re seeing a demand for quick, nutritious options like meal prep services and healthy grab-and-go alternatives.

Lastly, there’s been a resurgence of interest in traditional and indigenous foods. People are rediscovering and appreciating local ingredients and cooking methods that were once overlooked. This trend is partly driven by a desire to connect with cultural roots and partly by the sustainability movement, as many traditional foods are often more environmentally friendly.

These changes reflect broader societal shifts in health awareness, environmental consciousness, and cultural exchange, demonstrating how food preferences are intrinsically linked to our evolving lifestyles and values.”

Diverse spread of international cuisines

Describe a food you disliked but now enjoy by considering broader societal changes in food preferences, as illustrated in this comprehensive answer.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To boost your IELTS Speaking score, incorporate these advanced words and phrases:

1. Culinary delight (noun) – /ˈkʌlɪnəri dɪˈlaɪt/ – a food that gives great pleasure
   Example: “Sushi has become a culinary delight for me in recent years.”

2. Acquired taste (noun) – /əˈkwaɪəd teɪst/ – a liking for something that is not naturally enjoyed by most people
   Example: “Coffee was definitely an acquired taste for me.”

3. Palate (noun) – /ˈpælət/ – a person’s ability to distinguish between and appreciate different flavors
   Example: “Traveling has really helped to broaden my palate.”

4. To develop a taste for (phrase) – to start to like something over time
   Example: “I gradually developed a taste for spicy food after moving to India.”

5. Gastronomic journey (noun phrase) – /ˌɡæstrəˈnɒmɪk ˈdʒɜːni/ – the experience of exploring different foods and cuisines
   Example: “My year abroad was a fascinating gastronomic journey.”

Describe a food you disliked as a child but like now by using these advanced vocabulary items to elevate your response and demonstrate a sophisticated command of English.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing food preferences:

1. Use a range of descriptive adjectives to talk about food textures, flavors, and appearances.
2. Incorporate personal anecdotes to illustrate your points and make your answers more engaging.
3. Discuss not just the food itself, but also the cultural, social, or personal significance it may have.
4. Practice explaining changes in preferences over time, using appropriate tenses and time expressions.
5. Be prepared to discuss broader topics related to food, such as nutrition, cultural differences, or environmental impacts of food production.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, use a variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and maintain a natural conversation flow with the examiner.

IELTS Speaking test preparation

By following these guidelines and incorporating the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle questions about food preferences in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!