The topic of describing a food you disliked as a child but enjoy now is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular topic in future tests. This subject allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to discuss personal experiences, describe changes in taste preferences, and express opinions about food. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively in each part of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about your food preferences. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer:

1. Do you like trying new foods?
2. Has your taste in food changed since you were a child?
3. What’s a food you didn’t like before but enjoy now?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“Yes, I’ve always been quite adventurous when it comes to trying new foods. My taste has definitely evolved since childhood. For instance, I used to despise broccoli as a kid, but now I absolutely adore it. I think it’s fascinating how our palates can change so dramatically over time.”

Describe a person who always makes you laugh

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe a food that you disliked as a child but enjoy now
You should say:

• What the food is
• Why you disliked it as a child
• When and how you started to like it
• And explain how you feel about this food now

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“The food I want to talk about is spinach. As a child, I really hated spinach because of its bitter taste and mushy texture. I remember my mom would always try to make me eat it, saying it was good for me, but I just couldn’t stand it.

I started to like spinach when I was in college. One day, my roommate made a delicious spinach and feta cheese quiche. The smell was so good that I decided to give it a try. To my surprise, I really enjoyed it. The combination of flavors and the way it was cooked made a big difference.

Now, I actually love spinach. I eat it regularly in salads, smoothies, and cooked dishes. I appreciate its nutritional value and versatility in cooking. It’s funny how our tastes can change so much over time.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“The food I’d like to discuss is Brussels sprouts, which were once the bane of my existence as a child but have now become a culinary delight I thoroughly enjoy.

As a youngster, I absolutely loathed Brussels sprouts. Their bitter taste and slightly sulfurous aroma were utterly repulsive to my undeveloped palate. I vividly recall pushing them around my plate, trying to camouflage them under other foods to avoid eating them.

My change of heart occurred in my early twenties when I attended a friend’s Thanksgiving dinner. The host had prepared roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze and crispy bacon. The aroma was tantalizing, and out of politeness, I decided to give them a try. It was a revelatory experience – the bitterness had transformed into a complex, nutty flavor, and the texture was perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.

Now, I absolutely relish Brussels sprouts and often experiment with different recipes. I find them incredibly versatile and nutritious. This experience has taught me the importance of keeping an open mind about food and how our tastes can evolve dramatically over time. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the foods we once despised can become unexpected favorites, adding richness and variety to our culinary repertoire.”

Brussels sprouts on a plate

Follow-up questions:

1. How has your overall diet changed since childhood?
2. Do you think it’s important for children to try foods they don’t like?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“My diet has undergone a significant transformation since childhood. I’ve become much more health-conscious and adventurous in my food choices. As for children trying new foods, I believe it’s crucial for their development. It helps expand their palates and teaches them to be open-minded about different cuisines and cultures.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Let’s discuss how people’s food preferences change over time.

1. Why do you think people’s tastes in food change as they get older?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“I believe people’s tastes change for several reasons. Firstly, our taste buds evolve as we age, making us more receptive to different flavors. Secondly, exposure to diverse cuisines through travel or social experiences can broaden our palates. Lastly, increased nutritional awareness often leads people to appreciate healthier foods they may have disliked in childhood.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“The evolution of taste preferences is a fascinating phenomenon influenced by various factors. Physiologically, our taste buds become less sensitive as we age, which can lead to an appreciation of stronger or more complex flavors. Psychologically, our food choices are often tied to emotional experiences and cultural exposure. As we mature, we tend to become more adventurous and open-minded, willing to challenge our preconceptions about certain foods.

Moreover, societal and cultural influences play a significant role. The globalization of cuisines and the rise of food-centric media have exposed people to a wider array of flavors and cooking techniques, encouraging experimentation. Additionally, increased awareness of nutrition and health benefits can motivate individuals to acquire a taste for foods they previously avoided.

It’s also worth noting that contextual factors, such as the way food is prepared or presented, can dramatically alter our perception of it. A childhood aversion to a vegetable might be overcome by experiencing it in a gourmet preparation or a different cultural context.”

Describe a time when you tried something new and liked it

2. How do cultural differences affect people’s food preferences?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“Cultural differences have a profound impact on food preferences, shaping not only what we eat but also how we perceive different tastes and textures. Each culture has its own culinary traditions, which are deeply rooted in history, geography, and social norms.

For instance, in some Asian cultures, foods with strong umami flavors, such as fermented soy products or fish sauce, are highly prized. In contrast, these might be considered acquired tastes in Western countries. Similarly, the concept of sweetness in savory dishes varies greatly across cultures, with some embracing it and others finding it unusual.

Religious and philosophical beliefs also play a crucial role in shaping food preferences. For example, the practice of vegetarianism in Hindu culture or the avoidance of pork in Islamic and Jewish traditions significantly influences dietary choices.

Moreover, the methods of food preparation and eating customs differ widely. The use of chopsticks in East Asian cultures versus forks and knives in Western cultures can affect the way food is prepared and consumed.

Interestingly, globalization has led to a cross-pollination of culinary traditions, resulting in fusion cuisines and a greater acceptance of diverse flavors. However, it’s important to note that while people may become more open to trying foods from other cultures, their core preferences often remain influenced by their cultural background.

In essence, cultural differences in food preferences reflect a complex interplay of historical, geographical, religious, and social factors, making the study of food cultures a fascinating lens through which to understand human diversity.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Culinary delight /ˈkʌlɪnəri dɪˈlaɪt/ (noun phrase): A food that gives great pleasure.
   Example: “Sushi has become a culinary delight for many people who once found the idea of raw fish unappealing.”

2. Acquired taste /əˈkwaɪəd teɪst/ (noun phrase): A taste for something that is not naturally liked or enjoyed, but which one learns to like.
   Example: “Coffee is often an acquired taste, with many people disliking it at first but growing to love it over time.”

3. Palate /ˈpælət/ (noun): A person’s ability to distinguish between and appreciate different flavors.
   Example: “As I’ve grown older, my palate has become more sophisticated, allowing me to appreciate complex flavors in wine and cheese.”

4. To evolve /ɪˈvɒlv/ (verb): To develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form.
   Example: “My taste in food has evolved significantly since childhood, and I now enjoy many foods I once disliked.”

5. Revelation /ˌrevəˈleɪʃn/ (noun): A surprising and previously unknown fact that has been disclosed to others.
   Example: “Trying properly cooked Brussels sprouts was a revelation – I had no idea they could taste so good!”

Describe a traditional dish from your culture

Examiner’s Advice

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

1. Use a wide range of vocabulary related to food, tastes, and preferences.
2. Provide detailed explanations and examples to support your points.
3. Show the ability to discuss abstract concepts related to food preferences and cultural influences.
4. Use appropriate tenses to describe past dislikes and current preferences.
5. Incorporate idiomatic expressions and advanced grammatical structures naturally in your responses.
6. Practice describing foods in detail, including taste, texture, appearance, and smell.
7. Be prepared to discuss broader topics related to food, such as cultural differences and changing societal trends in food preferences.

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, coherence, and natural-sounding English throughout your responses.