Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Foreign Dish You Tried for the First Time

The topic of describing a foreign dish you tried for the first time is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to discuss culinary experiences, cultural encounters, and personal reactions. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its universal appeal and potential for rich vocabulary usage.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

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

1. Do you enjoy trying new foods?
2. What’s your favorite cuisine?
3. How often do you eat out?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you enjoy trying new foods?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I’m quite adventurous when it comes to food. I relish the opportunity to expand my culinary horizons and experience different flavors and textures. Trying new dishes is not just about satisfying my taste buds; it’s also a way to learn about different cultures through their cuisine. However, I must admit that sometimes I’m a bit apprehensive about extremely spicy or exotic ingredients.”

Key phrases that can help you score higher are highlighted in bold. Notice the use of varied vocabulary and sentence structures.

Part 2: Long Turn

For this part, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s a sample cue card based on our theme:

Describe A Foreign Dish You Tried For The First Time

You should say:
- What the dish was
- Where you ate it
- Who you were with
- And explain your reaction to this dish

Here are sample answers for different band scores:

Band 6-7 Answer:

“I’d like to talk about the first time I tried sushi, which is a Japanese dish. I ate it at a small Japanese restaurant in my hometown last year. I was with my best friend, who’s a big fan of Japanese cuisine.

The sushi was made of rice, seaweed, and raw fish. It looked very pretty on the plate, with different colors and shapes. At first, I was a bit nervous about eating raw fish, but my friend encouraged me to try it.

When I tasted it, I was surprised by the combination of flavors. The rice was slightly sweet, the fish was fresh, and there was a hint of wasabi that gave it a spicy kick. I found the texture interesting too – the soft rice contrasted with the firmer fish.

Overall, I enjoyed the experience. It was different from anything I’d eaten before, and I appreciated the skill that went into making such a delicate dish. Since then, I’ve become quite fond of sushi and often order it when I eat out.”

Band 8-9 Answer:

“I’d be delighted to share my experience of sampling a quintessential Spanish dish, paella, for the first time. This culinary adventure took place during a spontaneous weekend getaway to Barcelona with a group of close friends last summer.

We stumbled upon a charming, family-run restaurant tucked away in the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter. The ambiance was authentically Mediterranean, with rustic decor and the enticing aroma of saffron wafting through the air.

The paella arrived in a traditional wide, shallow pan, a vibrant canvas of golden rice studded with an array of seafood, chicken, and vegetables. The visual feast was complemented by the rich, complex aroma that instantly piqued our curiosity.

As I took my first bite, I was utterly captivated by the harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The rice, infused with saffron and stock, had a subtle smokiness from the socarrat – the prized crispy bottom layer. The seafood was impeccably cooked, tender and succulent, while the vegetables added a fresh counterpoint to the richness of the dish.

What struck me most was how the paella encapsulated the essence of Spanish cuisine – bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a convivial dining experience. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a cultural immersion that left an indelible impression on my palate and my memories of the trip.

This experience ignited a passion for exploring regional cuisines in their authentic settings. It made me realize that food is not merely sustenance, but a gateway to understanding different cultures and traditions. Since then, I’ve made it a point to seek out local specialties whenever I travel, always eager to broaden my culinary horizons.”

Notice how the Band 8-9 answer uses more sophisticated vocabulary, provides richer descriptions, and connects the experience to broader themes of cultural exploration and personal growth.

Colorful paella dish in a traditional Spanish restaurant

Follow-up questions:

1. Did this experience change your attitude towards foreign cuisine?
2. Would you recommend this dish to others? Why or why not?

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

“This experience was truly eye-opening and transformed my perspective on foreign cuisines. It made me realize that authentic dishes are often vastly different from their adapted versions in other countries. This newfound appreciation has sparked a curiosity in me to explore more traditional foods from various cultures. It’s broadened my culinary horizons and made me more open-minded about trying unfamiliar dishes. Now, I see each new food experience as an opportunity to gain insight into different cultures and traditions.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

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

Examiner: How do you think globalization has affected traditional cuisines?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Globalization has had a significant impact on traditional cuisines. On one hand, it has made diverse foods more accessible worldwide, allowing people to experience dishes from different cultures without traveling. This has led to a greater appreciation of international cuisines and cultural exchange through food.

However, there’s also a downside. The influx of global food chains and the standardization of ingredients can sometimes overshadow local food traditions. There’s a risk of traditional recipes being altered to cater to international tastes, potentially leading to a loss of authenticity.

That being said, I believe many cultures are now making efforts to preserve their culinary heritage. There’s a growing trend of reviving traditional recipes and promoting local ingredients, which helps maintain culinary diversity in the face of globalization.”

Examiner: Do you think it’s important for people to try foods from other cultures? Why or why not?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that experiencing cuisines from different cultures is not just important, but essential in our increasingly interconnected world. Food serves as a gateway to understanding diverse cultures, traditions, and ways of life.

Firstly, trying foreign foods broadens our palates and challenges our preconceptions about what constitutes a meal. It encourages us to be more open-minded and adventurous, qualities that can extend beyond our eating habits into other areas of life.

Moreover, cuisine is an integral part of cultural identity. By sampling dishes from other cultures, we gain insights into their history, geography, and social customs. For instance, the spices used in Indian cuisine reflect its trade history, while the emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients in Japanese food speaks to their philosophy of harmony with nature.

Furthermore, sharing meals from different cultures can be a powerful tool for fostering cross-cultural understanding and breaking down barriers. Food has a unique ability to bring people together, creating opportunities for dialogue and connection across cultural divides.

Lastly, in our globalized world, having an appreciation for diverse cuisines is increasingly valuable. It can enhance our ability to relate to people from different backgrounds, whether in personal relationships or professional settings.

In essence, exploring foreign cuisines is not just about expanding our culinary horizons, but about cultivating cultural empathy, promoting diversity, and enriching our overall life experiences.”

Colorful spread of international dishes

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To score high in your IELTS Speaking test, incorporate sophisticated vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Here are some examples related to describing foreign dishes:

1. Culinary adventure /ˈkʌlɪnəri ədˈventʃə(r)/ (noun phrase): An experience of trying new and exciting foods.
   Example: “Trying street food in Bangkok was a real culinary adventure.”

2. Palate /ˈpælət/ (noun): A person’s appreciation of taste and flavor.
   Example: “Traveling has really expanded my palate.”

3. Tantalizing /ˈtæntəlaɪzɪŋ/ (adjective): Tempting or exciting.
   Example: “The tantalizing aroma of spices filled the air.”

4. Fusion cuisine /ˈfjuːʒn kwɪˈziːn/ (noun phrase): A style of cooking that combines elements of different culinary traditions.
   Example: “The restaurant specializes in Asian-Latin fusion cuisine.”

5. Gastronomic delight /ˌɡæstrəˈnɒmɪk dɪˈlaɪt/ (noun phrase): A food or dish that gives great pleasure to eat.
   Example: “The truffle pasta was a gastronomic delight.”

Remember to use these words and phrases naturally and in context to demonstrate your language proficiency.

Tips from an IELTS Examiner

As an experienced IELTS examiner, here are some tips to help you excel in the Speaking test:

1. Practice regularly: Speak English daily, even if it’s just to yourself. This builds fluency and confidence.

2. Expand your vocabulary: Read widely and learn new words related to various topics, including food and culture.

3. Use idiomatic expressions: Incorporate natural English phrases to make your speech more native-like.

4. Develop your ideas: Don’t just answer questions briefly. Expand on your thoughts and give examples.

5. Work on pronunciation: Clear pronunciation is crucial. Pay attention to word stress and intonation.

6. Stay calm: Remember, the examiner wants you to do well. Stay relaxed and confident during the test.

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can describe a memorable shopping experience or any other topic with confidence and fluency. Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about knowing what to say, but how to say it effectively.

IELTS candidate practicing speaking skills

With consistent practice and the right approach, you can describe a time when you explored a new place on your own or discuss any other topic with confidence in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the examiner is looking for your ability to communicate effectively, so focus on expressing your ideas clearly and naturally.