Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Eloquently Describe a Foreign Dish You Want to Try

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about food and culinary experiences. One popular topic is describing a foreign dish you want to try. This question allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, cultural knowledge, and ability to express personal preferences. Let’s explore how to effectively answer this question and maximize your score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

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

Examiner: Do you enjoy trying new foods from different countries?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
Absolutely! I’m quite adventurous when it comes to trying new cuisines. I believe that food is a window into different cultures, and I always make a point of sampling local dishes whenever I travel. It’s fascinating to experience how various ingredients and cooking methods come together to create unique flavors. Recently, I’ve been particularly intrigued by Middle Eastern cuisine and its use of aromatic spices.

IELTS Speaking – Describing a foreign dish

Part 2: Long Turn

In Part 2, you may receive a cue card related to describing a foreign dish. Here’s a sample cue card:

Describe A Foreign Dish You Want To Try

You should say:
- What the dish is
- Which country it comes from
- How you learned about this dish
- Why you want to try it

And explain how you think it will taste.

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

The foreign dish I’d like to try is called paella, which is a traditional Spanish dish. I first learned about paella from a travel show on TV, where they showed how it’s cooked in large pans over an open fire. It looked really delicious and colorful.

Paella originates from the Valencia region of Spain, but it’s now popular all over the country and around the world. The dish typically consists of rice, vegetables, and various types of meat or seafood, all cooked together in a large, shallow pan.

I want to try paella because it seems like a perfect combination of flavors and textures. The way the rice absorbs all the flavors from the other ingredients looks amazing. Also, I love trying dishes that are important to a country’s culture, and paella seems to be a significant part of Spanish cuisine.

I think paella will taste rich and savory, with a mix of different flavors from the meat, seafood, and vegetables. I imagine the rice will be perfectly cooked, with a slight crispiness at the bottom of the pan. The saffron, which gives paella its distinctive yellow color, probably adds a unique flavor that I’m really curious to experience.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

The foreign dish I’m particularly eager to sample is paella, a quintessential Spanish delicacy that has captivated my culinary imagination. I was first introduced to this gastronomic marvel through a captivating documentary on Mediterranean cuisine, which showcased the intricate preparation process and the dish’s cultural significance.

Paella hails from the picturesque Valencia region on Spain’s eastern coast, although it has now gained prominence throughout the country and garnered international acclaim. This iconic dish typically comprises saffron-infused rice, an assortment of vegetables, and a medley of proteins such as chicken, rabbit, or seafood, all harmoniously combined in a wide, shallow pan called a “paella.”

My desire to experience paella stems from its reputation as a culinary masterpiece that embodies the essence of Spanish cuisine. The meticulous cooking process, which allows the flavors to meld and the rice to form a crispy bottom layer known as “socarrat,” intrigues me. Moreover, I’m fascinated by how paella serves as a cultural touchstone, often prepared for family gatherings and celebrations, reflecting the communal spirit of Spanish society.

I anticipate that paella will offer a symphony of flavors and textures. The saffron-infused rice likely imparts a subtle, earthy undertone, while the various proteins and vegetables contribute their distinct tastes and textures. I expect the dish to be simultaneously complex and comforting, with the crispy socarrat providing a delightful contrast to the tender rice above. The aromatic blend of spices, combined with the freshness of locally sourced ingredients, should create a truly memorable culinary experience that transports me to the sun-drenched shores of Valencia.

Examiner: How do you think trying new foods can help us understand different cultures?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
Trying new foods can be an eye-opening experience when it comes to understanding different cultures. Cuisine is often a reflection of a region’s history, climate, and values. For example, the ingredients used in a dish can tell us about the local agriculture and trade routes. The cooking methods might reveal historical influences or adaptations to the environment. Moreover, the way food is served and eaten can provide insights into social customs and family structures. By experiencing these aspects firsthand through food, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of a culture beyond what we might learn from books or movies.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
Exploring diverse cuisines can serve as a profound gateway to understanding different cultures. Food is not merely sustenance; it’s a tangible manifestation of a society’s history, geography, and cultural values. When we partake in a foreign dish, we’re essentially engaging with centuries of tradition and innovation.

The ingredients used in a dish can offer insights into a region’s climate, agricultural practices, and historical trade connections. For instance, the prevalence of spices in Indian cuisine speaks volumes about the country’s rich history as a spice trade hub. Similarly, the prominence of rice in many Asian dishes reflects its cultural and economic importance in these regions.

Cooking techniques and utensils can shed light on technological advancements and cultural exchanges throughout history. The use of a wok in Chinese cuisine, for example, demonstrates the importance of quick cooking methods in a society that historically faced fuel shortages.

Furthermore, the rituals and customs surrounding food consumption can provide a window into social structures and values. The Japanese tea ceremony, for instance, embodies principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility that are central to Japanese culture.

By immersing ourselves in these culinary experiences, we gain a multi-sensory understanding of a culture that goes beyond intellectual knowledge. It allows us to connect on a more visceral level with the daily lives and traditions of people from different backgrounds, fostering empathy and cross-cultural appreciation.

Understanding cultures through food

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How do you think globalization has affected the way we eat?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
Globalization has significantly impacted our eating habits in several ways. Firstly, it has increased the availability of international ingredients and dishes in many parts of the world. For example, it’s now common to find sushi restaurants in Western countries or pizza places in Asia. This has broadened people’s palates and introduced them to new flavors and cooking styles.

Secondly, globalization has led to the fusion of different cuisines, creating innovative dishes that blend elements from various culinary traditions. This has resulted in exciting new food trends and restaurant concepts.

However, there are also some potential downsides. The spread of fast-food chains globally has contributed to changes in traditional eating habits in some countries, sometimes leading to health issues. Additionally, the demand for certain international products can sometimes have negative environmental impacts due to long-distance transportation.

Overall, while globalization has undoubtedly enriched our culinary experiences, it’s important to strike a balance between embracing global food trends and preserving local food traditions and sustainable practices.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
Globalization has profoundly transformed our culinary landscape, ushering in a new era of gastronomic diversity and cross-cultural fusion. This phenomenon has manifested in multiple, interconnected ways that have reshaped our relationship with food.

Primarily, globalization has dramatically expanded the accessibility of international ingredients and cuisines. The proliferation of global supply chains and improved preservation techniques has made it possible to enjoy fresh mangoes in Scandinavia or authentic Thai curry paste in South America. This has exponentially broadened the average person’s palate, fostering a more adventurous and cosmopolitan approach to eating.

Moreover, globalization has catalyzed a fascinating culinary hybridization. Chefs and home cooks alike are increasingly experimenting with fusion cuisines, melding disparate culinary traditions to create innovative dishes. This culinary cross-pollination has given rise to entirely new food genres, such as Tex-Mex or Indo-Chinese cuisine, enriching our gastronomic repertoire.

However, this culinary globalization is not without its complexities and challenges. The homogenization of food culture, often driven by multinational fast-food chains, can threaten local culinary traditions and dietary patterns. This shift has, in some cases, contributed to the rise of diet-related health issues in populations transitioning away from traditional diets.

Furthermore, the global food trade has raised pertinent questions about sustainability and food security. The carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation and the potential vulnerability of complex international supply chains are growing concerns in our interconnected world.

In conclusion, while globalization has undeniably enriched our culinary experiences and broadened our gastronomic horizons, it also necessitates a thoughtful approach to food consumption. The challenge lies in striking a balance between embracing global culinary diversity and preserving local food heritage, all while advocating for sustainable and equitable food systems.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Gastronomic /ˌɡæstrəˈnɒmɪk/ (adjective): Related to the art or science of good eating.
   Example: The city is known for its gastronomic delights.

2. Culinary /ˈkʌlɪnəri/ (adjective): Related to cooking or kitchens.
   Example: She pursued her passion for culinary arts at a prestigious cooking school.

3. Delicacy /ˈdelɪkəsi/ (noun): A rare or expensive food item considered as a special treat.
   Example: Truffles are considered a delicacy in many cuisines.

4. Savory /ˈseɪvəri/ (adjective): Having a salty or spicy flavor, not sweet.
   Example: The dish had a rich, savory flavor that was very satisfying.

5. To tantalize /ˈtæntəlaɪz/ (verb): To tease or torment by presenting something desirable but unobtainable.
   Example: The aroma of freshly baked bread tantalizes passersby.

Key culinary vocabulary for IELTS Speaking

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a foreign dish:

1. Use a wide range of vocabulary related to food, cooking, and cultural experiences.
2. Structure your answer clearly, addressing all parts of the question.
3. Provide specific details about the dish, its origin, and your reasons for wanting to try it.
4. Use idiomatic expressions and complex sentence structures to demonstrate language proficiency.
5. Practice describing various dishes and culinary experiences to build confidence and fluency.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just about the content, but also how you express your ideas. Aim for clarity, coherence, and linguistic richness in your responses.

For further practice, you might want to describe a traditional dish in your culture that you want to learn to cook, or describe a skill you have mastered if cooking is one of your strengths. Additionally, you could describe a recipe you recently tried to further showcase your culinary vocabulary and experiences.

By incorporating these strategies and expanding your food-related vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about foreign dishes or culinary experiences in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the goal is not just to describe the dish, but to use it as a springboard for demonstrating your English language skills and cultural awareness. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!