Foreign cuisine has always been a fascinating topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, cultural awareness, and ability to express personal preferences. Let’s explore how to effectively describe a foreign food you want to try, a topic that has consistently appeared in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about food and eating habits. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you enjoy trying new foods?
A: Absolutely! I’m quite adventurous when it comes to food. I believe that trying new dishes is not just about satisfying hunger, but also about exploring different cultures and expanding my palate. Whenever I travel or dine out, I make it a point to order something unfamiliar, as it often leads to delightful culinary discoveries.
Adventurous food taster sampling an exotic dish
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a foreign food you want to try:
Describe a foreign food you want to try
You should say:
- What the food is
- Which country it comes from
- How you learned about this food
- Why you want to try it
And explain how you think it might taste.
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
The foreign food I’d really like to try is poutine, which is a popular dish from Canada. I first learned about poutine when I was watching a travel show on TV. The host was exploring Canadian cuisine and he described poutine as a must-try dish.
Poutine is basically french fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. It sounds like a simple combination, but apparently, it’s incredibly delicious. The reason I want to try it is because I’m a big fan of potatoes and cheese, and the idea of combining them with gravy seems really interesting.
I imagine poutine would taste quite rich and savory. The fries would be crispy on the outside but soft inside, and the cheese curds would add a nice texture. The gravy would probably make everything more flavorful and bring all the elements together. I think it might be a bit heavy, but very satisfying, especially on a cold day.
I’m really curious to see if it lives up to its reputation as a beloved Canadian comfort food. Hopefully, I’ll get the chance to visit Canada someday and try authentic poutine for myself.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
The foreign cuisine I’m eagerly anticipating to sample is authentic Japanese ramen, particularly the Tonkotsu variety originating from the Fukuoka prefecture in Japan. My fascination with this dish was initially piqued through a combination of culinary documentaries and the vibrant food culture portrayed in Japanese anime.
Tonkotsu ramen is renowned for its rich, creamy broth derived from long-simmered pork bones, topped with tender chashu (braised pork belly), ajitsuke tamago (marinated soft-boiled egg), and spring onions, all served over al dente noodles. The meticulous preparation and depth of flavor associated with this dish have captivated my interest.
My desire to try authentic Tonkotsu ramen stems from a profound appreciation for the culinary craftsmanship it represents. The idea of a broth that takes hours, sometimes days, to perfect, combined with the harmonious balance of textures and flavors, epitomizes the Japanese attention to detail and respect for ingredients.
I anticipate the taste to be an explosion of umami, with the broth offering a velvety mouthfeel that coats the palate. The noodles would likely provide a satisfying chewiness, while the toppings add layers of flavor and texture – from the melt-in-your-mouth pork to the creamy egg yolk. I imagine the experience would be not just a meal, but a journey through Japanese culinary tradition, offering insights into the culture’s values of patience, precision, and the art of perfection in simplicity.
Authentic Japanese Tonkotsu ramen bowl with rich broth and toppings
Follow-up Questions:
- Do you think it’s important to try foods from other cultures?
- How has globalization affected the availability of foreign foods in your country?
- What challenges might someone face when trying to cook foreign cuisine at home?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for Question 1:
Absolutely, I believe that trying foods from other cultures is not just important, but essential in our increasingly interconnected world. It goes beyond mere culinary exploration; it’s a form of cultural immersion that can broaden our perspectives and foster understanding between different societies.
When we taste foreign cuisines, we’re essentially experiencing history, geography, and tradition on a plate. Each dish tells a story of its origins, the ingenuity of its creators, and the environmental factors that shaped its development. For instance, the spice-rich curries of India reflect not only the country’s tropical climate but also its ancient trade routes and colonial influences.
Moreover, engaging with foreign foods can challenge our preconceptions and expand our palates. It encourages us to be more open-minded and adaptable, qualities that are invaluable in our globalized society. This culinary adventurousness often translates into a greater willingness to embrace diversity in other aspects of life.
From a practical standpoint, familiarity with various cuisines can be a valuable social and professional asset. It can facilitate connections with people from different backgrounds and demonstrate a worldly sophistication that is often appreciated in many fields.
In essence, trying foods from other cultures is a delightful form of education that nourishes both body and mind, promoting cross-cultural appreciation and global citizenship.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How do you think traditional foods reflect a country’s culture?
A (Band 6-7): I think traditional foods can tell us a lot about a country’s culture. They often show what ingredients are available in that region and what cooking methods people use. For example, in countries with cold climates, you might find more hearty, warm dishes. Traditional foods can also reflect a country’s history, like influences from other cultures or religions. Sometimes, the way people eat their traditional foods, like using chopsticks or eating with their hands, is also part of their culture.
A (Band 8-9): Traditional cuisines serve as a culinary embodiment of a nation’s cultural identity, offering profound insights into its history, geography, and societal values. These dishes are often the result of centuries of refinement, shaped by factors such as climate, available resources, religious practices, and historical events.
For instance, the prevalence of fermented foods in Korean cuisine, like kimchi, reflects not only the country’s agrarian past but also the necessity to preserve food for harsh winters. Similarly, the intricate spice blends in Indian cooking speak to the subcontinent’s rich history as a spice trade hub and its diverse regional influences.
Moreover, traditional foods often encapsulate social customs and rituals. The Japanese tea ceremony, for example, is not merely about consuming a beverage but represents deeper philosophical concepts of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.
The methods of preparation and consumption can also be telling. The communal nature of Mediterranean dining, with shared mezze platters, mirrors the region’s emphasis on family and social bonds. In contrast, the precision and individual presentation in haute French cuisine reflect a culture that highly values culinary artistry and refinement.
In essence, traditional foods serve as a tangible connection to a country’s heritage, offering a sensory experience of its cultural narrative and values. They are living artifacts that continue to evolve while maintaining links to the past, making them invaluable windows into understanding diverse cultures.
Diverse traditional foods representing different cultures
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Culinary adventure [ˈkʌlɪnəri ədˈventʃər] (noun phrase): An experience of trying new and exciting foods.
Example: “Trying street food in Bangkok was a real culinary adventure.” -
Gastronomic delight [ˌgæstrəˈnɒmɪk dɪˈlaɪt] (noun phrase): A food that gives great pleasure to eat.
Example: “The truffle pasta was an absolute gastronomic delight.” -
Palette [ˈpælət] (noun): The range of flavors in a cuisine or dish.
Example: “Thai cuisine offers a diverse palette of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.” -
Authentic [ɔːˈθentɪk] (adjective): Genuine or true to its origin.
Example: “I’m looking forward to trying authentic Italian pizza in Naples.” -
Fusion cuisine [ˈfjuːʒən kwɪˈziːn] (noun phrase): A style of cooking that combines elements from different culinary traditions.
Example: “The restaurant specializes in Asian-Latin fusion cuisine.” -
Delicacy [ˈdelɪkəsi] (noun): A rare or expensive food item considered especially delicious.
Example: “Caviar is considered a delicacy in many parts of the world.” -
To savor [ˈseɪvər] (verb): To enjoy food or drink by tasting it slowly and appreciatively.
Example: “I like to savor each bite of a well-prepared meal.” -
Aromatic [ˌærəˈmætɪk] (adjective): Having a pleasant and distinctive smell.
Example: “The aromatic spices in the curry filled the entire kitchen.” -
Mouthwatering [ˈmaʊθwɔːtərɪŋ] (adjective): Looking or smelling so good that it makes you want to eat it immediately.
Example: “The mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked bread drew me into the bakery.” -
To tantalize the taste buds [ˈtæntəlaɪz ðə teɪst bʌdz] (phrase): To excite the senses, especially in relation to food.
Example: “The chef’s innovative dessert tantalized our taste buds with its unique flavor combinations.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing foreign food:
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Expand your culinary vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with a range of food-related terms and descriptive adjectives.
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Practice describing tastes and textures: Be able to articulate flavors and mouthfeel in detail.
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Link food to culture: Show understanding of how cuisine relates to a country’s history, geography, and traditions.
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Use idiomatic expressions: Incorporate food-related idioms naturally in your responses.
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Develop personal anecdotes: Prepare stories about your own experiences with foreign foods.
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Express opinions confidently: Practice giving and justifying your views on different cuisines.
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Improve fluency: Regular speaking practice will help you discuss food topics more smoothly.
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Enhance pronunciation: Pay attention to the correct pronunciation of culinary terms and dish names.
Remember, the key to success is not just knowing about foreign foods, but being able to discuss them articulately and engagingly. Regular practice and expanding your knowledge of global cuisines will significantly enhance your performance in this topic area.
IELTS Speaking Test candidate describing foreign food
If you’re interested in further improving your IELTS Speaking skills, you might find it helpful to describe a dish you would like to introduce to a friend. This exercise can help you practice explaining food preferences and cultural significance in a more personal context.
