How to Ace the IELTS Speaking Test: Describing Your Favorite Local Dish

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about food and local cuisine. One common topic is describing a local dish you enjoy. This question allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to provide detailed descriptions. Let’s explore how to effectively answer this type of question and impress the examiner.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about food and eating habits. Here are some sample questions you might encounter:

1. Do you enjoy cooking?
2. What’s your favorite local dish?
3. How often do you eat out?

Let’s focus on question 2 and provide a sample answer:

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):

“My favorite local dish is pho, which is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup. It’s incredibly popular throughout the country and is often considered our national dish. What I love about pho is its rich, flavorful broth that’s simmered for hours with beef bones and aromatic spices. The soup is typically served with tender slices of beef or chicken, fresh herbs, and rice noodles. It’s a comforting meal that I enjoy for breakfast or dinner, especially on chilly days.”

Part 2: Long Turn

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

Describe a local dish you enjoy eating
You should say:
- What the dish is
- How it is prepared
- When you usually eat it
- Why you like it so much

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about a local dish that I absolutely adore, which is banh mi. It’s a Vietnamese sandwich that perfectly embodies the fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisines.

Banh mi starts with a crusty French baguette that’s been adapted to suit the local climate, resulting in a lighter, airier texture. The bread is then sliced lengthwise and filled with a variety of ingredients. Typically, it includes savory proteins like grilled pork, chicken, or pate, along with fresh, crisp vegetables such as cucumber, cilantro, and pickled carrots and daikon radish. To add extra flavor, it’s often spread with mayonnaise and a spicy chili sauce.

I usually eat banh mi as a quick lunch or an on-the-go snack. It’s readily available from street vendors and small shops throughout Vietnam, making it incredibly convenient. During my university days, I would often grab one between classes for a satisfying and affordable meal.

What I love most about banh mi is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of the crispy bread, savory meats, and fresh vegetables creates a harmonious blend that’s both satisfying and refreshing. The contrast between the warm, meat-filled interior and the cool, crunchy vegetables is simply divine. Moreover, banh mi reflects the cultural history of Vietnam, showcasing how foreign influences have been ingeniously incorporated into our local cuisine. It’s not just a delicious sandwich; it’s a culinary representation of our country’s rich heritage.”

Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwich Street Food

Follow-up Questions

The examiner may ask additional questions after your long turn. Here are some possibilities with sample answers:

1. Is this dish popular among tourists?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, banh mi has gained tremendous popularity among tourists in recent years. Many visitors to Vietnam are eager to try this iconic street food, as it offers a unique fusion of Vietnamese and French flavors. Travel blogs and food shows have heavily promoted banh mi, making it a must-try item on many tourists’ culinary bucket lists. Its portability and affordability also make it an attractive option for travelers exploring the country.”

2. How has this dish changed over time?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Banh mi has undergone a fascinating evolution since its inception. Originally, it was a simple combination of French bread and pate, reflecting the colonial influence. Over time, Vietnamese cooks ingeniously incorporated local ingredients and flavors, transforming it into the diverse sandwich we know today. In recent years, there’s been a trend towards gourmet versions of banh mi, with upscale restaurants and international chefs putting their own spin on this classic. We’re seeing innovative fillings like fusion cuisines and vegetarian options, catering to changing tastes and dietary preferences. Despite these changes, the essence of banh mi – its perfect balance of textures and flavors – remains fundamentally unchanged.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some sample questions and answers:

1. How important is traditional food to a country’s culture?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Traditional food plays a pivotal role in shaping and preserving a country’s cultural identity. It serves as a tangible link to our heritage, encapsulating centuries of history, customs, and local ingredients in each dish. Traditional cuisine often reflects the geography, climate, and socio-economic conditions of a region, providing insights into how people have adapted to their environment over time.

Moreover, traditional food acts as a cultural ambassador, allowing people from different backgrounds to connect and understand each other through shared culinary experiences. It’s often at the heart of celebrations and rituals, reinforcing social bonds and maintaining a sense of community.

In today’s globalized world, traditional food has become even more significant as a means of preserving cultural distinctiveness. As societies become more interconnected, maintaining these culinary traditions helps to counterbalance the homogenizing effects of globalization, ensuring that unique cultural identities are not lost.

However, it’s important to note that cuisine, like all aspects of culture, is not static. Traditional foods often evolve and adapt to changing tastes and available ingredients, reflecting the dynamic nature of culture itself. This evolution allows traditional cuisine to remain relevant and appealing to younger generations while still maintaining its cultural significance.”

Traditional Food in Cultural Identity and Celebration

2. Do you think globalization is affecting local food cultures?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Globalization has undoubtedly had a significant impact on local food cultures worldwide. On one hand, it has led to the widespread availability of international cuisines, allowing people to experience diverse flavors and cooking techniques without leaving their home countries. This cultural exchange has enriched many local food scenes and inspired fusion cuisines that blend different culinary traditions.

However, there are also concerns that globalization might be diluting or overshadowing local food cultures. The proliferation of fast-food chains and standardized international restaurants can sometimes overshadow traditional local eateries. This can potentially lead to a loss of culinary heritage if younger generations become more accustomed to global flavors than their own traditional dishes.

Despite these challenges, many communities are making concerted efforts to preserve and promote their local food cultures. There’s a growing trend of ‘food tourism’ where travelers seek authentic local culinary experiences, which helps sustain traditional food practices. Additionally, there’s an increasing awareness of the importance of preserving culinary heritage, leading to initiatives that document and celebrate local recipes and ingredients.

In my opinion, while globalization does pose some challenges to local food cultures, it also offers opportunities for these cuisines to gain international recognition and appreciation. The key lies in striking a balance between embracing global culinary trends and preserving local food traditions.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases that can help elevate your response:

1. Culinary heritage [ˈkʌlɪnəri ˈherɪtɪdʒ] (noun): The traditional dishes and cooking methods of a particular culture or region.
   Example: “Banh mi is an important part of Vietnam’s culinary heritage.”

2. Fusion cuisine [ˈfjuːʒən kwɪˈziːn] (noun): A style of cooking that combines elements from different culinary traditions.
   Example: “Banh mi is a perfect example of fusion cuisine, blending French and Vietnamese elements.”

3. Gastronomic [ˌgæstrəˈnɒmɪk] (adjective): Relating to the art or science of good eating.
   Example: “Vietnam offers a wide range of gastronomic delights to explore.”

4. Palate [ˈpælət] (noun): A person’s appreciation of taste and flavor.
   Example: “Banh mi offers a complex flavor profile that appeals to many palates.”

5. Quintessential [ˌkwɪntɪˈsenʃl] (adjective): Representing the most perfect or typical example of something.
   Example: “Pho is often considered the quintessential Vietnamese dish.”

Describe a restaurant you recently visited to practice using these terms in context and improve your speaking skills.

Examiner’s Advice

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

1. Provide rich details: Don’t just name the dish; describe its ingredients, preparation method, and cultural significance.

2. Use sensory language: Incorporate words that appeal to the senses (taste, smell, texture) to make your description vivid.

3. Show personal connection: Explain why you enjoy the dish and share any personal experiences or memories associated with it.

4. Demonstrate cultural awareness: Discuss how the dish reflects local customs, history, or geography.

5. Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses. Regular practice with a variety of food-related topics can help.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and a wide range of vocabulary will help you describe a restaurant you like to visit or any other food-related topic with ease.

By following these guidelines and incorporating rich vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss local dishes and other food-related topics in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember to describe a vacation you are planning or describe a family trip you enjoyed as these topics often involve food experiences as well. Good luck with your preparation!