Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Special Meal You Had Recently

IELTS Speaking examiners frequently ask candidates to describe a special meal they had recently. This topic allows test-takers to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to structure a coherent response. Let’s explore how to excel in answering this question across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about food and eating habits. Here are some common questions and a sample answer:

Sample Question:

“Do you enjoy cooking?”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“Absolutely. I find cooking to be a therapeutic and creative activity. There’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming raw ingredients into a delicious meal. I particularly enjoy experimenting with fusion cuisines, combining elements from different culinary traditions to create unique flavor profiles.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card:

Describe A Special Meal You Had Recently
You should say:

• What the meal was
• Where you had it
• Who you had it with
• And explain why it was special to you

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to describe a truly memorable meal I had last month to celebrate my sister’s graduation. It was a gourmet seven-course dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of the city.

The meal was an exquisite culinary journey that began with an amuse-bouche of truffle-infused foam, followed by a delicate seafood appetizer. The main course was a succulent wagyu beef steak, perfectly cooked to medium-rare, accompanied by seasonal vegetables prepared in innovative ways. The pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the dessert – a deconstructed lemon tart with basil sorbet that was both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful.

I shared this gastronomic experience with my immediate family – my parents and my sister. The intimate setting of the restaurant, with its subdued lighting and elegant décor, created the perfect atmosphere for our celebration.

What made this meal particularly special was not just the exceptional quality of the food, but also the significance of the occasion. It was a culmination of my sister’s years of hard work, and the meal served as a fitting tribute to her achievements. The attentive service and the chef’s innovative approach to classic dishes elevated the entire experience, making it a night to remember.

Moreover, the meal sparked fascinating conversations about food, culture, and our family’s journey. It was more than just a dinner; it was a shared experience that brought us closer together and created lasting memories. This special meal epitomized the power of food to unite, celebrate, and create joy – truly a feast for both the palate and the soul.”

IELTS Speaking: Describing a special meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant

Follow-up Questions:

1. How did you feel during the meal?
2. Would you recommend this restaurant to others? Why or why not?

Sample Answers (Band 8-9):

1. “During the meal, I felt a mixture of excitement and gratitude. The anticipation of each course was thrilling, and I was deeply appreciative of the culinary artistry on display. There was also a profound sense of joy and contentment as I shared this extraordinary experience with my loved ones.”

2. “I would wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant to others, particularly for special occasions. The impeccable service, innovative cuisine, and elegant ambiance combine to create an unforgettable dining experience. However, I would caveat that recommendation with a note about the price point, as such high-end dining can be quite expensive and may not be suitable for everyday meals.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: “How have eating habits changed in your country in recent years?”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“In recent years, there has been a significant shift in eating habits in my country. Firstly, there’s been a growing awareness of health and nutrition, leading to an increased demand for organic, locally-sourced produce and plant-based options. Many people are adopting flexitarian diets, reducing meat consumption without completely eliminating it.

Secondly, the rise of food delivery apps has revolutionized how people access meals, making a wide variety of cuisines available at the touch of a button. This has led to a surge in convenience eating, but also exposed people to diverse culinary traditions they might not have tried otherwise.

Lastly, there’s been a resurgence of interest in traditional and regional cuisines, with many restaurants and home cooks rediscovering and reimagining local dishes. This trend reflects a broader cultural movement towards preserving heritage while embracing innovation.

These changes reflect wider societal shifts related to technology, globalization, and changing attitudes towards health and sustainability. It’s an exciting time for food culture, as we see a blend of tradition and modernity shaping our eating habits.”

Changing eating habits in modern society

Examiner: “Do you think traditional cooking methods are being lost? Why or why not?”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“This is a nuanced issue with valid arguments on both sides. On one hand, there’s a legitimate concern about the erosion of traditional cooking methods. The fast-paced nature of modern life often leads people to opt for quick, convenient meals, which can result in traditional, time-intensive techniques falling by the wayside. Additionally, the globalization of food culture means that international cuisines and fusion dishes are becoming more prevalent, potentially overshadowing local culinary traditions.

However, I would argue that we’re also seeing a countervailing trend of renewed interest in traditional cooking methods. Many celebrity chefs and food bloggers are championing heritage recipes and techniques, bringing them to a wider audience. There’s also a growing movement towards slow food and artisanal production, which often involves reviving traditional methods.

Furthermore, in many cultures, traditional cooking is seen as a way to preserve identity and connect with one’s roots. This has led to efforts to document and pass down traditional recipes and techniques, often through cookbooks, TV shows, and online platforms.

So while it’s true that some traditional methods may be less commonly practiced in everyday cooking, I believe they’re not being lost entirely. Instead, they’re being preserved, adapted, and celebrated in new ways, reflecting the dynamic nature of culinary culture.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Gastronomic experience /ˌɡæstrəˈnɒmɪk ɪkˈspɪəriəns/ (noun phrase): A high-quality, elaborate eating experience.
   Example: “The tasting menu was a true gastronomic experience, showcasing the chef’s skill and creativity.”

2. Culinary artistry /ˈkʌlɪnəri ˈɑːtɪstri/ (noun phrase): The skill and creativity involved in preparing and presenting food.
   Example: “The dessert was a perfect example of culinary artistry, combining unexpected flavors and textures.”

3. Pièce de résistance /pjes də reɪzɪˈstɒns/ (noun phrase): The most important or impressive item.
   Example: “The chocolate soufflé was the pièce de résistance of the meal, light yet intensely flavored.”

4. Ambiance /ˈæmbiəns/ (noun): The character and atmosphere of a place.
   Example: “The soft lighting and jazz music created a relaxing ambiance in the restaurant.”

5. 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, blending flavors and techniques from both regions.”

Describe a uniform you had to wear in the past. This topic can also help you practice describing clothing and past experiences, which are valuable skills for the IELTS Speaking test.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a special meal:

1. Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate a range of descriptive words and culinary terms to vividly portray the meal.

2. Structure your answer: Organize your thoughts logically, covering all aspects mentioned in the cue card.

3. Provide details: Offer specific examples and sensory descriptions to make your answer more engaging and memorable.

4. Show enthusiasm: Convey your emotions and explain why the meal was special to you.

5. Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses or hesitations.

6. Develop ideas: In Part 3, discuss broader themes related to food and society, demonstrating critical thinking skills.

Remember, regular practice with a variety of topics will help you become more confident and articulate in the IELTS Speaking test.