The topic of trying new cuisines is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. It allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary related to food, culture, and personal experiences. This theme is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams due to its universal appeal and connection to everyday life.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

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

Question: Do you enjoy trying new foods?

Answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I’m quite adventurous when it comes to food. I believe that trying new cuisines is not just about satisfying hunger, but also about exploring different cultures. Every dish tells a story about its origin and the people who created it. For instance, I recently tried sushi for the first time, and it was a revelation – the combination of flavors and textures was unlike anything I’d experienced before.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to the theme:

Describe A Time When You Tried A New Cuisine
You should say:

• What the cuisine was
• Where you tried it
• Who you were with
• And explain how you felt about this new food experience

Person trying new exotic cuisine in restaurant

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about the time I tried Thai cuisine for the first time. It was during a trip to Bangkok with my college friends last summer. We decided to visit a local restaurant recommended by our hotel staff.

The restaurant was bustling with locals, which we took as a good sign. We ordered a variety of dishes, including Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, and green curry. The aromas were incredibly enticing, and I was excited to taste everything.

When the food arrived, I was struck by the vibrant colors and beautiful presentation. The Pad Thai had a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. The Tom Yum soup was spicy and tangy, with a rich coconut milk base that I found absolutely delicious.

I felt a mix of excitement and surprise throughout the meal. The flavors were so complex and intense, unlike anything I’d tasted before. It was a eye-opening experience that made me appreciate the diversity of global cuisines.

This experience sparked my interest in Thai cooking, and since then, I’ve been trying to recreate some of these dishes at home. It’s become a new hobby of mine, and I’m always excited to share these flavors with my family and friends.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d be delighted to share my experience of sampling Ethiopian cuisine for the first time. This culinary adventure took place at an authentic Ethiopian restaurant in the heart of London’s diverse food scene. I was accompanied by a colleague who had lived in Addis Ababa for several years and was eager to introduce me to this rich gastronomic tradition.

Upon entering the restaurant, I was immediately captivated by the aromatic spices permeating the air. We were seated at a traditional low table called a mesob, which added to the cultural immersion. My colleague suggested we try injera, a spongy sourdough flatbread that serves as both a base and utensil for various dishes.

We ordered a vegetarian platter and a meat combination. The vegetarian dishes included shiro wat (a spiced chickpea stew) and misir wat (red lentils in a berbere sauce). The meat dishes featured doro wat (a spicy chicken stew) and kitfo (minced raw beef seasoned with mitmita, a fiery spice blend).

As we began our meal, I was struck by the communal nature of Ethiopian dining. Sharing food from a single platter created a sense of connection and camaraderie. The explosion of flavors was truly remarkable – the berbere spice blend, in particular, was a revelation to my palate.

This experience was profoundly enlightening. It wasn’t just about trying new foods; it was a window into Ethiopian culture and hospitality. I found myself reflecting on how food can be a powerful medium for cultural exchange and understanding.

The complexity of flavors, the unique dining etiquette, and the story behind each dish left a lasting impression on me. This experience has ignited a passion for exploring lesser-known cuisines and has made me more open-minded about food in general. It’s truly amazing how a single meal can broaden one’s culinary horizons and foster a deeper appreciation for global diversity.”

Follow-up Questions:

1. How has this experience influenced your eating habits?
2. Would you recommend this cuisine to others? Why or why not?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“This experience has had a profound impact on my eating habits. It’s made me more adventurous and open-minded when it comes to trying new foods. I now actively seek out restaurants offering cuisines I’m unfamiliar with, and I’m more inclined to experiment with exotic ingredients in my own cooking.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this cuisine to others. Ethiopian food offers a unique sensory experience that goes beyond just taste. The communal style of eating fosters a sense of connection, and the rich flavors provide insight into the country’s history and culture. It’s an excellent way to broaden one’s culinary horizons and gain a deeper appreciation for global gastronomy. However, I would advise those with milder palates to be prepared for the bold spices and potentially unfamiliar textures.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How do you think trying new cuisines can benefit a person?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Trying new cuisines can be incredibly beneficial in several ways. Firstly, it expands our palate and introduces us to new flavors and ingredients, which can make our diet more varied and nutritious. Secondly, it’s a form of cultural education. Food is often a gateway to understanding different cultures and traditions. When we try a new cuisine, we’re not just tasting food; we’re experiencing a part of another culture’s history and way of life.

Moreover, it can boost creativity in our own cooking. Exposure to different cooking techniques and flavor combinations can inspire us to experiment in our kitchens. Lastly, it can be a social experience that brings people together, fostering connections and creating shared memories.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The benefits of exploring new cuisines are multifaceted and profound. Primarily, it serves as a catalyst for cultural understanding and appreciation. Each dish is a narrative of its origins, encapsulating centuries of tradition, history, and social practices. By engaging with these culinary stories, we develop a more nuanced perspective of global diversity.

Furthermore, it challenges our preconceptions about food and flavor, promoting cognitive flexibility and open-mindedness. This openness often extends beyond the culinary realm, fostering a more accepting attitude towards unfamiliar experiences in general.

From a physiological standpoint, diversifying our diet introduces our bodies to a wider array of nutrients and beneficial compounds. This variety can contribute to improved gut health and potentially boost our immune system.

Lastly, the act of trying new cuisines can be a form of personal growth. It pushes us out of our comfort zones, encourages risk-taking (albeit in a controlled environment), and can boost self-confidence. These experiences often translate into greater adaptability and resilience in other areas of life.”

Diverse group of friends enjoying international cuisine

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Culinary adventure [ˈkʌlɪnəri ədˈventʃər] (noun phrase): An experience involving the exploration of new or exotic foods.
   Example: “My trip to Japan was a culinary adventure, filled with unfamiliar flavors and textures.”

2. Gastronomic [ˌgæstrəˈnɒmɪk] (adjective): Relating to the art or science of good eating.
   Example: “The gastronomic delights of France are renowned worldwide.”

3. Palate [ˈpælət] (noun): A person’s appreciation of taste and flavor.
   Example: “Traveling has really expanded my palate and made me more adventurous with food.”

4. Cuisine [kwɪˈziːn] (noun): A style or method of cooking, especially as characteristic of a particular country or region.
   Example: “Italian cuisine is known for its use of fresh ingredients and simple preparations.”

5. To savor [ˈseɪvər] (verb): To enjoy or appreciate something to the full, especially by dwelling on it.
   Example: “I like to savor each bite of a new dish, really taking in all the flavors.”

6. Fusion [ˈfjuːʒən] (noun): In cooking, the combination of different culinary traditions or techniques.
   Example: “The restaurant specializes in fusion cuisine, blending Asian and Mediterranean flavors.”

7. Epicurean [ˌepɪkjʊˈriːən] (adjective): Devoted to the pursuit of sensual pleasure, especially to the enjoyment of good food and comfort.
   Example: “His epicurean tastes led him to seek out the finest restaurants wherever he traveled.”

8. To tantalize [ˈtæntəlaɪz] (verb): To tease or torment by or as if by presenting something desirable to the view but continually keeping it out of reach.
   Example: “The aroma of freshly baked bread tantalizes customers as they enter the bakery.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing culinary experiences:

1. Expand your food-related vocabulary: Learn words to describe tastes, textures, and cooking methods.

2. Practice describing dishes in detail: Focus on appearance, aroma, taste, and your emotional response.

3. Connect food to culture: Discuss how cuisines reflect the history and traditions of their origins.

4. Use idiomatic expressions: Incorporate food-related idioms naturally in your responses.

5. Develop personal anecdotes: Prepare stories about memorable food experiences to illustrate your points.

6. Express opinions confidently: Practice giving well-reasoned opinions about food trends and cultural differences in cuisine.

7. Work on pronunciation: Pay attention to the correct pronunciation of culinary terms, especially those from other languages.

8. Improve fluency: Practice speaking about food topics without long pauses or hesitations.

Remember, the key to success is not just in knowing the vocabulary, but in using it naturally and appropriately within the context of your responses. Regular practice with a variety of food-related topics will help you feel more confident and perform better in the actual test.

Describe an adventure sport you would like to try in the future to further enhance your speaking skills and expand your vocabulary in a different context. Additionally, you might find it helpful to describe a foreign dish you want to learn to cook, which can complement your knowledge about international cuisines and cooking techniques.