Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Traditional Food You Enjoy

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about food and cultural traditions. One common topic is describing a traditional dish from your country that you enjoy. This task allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and cultural knowledge. Let’s explore how to excel in answering this type of question.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

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

1. What is your favorite traditional food from your country?
2. How often do you eat traditional dishes?
3. Do you prefer traditional or modern cuisine?

Let’s focus on answering the first question:

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“My favorite traditional dish from my country is pho, which is a Vietnamese noodle soup. It’s a hearty and aromatic dish that consists of a flavorful broth, rice noodles, and tender slices of beef or chicken. What I love most about pho is its complex flavor profile, combining savory, sweet, and umami notes. It’s not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that reflects our culture and history.”

Traditional Vietnamese Pho Noodle Soup

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to traditional food:

Describe a traditional food from your country that you enjoy
You should say:
- What the food is
- How it is prepared
- When people usually eat it
- And explain why you like this food

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about a traditional food from my country that I really enjoy, which is banh mi. Banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that combines French and Vietnamese culinary influences. It consists of a crispy baguette filled with various ingredients.

To prepare banh mi, we start with a freshly baked baguette that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The bread is then sliced lengthwise and spread with mayonnaise and pate. Next, we add layers of Vietnamese cold cuts, such as ham or pork belly, along with pickled vegetables like carrots and daikon radish. Fresh cilantro, cucumber slices, and chili peppers are added for extra flavor and crunch.

People usually eat banh mi as a quick breakfast or lunch. It’s a popular street food that you can find in almost every corner of Vietnamese cities. Many people also enjoy it as a snack throughout the day.

I like this food because it’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crispy bread, savory meats, tangy pickles, and fresh herbs create a harmonious combination that’s both satisfying and delicious. Moreover, banh mi represents the fusion of cultures in Vietnamese cuisine, which I find fascinating. It’s a portable, affordable, and tasty meal that always reminds me of home.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d be delighted to describe a traditional dish from my country that I absolutely adore – banh mi. This iconic Vietnamese sandwich is a culinary masterpiece that beautifully encapsulates the fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisines, a testament to our country’s rich cultural history.

The preparation of banh mi is an art form in itself. It begins with a meticulously crafted baguette, which must strike the perfect balance between a crackling crust and a pillowy interior. This bread is then deftly sliced and generously slathered with high-quality mayonnaise and pate, laying the foundation for a symphony of flavors.

The true magic lies in the filling, where an array of expertly prepared Vietnamese cold cuts, such as cha lua (pork sausage) or thit nguoi (Vietnamese ham), are artfully arranged. These are complemented by a vibrant medley of pickled carrots and daikon radish, which provide a tantalizing contrast of textures and tastes. The sandwich is then crowned with fresh cilantro, crisp cucumber slices, and fiery chili peppers, each element carefully chosen to create a harmonious flavor profile.

Banh mi is ubiquitous in Vietnamese daily life, serving as a beloved breakfast staple, a satisfying lunch option, or a quick snack for those on the go. Its popularity transcends social boundaries, being equally enjoyed by blue-collar workers and white-collar professionals alike.

What truly captivates me about banh mi is its remarkable ability to encapsulate the essence of Vietnamese cuisine in a single bite. It’s a gastronomic journey that takes you through layers of flavor and texture, from the initial crunch of the baguette to the umami-rich meats and the zesty kick of pickled vegetables. Moreover, banh mi serves as a tangible representation of Vietnam’s complex history, showcasing how our culture has adeptly assimilated foreign influences while maintaining its unique identity. This culinary creation is not just food; it’s a cultural ambassador that tells the story of my country’s resilience and creativity.”

Follow-up questions:

1. How has this traditional food changed over time?
2. Do you think younger generations appreciate traditional foods as much as older generations?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

1. “Banh mi has evolved significantly over time. While the basic concept remains the same, modern versions often incorporate innovative fillings like grilled lemongrass chicken or vegetarian options with tofu. Some chefs are even experimenting with fusion varieties, adding Korean or Japanese flavors to create unique twists on this classic sandwich.”

2. “I believe there’s a growing appreciation for traditional foods among younger generations. Many young people are becoming more interested in their cultural heritage and see traditional cuisine as a way to connect with their roots. However, they also tend to seek out healthier or more sustainable versions of these dishes, adapting them to fit modern dietary preferences and environmental concerns.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

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

Examiner: How do you think globalization has affected traditional cuisines?

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“Globalization has had a significant impact on traditional cuisines. On one hand, it has made ingredients from around the world more accessible, allowing people to try authentic dishes from other cultures. This has led to a greater appreciation for diverse cuisines. However, it has also led to the standardization of some dishes, potentially losing some of their unique local characteristics.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The impact of globalization on traditional cuisines is multi-faceted and profound. On a positive note, it has facilitated a cross-pollination of culinary ideas, leading to innovative fusion cuisines that blend the best of different culinary traditions. This has broadened our gastronomic horizons and fostered a greater appreciation for global food cultures.

Moreover, globalization has made exotic ingredients more readily available, allowing chefs and home cooks alike to recreate authentic dishes from around the world with greater accuracy. This has led to a renaissance of interest in traditional cuisines, as people become more curious about the origins and cultural significance of different foods.

However, we must also consider the potential drawbacks. The homogenization of food culture is a real concern, with global fast-food chains often overshadowing local eateries. This can lead to a dilution of culinary heritage in some regions. Additionally, the demand for certain ingredients on a global scale can sometimes lead to unsustainable farming practices or the exploitation of local communities.

Despite these challenges, I believe that globalization has ultimately enriched our culinary landscape. It has encouraged a dialogue between different food cultures, promoting understanding and appreciation across borders. The key lies in striking a balance between embracing global influences and preserving the authenticity and integrity of traditional cuisines.”

Examiner: Do you think traditional foods play a role in preserving cultural identity?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I believe traditional foods play a crucial role in preserving cultural identity. Food is often deeply intertwined with a culture’s history, geography, and values. Traditional dishes are passed down through generations, carrying with them stories and techniques that reflect a community’s heritage. They serve as a tangible link to the past and help maintain cultural practices and rituals associated with food preparation and consumption.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, traditional foods play an indispensable role in preserving and promoting cultural identity. Culinary traditions are often the most resilient and accessible aspects of a culture, serving as a living repository of a community’s history, values, and collective experiences.

Firstly, traditional foods act as a powerful mnemonic device, evoking memories and emotions tied to cultural experiences. The taste, aroma, and preparation of these dishes can transport individuals back to their roots, reinforcing their connection to their heritage. This sensory link to culture is particularly important for diaspora communities, helping them maintain their identity in new environments.

Moreover, traditional cuisine often reflects a region’s geography, climate, and available resources, thus encapsulating the essence of a place. The ingredients, preparation methods, and eating rituals associated with these foods provide insight into the adaptive strategies and ingenuity of a culture, showcasing how communities have interacted with their environment over generations.

Traditional foods also play a crucial role in social cohesion and community building. Shared meals and culinary traditions often form the centerpiece of cultural celebrations and rituals, reinforcing social bonds and providing a sense of belonging. The act of preparing and sharing these foods becomes a means of cultural transmission, allowing older generations to pass on knowledge, skills, and values to younger ones.

In an era of rapid globalization, traditional foods serve as a cultural anchor, helping to preserve diversity in an increasingly homogenized world. They offer a unique way for cultures to assert their distinctiveness and share their heritage with others. As such, the preservation and promotion of traditional cuisines is not just about maintaining culinary practices, but about safeguarding cultural identity in its most tangible and delicious form.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

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

1. Culinary heritage /ˈkʌlɪnəri ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ (noun): The traditional dishes and cooking methods passed down through generations.
   Example: “Pho is an integral part of Vietnam’s culinary heritage.”

2. Gastronomic delight /ˌgæstrəˈnɒmɪk dɪˈlaɪt/ (noun phrase): A food that gives great pleasure to those who eat it.
   Example: “Banh mi is truly a gastronomic delight that satisfies all the senses.”

3. 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.”

4. Artisanal /ˌɑːtɪˈzænəl/ (adjective): Made in a traditional or non-mechanized way.
   Example: “The bread used in authentic banh mi is often artisanal, baked fresh daily.”

5. Palate /ˈpælət/ (noun): A person’s appreciation of taste and flavor.
   Example: “The complex flavors of traditional dishes can educate and refine one’s palate.”

6. Quintessential /ˌkwɪntɪˈsenʃəl/ (adjective): Representing the most perfect or typical example of something.
   Example: “Pho is the quintessential Vietnamese comfort food.”

7. Culinary prowess /ˈkʌlɪnəri ˈpraʊəs/ (noun phrase): Great skill in cooking.
   Example: “The preparation of traditional dishes often showcases the culinary prowess of experienced chefs.”

8. Gastronomic journey /ˌgæstrəˈnɒmɪk ˈdʒɜːni/ (noun phrase): An exploration of different foods and flavors.
   Example: “Trying various traditional dishes is like embarking on a gastronomic journey through a country’s history.”

Using these terms and phrases in your responses can demonstrate a sophisticated vocabulary and a deep understanding of the topic, potentially leading to higher scores in the IELTS Speaking test.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing traditional foods, consider the following tips:

1. Develop your vocabulary: Build a rich lexicon of food-related terms and descriptive adjectives. Practice using these words in context to describe flavors, textures, and cooking methods.

2. Use idiomatic expressions: Incorporate relevant idioms and colloquialisms to add color to your language. For example, “It’s not my cup of tea” or “It’s to die for.”

3. Provide detailed explanations: Don’t just state facts; elaborate on your points. Explain the cultural significance of dishes, describe preparation methods, and discuss your personal experiences with the food.

4. Practice coherent structuring: Organize your thoughts logically. Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly.

5. Show cultural awareness: Demonstrate your understanding of how food relates to broader cultural and social issues. This can include discussing how traditional foods reflect a country’s history or how globalization affects local cuisines.

6. Use a range of tenses: When discussing traditional foods, you’ll likely need to use various tenses. Practice using past, present, and future tenses accurately.

7. Develop your answers: In Parts 2 and 3, aim to give extended responses. Use examples, anecdotes, and explanations to support your main points.

8. Express and justify opinions: Especially in Part 3, don’t just state facts. Share your views on food-related topics and support them with logical reasoning.

9. Work on pronunciation: Pay attention to the correct pronunciation of food-related terms, especially those from your own culture. Clear pronunciation contributes to your overall fluency score.

10. Stay relevant: Always keep the question in mind and ensure your answer directly addresses it. It’s easy to go off-topic when discussing something you’re passionate about, like food!

Remember, practice is key. Try recording yourself answering sample questions and listen back to identify areas for improvement. With consistent effort and application of these tips, you can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS Speaking test.

describe a food that reminds you of childhood

By focusing on these aspects and regularly practicing your speaking skills, you can improve your ability to discuss traditional foods and other topics in the IELTS Speaking test, potentially achieving a higher band score.