Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe an Interesting Dish You Like

The topic “describe an interesting dish you like” is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners. This topic allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary related to food, cooking methods, and cultural experiences. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about an interesting dish in each part of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about food and eating habits. Here are some common questions you might encounter:

1. Do you enjoy cooking?
2. What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
3. How often do you eat out?
4. Are there any foods you dislike?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you enjoy cooking?

Candidate (Band 7-8 answer):
“Yes, I absolutely love cooking. It’s not just a necessity for me, but a real passion. I find it incredibly relaxing to experiment with different ingredients and create new flavors. Plus, there’s something really satisfying about serving a delicious meal to my friends and family. I try to cook at least a few times a week, and I’m always on the lookout for new recipes to try.”

Key points for a high-scoring answer:

• Express enthusiasm
• Use varied vocabulary related to cooking
• Provide specific details and examples
• Use complex sentence structures

Describe a cultural event you attended that involved traditional food to further illustrate your interest in different cuisines and cultural experiences.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

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

Describe an interesting dish you like

You should say:
- What the dish is
- How it is prepared
- Where you first tried it
- And explain why you find it interesting

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about a fascinating dish called Pho, which is a traditional Vietnamese soup that has captured my heart with its complex flavors and rich cultural significance.

Pho is essentially a hearty soup consisting of a flavorful broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat – typically beef or chicken. The preparation of Pho is quite an intricate process. It starts with simmering beef bones and aromatic spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cloves for several hours to create a deep, robust broth. The noodles are cooked separately and added to the bowl just before serving, along with thin slices of meat. What makes Pho truly special is the array of fresh herbs and garnishes that accompany it, such as Thai basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, and lime wedges, allowing diners to customize their bowl to their liking.

I first encountered this culinary delight during a trip to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital. It was a chilly morning, and the steaming bowl of Pho was exactly what I needed to warm me up and energize me for the day ahead. The moment I tasted it, I was blown away by the harmonious blend of flavors – the rich, savory broth, the tender meat, and the fresh herbs all coming together in perfect balance.

What I find most interesting about Pho is how it encapsulates Vietnamese culture in a single bowl. It’s a dish that reflects the country’s history, with influences from both French and Chinese cuisine evident in its preparation. Moreover, the communal aspect of eating Pho, often enjoyed at street-side stalls where people from all walks of life gather, speaks volumes about the social fabric of Vietnamese society. The fact that each region in Vietnam has its own variation of Pho also highlights the country’s diverse culinary landscape.

In essence, Pho is more than just a meal; it’s a cultural experience that tantalizes the taste buds while offering a glimpse into Vietnamese traditions and way of life. Its complex flavors, meticulous preparation, and rich history make it a truly fascinating dish that I never tire of enjoying.”

A bowl of Vietnamese Pho with garnishes

Follow-up questions:

1. How often do you eat this dish?
2. Would you recommend this dish to others?

Sample answer (Band 7-8) for question 1:

“I try to enjoy Pho at least once a month. While it’s not always easy to find an authentic Vietnamese restaurant in my area, I’ve managed to discover a few hidden gems that serve excellent Pho. Sometimes, I even attempt to recreate the dish at home, although I must admit my version doesn’t quite match up to the real deal you’d find in Vietnam. It’s become something of a comfort food for me, especially during colder months when I crave something warm and nourishing.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions:

1. How do you think globalization has affected traditional cuisines?
2. What role does food play in cultural identity?
3. How important is it to preserve traditional cooking methods?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

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

Candidate (Band 8-9 answer):
“Globalization has had a profound impact on traditional cuisines, bringing about both positive and negative consequences. On the one hand, it has led to an unprecedented exchange of culinary ideas and techniques, allowing people to experience a diverse array of flavors and dishes from around the world. This cross-pollination of culinary traditions has resulted in exciting fusion cuisines and innovative cooking styles.

However, there’s also a flip side to this culinary globalization. In many cases, it has led to the homogenization of food cultures, with local dishes being adapted to suit global tastes or being replaced altogether by international fast-food chains. This trend poses a significant threat to the preservation of unique, regional culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Moreover, the demand for exotic ingredients driven by globalization has sometimes led to unsustainable farming practices and the exploitation of local resources in developing countries. On a more positive note, though, it has also created economic opportunities for small-scale farmers and food producers in these regions.

In essence, while globalization has broadened our culinary horizons, it’s crucial that we strike a balance between embracing new food experiences and preserving the authenticity and diversity of traditional cuisines. This could involve supporting local food producers, promoting culinary heritage through food tourism, and educating people about the cultural significance of traditional dishes.”

Fusion of global cuisines on a table

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Culinary delight /ˈkʌlɪnəri dɪˈlaɪt/ (noun phrase): A food that provides great pleasure to eat.
   Example: “The chef’s signature dish was a culinary delight that left diners craving more.”

2. Tantalizing /ˈtæntəlaɪzɪŋ/ (adjective): Tormenting or teasing with the sight or promise of something unobtainable.
   Example: “The tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread filled the entire street.”

3. Gastronomic /ˌɡæstrəˈnɒmɪk/ (adjective): Relating to the art or science of good eating.
   Example: “The city is known for its gastronomic excellence, boasting several Michelin-starred restaurants.”

4. To savor /ˈseɪvə(r)/ (verb): To enjoy or appreciate something completely, especially by dwelling on it.
   Example: “I like to savor every bite of a well-prepared meal, rather than rushing through it.”

5. Palate /ˈpælət/ (noun): A person’s appreciation of taste and flavor, especially when sophisticated and discriminating.
   Example: “Years of tasting different cuisines have refined her palate, making her quite the food critic.”

Describe a traditional dish you enjoy during a cultural festival to further demonstrate your knowledge of culinary traditions and cultural practices.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing food-related topics:

1. Use a wide range of vocabulary related to food, cooking methods, and flavors.
2. Provide detailed descriptions and personal anecdotes to make your answers more engaging.
3. Practice speaking about different cuisines and dishes to improve fluency.
4. Be prepared to discuss broader topics related to food, such as cultural significance and global trends.
5. Use idiomatic expressions and complex sentence structures to demonstrate language proficiency.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, fluency, and a natural conversational tone while incorporating sophisticated vocabulary and structures.

Describe a favorite dish you like to cook to showcase your personal experiences and cooking skills, which can further enrich your discussion about interesting dishes.

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss interesting dishes and food-related topics in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck!