Describe Your Favourite Food: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What dish or food item it is?
How it is prepared or cooked?
How common this food item or dish is?
Why it is your favourite?

36 unique answers with expert feedback

What other Chinese dishes do you enjoy?

Apart from chicken lollipop, I really enjoy dishes like Kung Pao chicken and fried rice. I love the variety of flavors in Chinese cuisine, especially the balance of sweet, sour, and spicy elements. Each dish has its unique taste and cooking style, which makes it exciting to explore.

How often do you cook Chinese food at home?

I try to cook Chinese food at home at least once a week. It’s a fun experience, and I enjoy experimenting with different recipes. Cooking at home allows me to adjust the flavors to my liking, and I often invite friends over to share the meal, which makes it even more enjoyable.

Do you prefer eating out or cooking at home?

While I love cooking at home, I also enjoy eating out at Chinese restaurants. Eating out gives me the chance to try authentic dishes prepared by experienced chefs. However, cooking at home is more satisfying because I can customize the flavors and share the experience with family and friends.

Band 7

00:00

One of my favorite dishes of all time is probably Maghlouba, it's a traditional Saudi dish that I love. To be honest, I'm hungry right now just thinking of it. It's basically made of rice, chicken and multiple layers of vegetables from eggplant to potatoes to spinach and all of that. One of the reasons to which why I love it is probably because it's so delicious and it's really really filling. I've loved it since I was a kid, to this day I'm still obsessed with Maghlouba. And the main reason why it's called Maghlouba is because when the platter is put onto the dining table, you have to flip it in order to get all the layers of the vegetables.

Follow up questions

What other traditional dishes do you enjoy?

Apart from Maghlouba, I also enjoy dishes like Kabsa and Shawarma. Kabsa is a spiced rice dish with meat, while Shawarma is a popular street food made of marinated meat wrapped in pita bread. Each dish has its unique flavors and reminds me of home.

How do you usually prepare Maghlouba?

I usually prepare Maghlouba by first cooking the chicken with spices, then layering it with rice and vegetables in a pot. After that, I let it simmer until everything is cooked through. Finally, I flip it onto a large platter for serving, which is always a fun part!

Why do you think food is important in your culture?

Food plays a crucial role in my culture as it brings people together during gatherings and celebrations. Traditional dishes like Maghlouba are often served during family events, symbolizing hospitality and the importance of sharing meals with loved ones.

Band 7

00:00

My favorite food is a bit stereotypical Indian dish. It's butter chicken. I really enjoy the smooth flavor of butter with a bit of spiciness and a hint of creaminess from the cream. Preparing butter chicken is a very linear process. Basically to start with we have to get a chicken in curry cuts and we have to prepare the gravy with boiling tomatoes and then onions sorting onions and then grinding it all up with bunch of spices and then we add chicken to it with lots and heaps and heaps of butter. It's a really common dish in India. You can try it from anywhere from a small restaurant to a five-star hotel and it will taste as good as you can make it at home as well. It never misses. I would recommend trying it at home. It's very it's not particularly easy to make but it's a fun experience.

Follow up questions

What other Indian dishes do you enjoy?

Apart from butter chicken, I also enjoy dishes like biryani, paneer tikka, and samosas. Each dish has its unique flavors and preparation methods. Biryani is a fragrant rice dish with spices and meat, while paneer tikka is a delicious vegetarian option made with marinated cheese.

How do you usually enjoy butter chicken?

I usually enjoy butter chicken with naan or rice. The naan is perfect for scooping up the rich gravy, while rice complements the dish well. I also like to add a side of salad or raita to balance the flavors and add some freshness to the meal.

Have you ever tried making butter chicken yourself?

Yes, I have tried making butter chicken at home a few times. It was a fun experience, although it took some time to get the flavors just right. I learned a lot about balancing spices and the importance of using fresh ingredients for the best taste.

Practice other cue cards

Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country .

View answers

Band 7

00:00

My favorite food item is Pani Puri and Pani Puri is made from basically two things, that is one is spicy chutney and second one is sweet chutney. So spicy chutney is made from Padina, coriander, green chillies and some salt and also sweet chutney is made from the jaggery and dates. So this is a blend of the two chutneys in a puri which is made from wheat flour or we can say flour also and it is my favorite dish because when it gets into the mouth it has a burst of flavors in it.

Follow up questions

What other ingredients can be added to Pani Puri?

Besides the chutneys, Pani Puri can include ingredients like boiled potatoes, chickpeas, and onions. Some people also add spices or herbs to enhance the flavor. The versatility of Pani Puri allows for various combinations, making it a popular street food in many regions.

How is Pani Puri typically served?

Pani Puri is usually served in a platter with the puris and separate bowls of the chutneys and flavored water. Diners fill the puris with the chutneys and water just before eating, creating a fun and interactive dining experience. It's often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.

Why do you think Pani Puri is popular in your country?

Pani Puri is popular due to its unique taste and the burst of flavors it offers. It's a favorite among street food lovers for its affordability and the excitement of eating it. Additionally, its cultural significance and the social aspect of sharing it with friends contribute to its popularity.

Band 7

00:00

My favorite cuisine is Italian and my favorite food would be spaghetti. I love spaghetti arrabiata and the reason that I like Italian cuisine mainly is because it's very, it's not only flavorful but it's very subtle on the taste. There are no complex flavors. It's a very comforting meal and the main thing I love about the recipe is that you can tweak it accordingly to what available and protein that you have available in hand without having to change the taste, without having to vary the main sauce. Spaghetti arrabiata is basically made with garlic, tomato and basil. It's very easy to cook. It's a very simple recipe. It's pretty straightforward. You boil the spaghetti for the sauce, you grind the tomatoes, add basil and chopped garlic and cook it till everything is well combined and then you just mix the spaghetti in it. It takes about 10 minutes. I usually make it at home whenever I want to just grab a quick bite and I can also just change the recipe based on my preference, not only for the food available but also based on the weather. I can make this recipe even as a cold recipe. There is something called as a cold pasta where you make the sauce in advance and then you keep it in the freezer and let it cool down. It's such an easy dish that you can easily use the same ingredients but just cool the noodles as well as the sauce and just pour the cooled sauce over the noodles and it makes a very refreshing dish. Because of the basil it makes a very refreshing dish to eat even in hotter days. The flavour profile is very simple and the taste is extremely good.

Follow up questions

What other Italian dishes do you enjoy besides spaghetti?

I also enjoy dishes like lasagna and risotto. Lasagna is great for its layers of flavor and texture, while risotto is creamy and comforting. Each dish has its unique appeal, but I always find myself coming back to spaghetti for its simplicity and versatility.

How do you usually learn new recipes for Italian cuisine?

I often watch cooking shows and YouTube tutorials to learn new recipes. I also enjoy reading cookbooks and experimenting with different ingredients. Sometimes, I ask friends or family for their favorite recipes, which adds a personal touch to my cooking.

Do you prefer cooking at home or dining out for Italian food?

I prefer cooking at home because I can control the ingredients and customize the flavors to my liking. However, dining out is also enjoyable, especially when I want to try authentic dishes from different regions of Italy that I might not make at home.

Show all 36 answers

Cue 1:What dish or food item it is?

Begin by naming your favorite food item clearly.
Provide a brief description of the dish, including its main ingredients.

Example

My favorite food is biryani, a fragrant rice dish that is often made with marinated meat, spices, and sometimes vegetables. It is a popular dish in India, especially in the northern regions.

Cue 2:How it is prepared or cooked?

Explain the cooking process in a simple way, mentioning key steps.
You can include any special techniques or ingredients that make it unique.

Example

Biryani is prepared by first marinating the meat in yogurt and spices for a few hours. Then, the rice is partially cooked separately. Finally, layers of marinated meat and rice are combined in a pot and cooked together on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Cue 3:How common this food item or dish is?

Discuss the popularity of the dish in your region or country.
Mention any occasions or festivals where this dish is typically served.

Example

Biryani is extremely common in India and is often served at weddings, festivals, and family gatherings. It is a dish that brings people together, and you can find various regional variations across the country.

Cue 4:Why it is your favourite?

Share personal feelings or memories associated with the dish.
Explain what makes this dish special to you compared to others.

Example

Biryani is my favorite because it reminds me of family gatherings where we would all sit together and enjoy a hearty meal. The rich flavors and the aroma of spices evoke a sense of comfort and nostalgia for me.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, biryani is not just a dish for me; it represents love, family, and tradition. Its unique preparation and the joy it brings during special occasions make it my all-time favorite food.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Lack of Detail in Description

Providing vague answers can make your response uninteresting. It's important to give specific details about the dish to engage the listener.

Tip

Include sensory details like taste, texture, and aroma to make your description vivid and appealing.

2: Ignoring Cooking Process

Failing to explain how the food is prepared can leave your answer incomplete. This is a key part of the cue card.

Tip

Outline the main steps in the cooking process, mentioning any special techniques or ingredients that make it unique.

Not Explaining Popularity

Neglecting to discuss how common the dish is can miss an opportunity to connect with the audience's experiences.

Tip

Mention where the dish is typically served, its cultural significance, or how often you and others enjoy it.

IELTS Cue Cards asked last week

Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS

Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

Answer

I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.