Describe a kind of foreign food you like and you have had: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What the dish is?
Where you tried it?
What ingredients or taste you enjoyed?
And explain why you like it.

173 unique answers with expert feedback

What other foreign dishes have you tried?

I have tried various foreign dishes, including sushi from Japan, pasta from Italy, and tacos from Mexico. Each dish has its unique flavors and cooking styles, which I find fascinating. I enjoy exploring different cuisines and learning about their cultural significance.

How do you usually learn about new foreign foods?

I usually learn about new foreign foods through travel, cooking shows, and food blogs. I also enjoy visiting restaurants that specialize in international cuisine. Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube are great for discovering new recipes and food trends.

Do you prefer cooking foreign food at home or eating out?

I enjoy both cooking foreign food at home and eating out. Cooking at home allows me to experiment with flavors and ingredients, while dining out gives me the chance to experience authentic dishes prepared by skilled chefs. It’s a nice balance!

Band 7

00:00

So one foreign dish that I like is a white sauce pasta. I first tried it at a friend's birthday party where her mom had made the best white sauce pasta I could have ever tried. The one thing that I like about it is how easy it is to make and it's just so soothing. Something about it is very comforting and therefore I love the dish and I love how I can incorporate a lot of vegetables in it which I usually don't eat on a regular basis. So the vegetables when mixed with the cheese pasta or the cheese sauce with like chilli flakes and oregano, it just gives a good taste and that is something, that is one of my go-to meals. I can either have a vegetarian or non-vegetarian depending on my mood and it is something very comforting and very easy to make and it is like a very unique spin on the normal pastas that you usually have, the ready-to-make kind of pastas. So it is a very easy thing or an easy hands-on cooking experience for someone who's not a very good or a regular based cook.

Follow up questions

What other foreign dishes do you enjoy?

I also enjoy sushi and tacos. Sushi is fascinating because of its variety and freshness, while tacos are fun to customize with different fillings and toppings. Each dish offers a unique taste experience that I love exploring.

How do you usually prepare white sauce pasta?

I usually start by cooking the pasta until it's al dente. Then, I prepare the white sauce using butter, flour, and milk, adding cheese and spices. Finally, I mix in the cooked pasta and vegetables, letting everything blend together for a few minutes before serving.

Have you ever tried making white sauce pasta with a twist?

Yes, I once tried adding pesto to the white sauce, which gave it a unique flavor. I also experimented with different cheeses like feta and added sun-dried tomatoes for an extra kick. It turned out delicious and was a fun way to innovate the dish.

Band 7

00:00

One type of foreign food that I really enjoy is Japanese Sushi. I first tried it in a restaurant in Delhi and I was really curious because I had heard so much about it. The sushi I had was made of rice, seaweed, fresh fish and some vegetables. I could taste the salty seaweed, the slightly sweet rice and the freshness of fish. All together, the combination was very unique and refreshing. After that, I even tried making sushi at home. To be honest, I didn't do a very good job because rolling the sushi properly was much harder than I expected. Still, it was fun experiencing and I realized how much skill is needed to prepare it well. Apart from sushi, I also love Korean food, especially ramen noodles. Unlike sushi, ramen is easier for me to make at home. I usually cook the noodles and add vegetables, boiled eggs and some spicy seasoning. The flavors are rich, warm and comforting, especially during winters. The reason I like these food is that they are different from Indian cuisine. The spices are also different. They give me a chance to experience new flavors and culture. Also, I enjoy cooking them at home. Even if they don't always turn out to be perfect, eating these dishes makes me feel connected to the other parts of the world and that's something I really enjoy. New flavors, cultural experience, enjoyable cooking is my forte and I love doing it. Cooking is one of my hobbies as well.

Follow up questions

What other foreign foods have you tried besides sushi and ramen?

I've tried Italian pasta, Mexican tacos, and Thai curry. Each has its own unique flavors and cooking techniques. I love exploring different cuisines and how they reflect their cultures. For instance, the spices in Indian food are quite different from those in Thai or Mexican dishes.

How do you think trying foreign foods can enhance cultural understanding?

Trying foreign foods allows us to appreciate different cultures and traditions. Food is often tied to history and customs, so by tasting it, we gain insights into the lives of people from other countries. It fosters curiosity and respect for diversity.

Do you think cooking foreign dishes at home is beneficial? Why?

Absolutely! Cooking foreign dishes at home helps me learn about their ingredients and techniques. It also allows me to experiment and adapt recipes to my taste. Plus, it’s a fun way to bond with family and friends while sharing a piece of another culture.

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

Recently I visited Bangalore and there was a Japanese restaurant known as the Great Indian Ramen Shop and I tried the dish known as Ramen. It's a very amazing dish. After tasting that my taste buds are blown away because it's really that good. The main ingredients of this dish, the ramen are beef, noodles and the special broth. The broth is made by boiling the beef bones for over 8 hours and simmering them down to a gravy like consistency. The ramen really has a unique flavor that is not available in any of the dishes that I have tried in that restaurant. Furthermore the texture of the ramen is marvelous, it's really good. In addition to that I really wanted to taste that ramen again. So I have been practicing cooking to make that ramen at home but I failed miserably. I have been trying every day since I ate that food in that particular store but I keep failing. In the near future I would like to perfect my dish and bring the same texture and flavor as the dish I have tried in that restaurant.

Follow up questions

What other foreign foods have you tried and enjoyed?

I have tried various foreign foods like Italian pasta, Chinese dumplings, and Mexican tacos. Each has its unique flavors and cooking styles. I particularly enjoyed the spicy kick of Mexican food and the rich, creamy texture of Italian sauces. Exploring different cuisines is always an exciting experience for me.

How do you usually learn to cook new dishes?

I usually start by watching cooking videos online or reading recipes. I find it helpful to follow along with someone demonstrating the process. Sometimes, I also take notes on the techniques used. Additionally, I try to practice regularly, even if I don't get it right the first time, as practice makes perfect.

Why do you think trying foreign foods is important?

Trying foreign foods is important because it broadens our culinary horizons and exposes us to different cultures. It allows us to appreciate diverse flavors and cooking techniques. Moreover, it can enhance our social experiences, as sharing meals from different cultures can bring people together and foster understanding.

Band 7

00:00

One foreign food that I really liked was Allegheny Pasta. I first had it at the Paul's restaurant in City Walk. It's a very famous, very old Italian restaurant. Since then I've tried it at many different places but nothing in my opinion could beat that particular pasta. The amazing part of this is that it's a sauce-free pasta and you don't need to prepare any sauce. You just boil the spaghetti and cook it with minced garlic and chilli flakes. You can also add veggies if you like like broccoli, cherry tomatoes and zucchini but I don't like a lot of veggies in mine. I've also tried making it at home. I've made it 3-4 times now and I've still not made it as good as Paul's. But practice makes perfect so I'll continue trying my best to make the pasta.

Follow up questions

What other foreign foods have you tried and enjoyed?

I've tried various foreign foods like sushi, tacos, and pad thai. Each has its unique flavors and preparation methods. Sushi, for instance, is fascinating because of the fresh ingredients and the art of rolling it. Tacos are fun to customize with different fillings, and pad thai has a delightful balance of sweet and savory.

How do you think Allegheny Pasta compares to other Italian dishes?

I think Allegheny Pasta stands out because of its simplicity and flavor. Unlike heavier Italian dishes like lasagna or fettuccine alfredo, it’s light and allows the garlic and chili to shine. It’s also versatile, as you can adjust the ingredients based on your preference, making it a favorite for many.

What challenges did you face while trying to make it at home?

The main challenge was getting the flavor just right. I found that the amount of garlic and chili flakes is crucial. Also, the texture of the pasta can vary depending on how long you boil it. I’m still experimenting with the cooking time and the right balance of ingredients to replicate that restaurant taste.

Show all 173 answers

Cue 1:What the dish is?

Begin by naming the foreign dish you enjoy and give a brief description of it.
Mention any unique features of the dish that make it stand out.

Example

One foreign dish that I absolutely love is sushi. It's a traditional Japanese dish that consists of vinegared rice paired with various ingredients, including seafood, vegetables, and sometimes tropical fruits.

Cue 2:Where you tried it?

Describe the location where you first tried this dish, whether it was a restaurant, a friend's house, or during a trip.
Share any memorable experiences related to that place.

Example

I first tried sushi at a popular Japanese restaurant in my city called 'Sushi House'. I went there with my friends to celebrate my birthday, and the ambiance was vibrant and welcoming, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

Cue 3:What ingredients or taste you enjoyed?

Talk about the specific ingredients that you liked in the dish.
Describe the flavors and textures that made the dish appealing to you.

Example

What I enjoyed most about sushi were the fresh ingredients, especially the salmon and avocado. The combination of the soft, sticky rice with the creamy avocado and the rich flavor of the salmon created a delightful taste that was both refreshing and satisfying.

Cue 4:And explain why you like it.

Explain your personal connection to the dish and why it holds significance for you.
Mention any cultural aspects or health benefits that contribute to your preference.

Example

I like sushi not only for its delicious taste but also because it represents a healthy eating option. It’s light yet filling, and I appreciate the artistry involved in making it. Additionally, trying sushi has opened my eyes to Japanese culture, which I find fascinating.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, sushi is more than just a meal for me; it’s an experience that combines flavor, culture, and health. I look forward to trying different varieties of sushi in the future and exploring more of what Japanese cuisine has to offer.

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: Being Too Vague

Candidates often provide unclear or general answers without specific details about the dish. This can make the response less engaging and informative.

Tip

Include specific details about the dish, such as its name, ingredients, and unique flavors to create a vivid picture.

2: Ignoring the Cues

Some candidates fail to address all the cues provided, which can lead to incomplete answers and lower scores.

Tip

Make sure to cover all the cues: what the dish is, where you tried it, what you enjoyed, and why you like it.

Lack of Personal Connection

Responses that lack personal anecdotes or feelings can seem flat and uninteresting, making it hard for the examiner to connect.

Tip

Share a personal story or memory related to the dish to make your answer more relatable and engaging.

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.