IELTS Speaking Part 1:Foreign Food
What foreign cuisine have you tried recently, and how was your experience?
Recently, I tried sushi in a restaurant near my home. I went there with my friend. The dish comes from Japanese cuisine; these days, sushi has got its hype in India. So we went there to try it, and although it was not much to my taste, I enjoyed the company.
Do you enjoy experimenting with different types of foreign cuisine?
Yes, I enjoy experimenting with different types of foreign cuisine because it gives us a hint of the place and the culture, what kind of spices they have, and what they use in food.
What is your favourite foreign dish, and why do you like it?
My favourite foreign dish is pizza. I enjoy it because a pizza has a flavour of spice and cheese. It can be complemented with some vegetables, and a pizza is a great way to have something that is out of your daily dietary habits.
Have you ever tried cooking a foreign dish at home? If so, how did it turn out?
Yes, my brother and I often get into the kitchen on the weekends and try new recipes. One of the dishes I tried last weekend was making dimsims at home, although the dish could have been more authentic. The ingredients were not because they were unavailable in the market, but we tried our best to make it, which was nice.
How do you think globalization has influenced the availability and popularity of foreign cuisine in your country?
So, as people are exploring new cuisines in my country, globalization has played a huge role. Many foreign brands like KFC and other brands have opened their stores in India, which has gained much popularity. People also appreciate it because having new flavours in your taste buds is always good. So people are enjoying it.
Is it important for people to explore and appreciate foreign cuisines?
Yes, people should explore foreign cuisines, but the only thing that should be considered is a balance between staying healthy. People can stay healthy by only consuming foreign cuisines, but because their bodies are built in a certain way, they are habitual in eating Indian cuisine daily. People should maintain a balance, but they should always try new cuisines.
What are some popular foreign dishes in your country, and how have they been adopted to suit local tastes?
These days, Chinese cuisine is available in big branded stores or on the roadside. So, it has gained popularity in my country because people like the spice level, which complements the taste. A new cuisine, Indo-Chinese, has been discovered in India. People have mixed Indian cuisine and Chinese cuisine together, and they’ve created something new, and people are enjoying it.
Have you encountered cultural differences or etiquette rules when dining in a foreign country? How did you handle them?
I have not experienced discrimination in any foreign country. Still, yes, I’ve seen people from other countries when they visit our country, and there I’ve seen many people because India has severe tolerance on a greater scale. People visit here, and sometimes they also do not like the taste because they are not habitual of that.
Has the rise of international travel led to a greater appreciation for foreign foods in your country?
Yes, the number of people travelling internationally experience new cuisines there, so big brands can come to India and open their brands. People are enjoying it because these days, having a meal from a big brand is a status symbol, and the younger generation appreciates it. It is a flex for some people to upload food pictures on social media. So, all people appreciate international food.
How do you think international food influences your culinary preferences and cooking habits?
Yes, foreign foods bring a new variety of ingredients, and it is like a new flavour to the taste buds, but at the same time, when it comes to having Indian food. I’ve had Indian food at my home every day for the past 23 years. So there have been many changes. These days, we are using Chinese sauce in Indian food, and it is a good combination. Still, we always keep one thing in mind: the things we consume daily need to be healthy, and it doesn’t matter from which cuisine or country we are learning.
Are there any foreign foods or ingredients you are curious to try but have yet to have the chance to?
Yes, I’ve never got the chance to have an avocado. It’s popular these days, and I’ve been thinking about it, and people are experimenting. I will get it from the supermarket nearby to make one or two dishes from that. I’ve got reviews from my friends as well as from my brother, and people are appreciating it. It is not from the avocado, and it is not of Indian origin, but these days, it is very popular in India.
Have you ever attended a foreign food festival or event?
No, I’ve not had a chance to attend any international food festival, but my brother has been to one, and he enjoyed the experience.
Can learning about foreign cuisines help promote cultural understanding and appreciation?
Yes, learning about foreign cuisines and people’s thoughts on a certain recipe or the idea behind using that particular ingredient at this moment in that dish tells about their cultural beliefs and the strategies they used to have while cooking because cooking is a practice which people have been doing for their survival. It displays how rich the culture is.
What role do you think restaurants specializing in foreign cuisine play in introducing people to different cultures?
They are already doing a great job in India, especially since many restaurants and cafes bring national food to Indian people. Indian people appreciate that these days, people try new cuisines, especially on various occasions. We must get to know what people are having apart from India.
How do you think the perception of foreign food has evolved over the years in your country?
When India gained independence, the perception of foreign food was that people consumed other kinds of food products and dishes. In contrast, in India, people prefer having a simple meal with balanced ingredients. Still, as we have evolved, we’ve learned that in every country, there are certain ingredients in their meal. Throughout the day, people have started following Western culture and get the required advice from various dietitians worldwide.