English discussion questions: Food

  • What is your favourite meal? Why?

  • Which traditional food would you recommend to a visitor to your country? Why?

  • Which is more important: how nutritious food is, or how it tastes? Why?

  • Have you ever tried any interesting food from a different country? Did you like it?

  • What were your favourite foods when you were a child? Do you still like them now?

English vocabulary: Food

Try using these words to express yourself naturally in English conversations about food.

  • (Noun) The taste of something.


    Example: This dish has a rich flavour. I love it!

  • (Adjective) Healthy and good for the body.


    Example: Vegetables are generally very nutritious.

  • (Noun) How food feels in your mouth.


    Example: Tofu has a very soft texture.

  • (Noun) The amount of food served for one person.


    Example: I am so full. The portions at this restaurant are huge!.

  • (Adjective) Food made at home.


    Example: I prefer homemade dishes to restaurant dishes.

English idioms: Food

Try using these English idioms to make your spoken English more natural when you talk about food.

  • To really like sweet foods.


    Example: He has a sweet tooth - he loves to eat cakes and chocolates.

  • Food that looks or smells so good it makes you want to eat it immediately.


    Example: There was a mouth-watering smell as I walked past the bakery.

  • To make something more exciting or interesting.


    Example: I like to spice things up by always ordering new dishes when I go to restaurants.

  • Something you don’t like at first, but enjoy after eating it several times.


    Example: Natto is an acquired taste, but it’s very nutritious!

  • Food that makes you feel happy or relaxed


    Example: For me, chicken and mushroom soup is a great comfort food.