IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe an unusual meal you had

Describe an unusual meal you had
You should say
When you had it
Where you had it
Whom you had it with
And explain why it was unusual

Useful Vocabulary and Expressions

1. When you had it:

• Vocabulary: occasion, date, event, time, experience
• Expressions:
  • “I had this meal…”
  • “The occasion was…”
  • “It happened during…”

2. Where you had it:

• Vocabulary: location, place, venue, setting, restaurant
• Expressions:
  • “The meal took place at…”
  • “We dined at…”
  • “It was held at…”

3. Whom you had it with:

• Vocabulary: company, companions, friends, family, colleagues
• Expressions:
  • “I was with…”
  • “The people I dined with were…”
  • “I shared this meal with…”

4. Explain why it was unusual:

• Vocabulary: unusual, unique, rare, distinctive, surprising
• Expressions:
  • “It was unusual because…”
  • “The reason it stood out was…”
  • “What made it unique was…”

Collocations

1. unique dining experience
2. exotic ingredients
3. traditional dish
4. unexpected flavors
5. memorable meal
6. culinary adventure
7. local delicacy
8. cultural experience
9. unusual combination
10. special occasion

Sample Answer

I had this unusual meal last summer during my vacation in Thailand. The occasion was my first visit to an authentic Thai village.

The meal took place at a local market stall in a small village outside of Chiang Mai. We dined at a modest setting with wooden benches and a thatched roof, adding to the authentic ambiance of the experience.

I shared this meal with a group of friends who were also traveling with me. The people I dined with were as curious as I was about trying new foods and exploring local culture.

It was unusual because of the exotic ingredients and the unexpected flavors that were completely new to me. The dish that stood out the most was fried insects – specifically, crickets and silkworms. While this may be a traditional dish and local delicacy in Thailand, it was a unique dining experience for me. The crickets were surprisingly crunchy and seasoned with a mix of spices that gave them a distinctive taste.

The reason it stood out was not only the unusual combination of ingredients but also the cultural experience of eating something so different from my usual diet. What made it unique was the way the locals relished these dishes, which made me appreciate their culinary traditions even more.

This culinary adventure was indeed a memorable meal that broadened my horizons and gave me a deeper understanding of Thai culture. Sharing this experience with friends made it even more special, and I feel grateful for the opportunity to try something so out of the ordinary.