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

 

SUGGESTED IDEAS

• When: It was last summer/last month/a few years ago/when I was traveling in…
• Where: At a local restaurant/abroad/at a friend’s house/in a specific city or country
• Whom: With my family/with my friends/with my colleagues/with a local family I met
• What: A dish with strange ingredients/a meal with unusual cooking methods/a combination of flavors that you’ve never tried before/a dish that is unique to the culture
• Unusual vocabulary: exotic, bizarre, unconventional, peculiar, unorthodox, peculiar, rare, extraordinary, odd, strange, unexpected, surprising

USEFUL PHRASES:

• I had a really unusual meal…
• It was unlike anything I’ve ever eaten before…
• I was really surprised by the combination of flavors…
• The dish had some really bizarre ingredients…
• I wasn’t sure what to expect when I ordered it…
• The cooking method was really unorthodox…
• It was definitely not what I was used to eating…
• I was hesitant to try it at first, but it ended up being really delicious…
• The meal was really unique to the culture of the place…
• It was an unforgettable dining experience…

 

SAMPLE ANSWER

I had a really unusual meal when I was traveling in Thailand last summer. I had it with my family at a local restaurant in Bangkok.

The dish that I tried was called “fried insects,” and it was unlike anything I had ever eaten before. In Thailand, insects are considered a delicacy and are commonly consumed as a snack or a part of a meal. It was definitely a peculiar and unorthodox choice for me, as insects are not commonly eaten in my culture.

When the plate arrived at our table, I was really surprised by the sight. It contained a variety of deep-fried insects, including crickets, grasshoppers, and mealworms. The presentation was quite extraordinary, and the insects were seasoned with a blend of spices to enhance their flavor.

I have to admit, I was hesitant to try it at first. The idea of eating insects seemed strange and unexpected to me. However, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and give it a try. To my surprise, the taste was actually quite delicious. The insects had a crispy texture and a slightly nutty flavor that was surprisingly enjoyable.

Not only was this meal unusual because of the choice of ingredients, but it was also a unique cultural experience. In Thailand, eating insects is not only a part of their culinary tradition but also a sustainable and eco-friendly practice. Insects are a rich source of protein and require fewer resources compared to traditional livestock farming.

Trying fried insects was definitely an unforgettable dining experience for me. It broadened my culinary horizons and challenged my preconceived notions about food. It made me realize that what might be considered strange or unconventional in one culture can be a normal part of everyday life in another.

Overall, although having a meal of fried insects was initially unusual and unexpected for me, I’m glad I tried it. It allowed me to embrace the diversity of global cuisine and appreciate the different flavors and food traditions that exist around the world.