IELTS Vocabulary for Food and Cooking

anything people eat for nourishment

I think food is one of the best parts of travelling.

to prepare food by heating it

I usually cook dinner for my family on weekends.

having a very pleasant taste

My grandmother's soup is always delicious in winter.

a set of instructions for preparing a dish

I found this recipe online and tried it last night.

food items that are recently produced, not processed

This restaurant is known for using fresh ingredients every day.

food prepared at home rather than bought

I much prefer homemade food to anything from a restaurant.

to have a meal at a restaurant

My friends and I eat out together most Fridays.

a meal that has been made the same way for generations

This traditional dish is served at almost every wedding in my country.

food that is prepared and served very quickly

I try not to eat fast food more than once a week.

food that is good for your body

I always try to prepare a healthy meal before a busy day.

to cut food into small pieces with a knife

I chop the vegetables while the water comes to the boil.

to cook something in water that is bubbling with heat

I usually boil the rice first and then fry it with vegetables.

to cook food in hot oil in a pan

My father likes to fry fish on Fridays.

to cook by doing what a written set of instructions says

I always follow a recipe the first time I cook a new dish.

to prepare food quickly and without much effort

My mother can whip up a full dinner in twenty minutes.

using basic ingredients rather than pre-made ones

I prefer baking bread from scratch instead of buying it.

looking or smelling extremely appetising

The smell coming from that kitchen was absolutely mouth-watering.

a food eaten regularly and forming a large part of the diet

Rice is a staple food in most households where I grew up.

something that becomes enjoyable only after repeated exposure

Blue cheese is definitely an acquired taste for a lot of people.

to go well together, especially with food or drink

I think red wine and cheese pair well with each other.

food that gives emotional satisfaction, often from childhood

Whenever I feel stressed, I go straight for comfort food.

to start eating enthusiastically

As soon as the plates arrived, everyone started to dig in.

to test a recipe you have not cooked before

Every weekend I try out a new recipe I found online.

having a strong and satisfying taste

This sauce is surprisingly rich in flavour for something so simple.

to reduce how often you eat fast food

I've been trying to cut down on fast food since the new year.

to eat or drink more than is reasonable

It's easy to overindulge during festivals when there's so much food.

to cook gently in liquid that is just below boiling

Let the sauce simmer for twenty minutes so the flavours develop.

to leave meat, fish or vegetables in a sauce before cooking so they absorb its flavour

We marinate the chicken overnight before the barbecue.

to add salt, pepper or spices in the amount you prefer

The recipe just says to season to taste, so everyone's version is a little different.

a very small amount of salt, as much as you can hold between two fingers

A pinch of salt brings out the sweetness of the dish.

to cook a large quantity at once and keep portions for later

On Sundays I batch-cook lunches for the whole week.

the established customs and methods of cooking in a culture

This dish is a central part of our culinary tradition.

lacking flavour or creativity

The meal at that hotel was bland and uninspired, unfortunately.

very different from something, usually worse

The food at the airport was a far cry from what I'd hoped for.

a nourishing meal made at home with care

Nothing beats a wholesome home-cooked meal after a long week.

a sophisticated ability to appreciate subtle flavours

My uncle has a refined palate and always notices small details in food.

to allow yourself to enjoy something, often as a treat

On special occasions, I like to indulge in a rich dessert.

a meal or trip centred on enjoying high-quality food

Visiting that region turned into a real gastronomic experience for us.

cooking that blends styles from different culinary traditions

The new restaurant downtown specialises in fusion cuisine.

to prepare a meal quickly from whatever is available

My mother can rustle up a meal from almost nothing.

to decorate a finished dish with a small amount of food, such as herbs

She garnishes every plate with fresh coriander.

a large serving of food

My grandmother always gives me a generous helping of rice.