Describe a time when you tried a new food for the first time.
One memorable time when I tried a new food for the first time was during a trip to Thailand. The food I tried was a traditional Thai dish called “som tam,” which is a spicy green papaya salad.
I tried it at a local street market in Bangkok, renowned for its vibrant food stalls and diverse culinary offerings. The atmosphere was bustling, with the enticing aroma of various street foods filling the air. I was with a group of friends who were also eager to explore the local cuisine.
I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension about trying som tam. I had heard about its distinctive flavor profile, which combines spicy, sour, sweet, and salty tastes, but I was unsure how my palate would respond to such a bold combination. When I took my first bite, the explosion of flavors was both surprising and delightful. The crunchiness of the green papaya, the heat from the chilies, the tanginess of the lime, and the subtle sweetness from the palm sugar created a harmonious blend that was unlike anything I had tasted before.
I would definitely eat som tam again. It was a refreshing and invigorating dish that left a lasting impression on me. The experience of trying it in its authentic setting made it even more special, and it opened my eyes to the rich and complex flavors of Thai cuisine.
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Part 3
1. Why do people like to try new foods?
People like to try new foods for various reasons, including curiosity, the desire for new experiences, and the opportunity to expand their culinary horizons. Trying new foods can also be a way to connect with different cultures and traditions. For many, it is an adventure that stimulates the senses and breaks the monotony of their regular diet.
2. How can trying new foods benefit people?
Trying new foods can benefit people by enhancing their appreciation for different cultures and cuisines. It can introduce them to a variety of nutrients and flavors, promoting a more balanced and diverse diet. Additionally, it can make dining experiences more enjoyable and foster a sense of culinary adventure. Exploring new foods can also encourage social interactions and bonding over shared meals.
3. What are some popular foods in your country?
In Azerbaijan, some popular foods include “plov” (a fragrant rice dish often served with meat and vegetables), “dolma” (grape leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice), “kebabs” (grilled meat skewers), and “lavash” (a traditional flatbread). Azerbaijani cuisine is known for its rich flavors and use of fresh, local ingredients. Sweets like “baklava” and “shekerbura” are also widely enjoyed, especially during festive occasions.
4. How do cultural backgrounds influence people’s food preferences?
Cultural backgrounds significantly influence people’s food preferences by shaping their tastes, dietary habits, and cooking methods. Traditional foods and family recipes often hold sentimental value and are passed down through generations. Cultural practices, religious beliefs, and regional availability of ingredients also play a role in determining what people eat and how they prepare their meals. These influences create a sense of identity and continuity within a culture.
5. Do you think people are becoming more adventurous with their food choices? Why or why not?
Yes, I believe people are becoming more adventurous with their food choices. Globalization, increased travel, and the widespread availability of international cuisines have exposed people to a broader range of foods. Social media and food shows have also played a significant role in encouraging culinary exploration by showcasing diverse dishes from around the world. As people become more open to trying new things, their willingness to experiment with different foods has grown.
6. How has globalization impacted the way people eat?
Globalization has profoundly impacted the way people eat by making a wide variety of international foods accessible. It has facilitated the exchange of culinary traditions and ingredients across borders, leading to the fusion of different cuisines. Supermarkets and restaurants now offer a diverse range of foods from all over the world, allowing people to experience global flavors without leaving their hometowns. However, globalization has also led to the homogenization of diets, with some traditional foods and practices being overshadowed by global food trends.
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Glossary for Band 9+ IELTS Speaking
1. Memorable – Worth remembering or easily remembered
2. Bustling – Full of energetic and noisy activity
3. Apprehension – Anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen
4. Distinctive – Characteristic of one person or thing, and so serving to distinguish it from others
5. Palate – A person’s ability to distinguish between and appreciate different flavors in food and drink
6. Harmonious – Forming a pleasing or consistent whole
7. Culinary horizons – The range or scope of a person’s experiences with different types of food
8. Stimulates – Raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in (the body or any biological system)
9. Monotony – Lack of variety and interest; tedious repetition and routine
10. Nutrients – Substances that provide nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life
11. Sentimental value – The importance of something based on its emotional association rather than its monetary worth
12. Homogenization – The process of making things uniform or similar