Talk About Food and Cooking in English - Spoken English Lesson

Summary

This lesson from Oxford Online English focuses on food-related vocabulary and conversational skills. It covers discussing different cuisines, food preferences, and cooking habits. The video also delves into how to describe flavors, textures, and cooking methods using terms like 'spicy', 'rich', 'crunchy', and 'sauté'. Viewers are encouraged to think about their own food experiences and cooking routines while learning essential English phrases. From explaining the difference between 'cuisine', 'dish', and 'meal' to describing food you like or dislike, this lesson provides practical language for everyday food discussions.

Takeaways

• 😀 English learners can expand their vocabulary by learning specific food-related terms, like 'cuisine', 'dish', and 'meal'.
• 🍴 'Cuisine' refers to the food culture of a country, 'dish' describes a prepared food item, and 'meal' refers to food eaten at a specific time.
• 🍽️ To describe food, use adjectives such as 'spicy', 'sweet', 'tender', or 'bland' to convey taste and texture.
• 🥘 Typical Spanish food includes fresh ingredients and seafood, with dishes like paella and albondigas (meatballs in tomato sauce).
• 🧑‍🍳 Cooking habits can vary widely: some people cook meals at home, while others rely on takeaways or canteen food.
• 🥗 Preparing food at home, like cooking on Sundays and using leftovers, helps people save money and eat healthier.
• 🍔 Fast food is often seen as unhealthy, with people feeling bloated after eating it, leading them to prefer home-cooked meals.
• 🍳 Cooking terminology is important: 'sauté' refers to cooking food quickly at a high temperature, while 'fry' is a more general term.
• 🍲 Simmering means cooking at a low heat to keep the food tender, while boiling uses a higher heat to cook food quickly.
• 🍰 The process of cooking involves various steps: frying, simmering, layering, and baking, as shown in the example of making moussaka.

Q & A

What does the word 'cuisine' mean in the context of food?

'Cuisine' refers to the style or type of food that is characteristic of a particular country or culture, like French cuisine, Italian cuisine, or Chinese cuisine.

What is the difference between 'dish' and 'meal'?

A 'dish' is a specific prepared food item, such as paella or shepherd’s pie. A 'meal' refers to the entire set of food eaten at a particular time, like breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

How do you describe food that is bland?

Food described as 'bland' has little or no flavor. It may taste very plain and unseasoned, which can make it unpleasant to eat.

Can you explain the difference between 'tough' and 'chewy' when describing food?

Both 'tough' and 'chewy' refer to food that is difficult to eat because it requires a lot of chewing. 'Tough' often implies that the food is dry and hard to bite through, while 'chewy' suggests the food is more rubbery and takes longer to chew.

What is the typical cooking method for preparing a white sauce?

To make white sauce, you first melt butter, then add flour and gradually add milk while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. It is important to cook it on low heat to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.

What does it mean to 'sauté' food?

To 'sauté' means to cook food quickly at a high temperature in a small amount of fat, like oil or butter, typically stirring it constantly to ensure it cooks evenly.

How would you describe the texture of 'crunchy' food?

Crunchy food makes a loud noise when you eat it, typically because it is firm and crisp. Foods like potato chips or hard cookies are commonly described as crunchy.

What is the difference between 'boiling' and 'simmering' food?

'Boiling' refers to cooking food at a high temperature where the liquid is at a rapid bubble. 'Simmering' is a gentler cooking process where the liquid is heated just below boiling point, allowing the food to cook more slowly.

What are some common phrases used when discussing cooking habits?

Some common phrases include 'I cook once or twice a week,' 'I eat takeaway,' 'I make a packed lunch,' and 'I eat leftovers.' These phrases describe how often someone cooks, and their food habits when they don’t cook at home.

How can you describe food you really like?

When describing food you really like, you can use adjectives like 'delicious,' 'amazing,' 'fantastic,' or 'tasty.' These words show strong positive feelings towards the food.