Lesson
B1ENFood around the world
Explore the world through food! Learn essential vocabulary about cuisine, cooking and eating habits from different cultures. Practice speaking, reading and critical thinking through fun interactive activities. Perfect for A2-B1 learners who love food and discovering new cultures.
World food Vocabulary
Swipe Battle
Cuisine
The style of cooking from a particular country or region
Recipe
A list of ingredients you need to buy at the supermarket
Ingredient
A food item used to make a dish
Appetiser
A large dish served at the end of a meal
Main course
The largest and most important dish of a meal
Dessert
A savoury dish eaten before the starter
Vegetarian
A person who does not eat meat or fish
Spicy
Food that has a strong hot flavour from spices
Bland
Food with a very strong and exciting flavour
Marinate
To soak food in a mixture of spices before cooking
Portion
The amount of food served to one person
Takeaway
Food you must eat inside the restaurant only
Buffet
A meal where you serve yourself from many dishes
Exotic
Common and familiar food found everywhere
Street food
Food prepared and sold by vendors outdoors
Delicacy
A rare or expensive food considered special in a culture
Global food facts
Multiple Choice
Which country is famous for inventing pizza?
- France
- Greece
- Spain
- Italy
What is sushi traditionally made with?
- Cooked chicken and bread
- Raw fish and rice
- Cheese and pasta
- Grilled beef and vegetables
Which spice gives curry its yellow colour?
- Cinnamon
- Paprika
- Turmeric
- Ginger
What is the main ingredient in guacamole?
- Tomato
- Avocado
- Pepper
- Onion
Which country drinks the most tea per person in the world?
- England
- China
- Japan
- Turkey
What does "al dente" mean when cooking pasta?
- Covered in sauce
- Very soft
- Firm to the bite
- Overcooked
Which fruit is known as the "king of fruits" in Southeast Asia?
- Papaya
- Mango
- Durian
- Pineapple
What is a traditional British breakfast called?
- Classic Fry-up
- Big British
- Morning Feast
- Full English
Recipe for the World: Word Bank
Word Bank
Food is one of the best ways to understand a new ___. When you travel to a different country, trying the local ___ is as important as visiting famous landmarks. Every dish tells a story about the history, climate and ___ of a place. For example, ___ food is common in hot countries because spices help ___ food in warm temperatures. In coastal regions, ___ is a staple because fish and shellfish are easy to find. Street food markets are often the best place to taste ___ local dishes at affordable prices. Many traditional ___ have been passed down through generations and ___ unchanged for hundreds of years.
seafoodrecipescultureremainauthenticpreservespicytraditionscuisine
Let's talk food
Talk Time
- Describe your favourite dish and explain how it is made.
- What is the most unusual food you have ever tried? Did you like it?
- How important is food in your culture? Describe a typical family meal.
- Would you prefer to eat at a fancy restaurant or try street food? Why?
- Describe a time when you cooked something special for someone.
- What food from another country would you love to try and why?
Restaurant Mystery
Hidden Role
Scenario
You are at a famous restaurant that has just received a terrible review online. Someone at the table tonight wrote it — but who? The review mentioned cold food, rude service, and a hair in the soup. The restaurant owner wants to find out who wrote it before the evening is over.
The Reviewer
You wrote the review because your experience last week was genuinely terrible. The food was cold, the waiter was rude to you, and you found something in your soup. You stand by every word.
Secret goal: Act innocent. Pretend you love the restaurant. Order enthusiastically.
Restaurant Owner
You own this restaurant and worked hard to build its reputation. You are furious about the review but trying to stay calm and professional during dinner.
Secret goal: Ask careful questions. Watch everyone's reactions. Stay polite but suspicious.
Food Critic
You are a professional food critic dining anonymously tonight. You did NOT write the bad review but you are taking secret notes about the meal right now.
Secret goal: Be very observant. Ask detailed questions about the food. Try not to reveal your profession.
Regular Customer
You come to this restaurant every week and love it. You are upset about the bad review and want to defend the restaurant. You suspect you know who wrote it.
Secret goal: Defend the restaurant enthusiastically. Watch the others carefully.