“Describe an unusual meal you had” is a common topic that often appears in IELTS Speaking Part 2 and 3. When you encounter this topic in the test, you need to describe a special meal and your own experiences with this meal.
In the article below, IDP will suggest ideas for you when you encounter the topic “Describe an unusual meal you had”, discover more good vocabulary and expressions to help you conquer high scores in the IELTS test.
1. Topic Analysis – IELTS Speaking Part 2
Cue Card: 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
2. Suggested Outline – Part 2
For some candidates, Speaking Part 2 is considered the most important and challenging part of the Speaking test. Below is an outline of the topic "Describe an unusual meal you had" with sample arguments to help you have more ideas for answering this part.
Introduction | |
When | |
Who | |
What dishes | |
The unusual highlight | |
Conclusion |
3. Sample Answer – IELTS Speaking Part 2
Describe an unusual meal you had
Normally, my family enjoys home-cooked meals with familiar dishes, but about three years ago, we had a truly memorable dining experience at a Japanese restaurant. At the time, I had just finished preparing for my final exams and was feeling overwhelmed. To help me relax, my dad suggested a special family dinner.
We went to a local restaurant that specializes in kaiseki, which is a traditional Japanese multi-course meal. The place had a peaceful ambiance with minimalist decor, creating a calm and elegant environment. We were escorted to a private room and treated to personalized service.
The meal began with a plate of appetizers including raw fish, tofu, and pickled vegetables. Then came a hot pot filled with broth, and we were given various seafood, vegetables, and meat to cook ourselves.
The highlight—and most unusual part—was when the waiter brought a tray of live baby eels. They were still moving, which made me hesitant to try them. But my adventurous dad encouraged me to be bold. To my surprise, once cooked, they were tender and had a delicate, slightly fishy taste that I found quite enjoyable.
That meal not only introduced me to a completely new cuisine, but it also helped me unwind after a stressful time. More importantly, it gave us a chance to bond as a family. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that expanded my perspective on food and culture.
4. Sample Part 3 Questions and Answers
Q: Do you think having dinner at home is a good idea?
Absolutely. Preparing meals at home gives us control over ingredients and ensures food hygiene. It’s more budget-friendly and often healthier. Plus, it creates an opportunity for family members to gather and connect, strengthening relationships through shared time and conversation.
Q: Do people in your country value food culture?
Yes, food culture holds great importance in my country. We have a rich culinary heritage with regional specialties that are celebrated during festivals and family gatherings. Many families pass down recipes through generations, and there’s growing interest in organic and locally sourced foods as part of a sustainable lifestyle.
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of eating in restaurants?
One key advantage is convenience—eating out saves time and lets us try new flavors. Restaurants also offer a wide variety of dishes. However, eating out frequently can be expensive and may lead to unhealthy eating habits, as many dishes are high in calories and processed ingredients.
5. High-Scoring Vocabulary – Unusual Meal Topic
General Vocabulary
Term/ Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Budget-friendly | Affordable | This restaurant is stylish yet budget-friendly. |
Home-cooked meal | Meal prepared at home | I prefer a home-cooked meal over fast food. |
Food delivery app | App for ordering meals | I used a food delivery app to order lunch. |
Fusion cuisine | Blending of multiple culinary styles | The restaurant serves fusion cuisine from Asia and Europe. |
Local specialty | Signature dish of a region | Pho is a famous local specialty in Hanoi. |
Nutritional values | Health benefits of food | Fruits have high nutritional values. |
Vegetarian lifestyle | Plant-based diet | She follows a vegetarian lifestyle for health reasons. |
Phrases and Idioms
Phrase / Idiom | Meaning |
|---|---|
Cost an arm and a leg | Very expensive |
Throw a party | Host a gathering |
Caught my eye | Attracted attention |
Healthy eating habits | Nutritious food choices |
Make a good impression | Leave a positive image |
Exceed expectations | Go beyond what was expected |
Once-in-a-lifetime | Very rare experience |
Expand one’s horizons | Broaden knowledge or understanding |
A hassle-free dining experience | Stress-free meal setting |
Cultural and historical significance | Deep cultural meaning |
Ace the “Describe an Unusual Meal You Had” Topic with IDP
With a well-structured answer and rich vocabulary, you can confidently tackle the cue card “Describe an unusual meal you had” and impress the examiner. Make sure to practice with various food-related topics and explore different styles of cooking and dining to broaden your responses.
At IDP, you can choose between IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training, depending on your goals. Explore our flexible test schedules and locations to find the best option for you.
Ready to take the next step? Register for your IELTS test with IDP today!