30 Cooking Role-play Scenarios for Real-life Conversations

Cooking role-play scenarios are a fantastic way to make English learning lively and practical. Whether talking about cooking and recipes in the kitchen, asking questions about recipes, or using cooking vocabulary in conversations, these scenarios help students speak confidently in real-life situations.

Food brings people together, and these cooking conversations let students practice English in a relaxed, engaging way. From making a simple sandwich to grilling at a BBQ, each scenario builds useful language skills. Students will learn how to give instructions, ask for help, and describe flavors—just like in everyday cooking discussions.

Every role-play includes two parts: one person asking about cooking (like a beginner chef) and another explaining (like a helpful friend or chef). This back-and-forth practice improves fluency, listening skills, and kitchen-related vocabulary. Plus, it’s fun! Students can switch roles, add their own ideas, and even act out silly mistakes (like burning toast!).

Try these 30 cooking role-play scenarios in your ESL class! They’re simple, interactive, and perfect for beginners. Pick a scenario, set up your “kitchen,” and let the cooking conversations begin!

1. Buying Vegetables at the Market

Person A
You are at a local market and want to buy fresh vegetables. Ask the seller about the price of tomatoes, carrots, and onions. Also, ask which vegetables are the freshest today. You prefer cheap but good-quality vegetables.

Person B
You are a vegetable seller at the market. Answer Person A’s questions about prices and freshness. Recommend the best vegetables today and explain why they are good. Offer a discount if they buy a lot.

2. Ordering Food at a Restaurant

Person A
You are at a restaurant and want to order food. Ask the waiter about the menu, especially the daily special. You are allergic to seafood, so ask for options without fish. Also, ask for a recommendation.

Person B
You are the waiter. Explain the menu and recommend popular dishes. Make sure to suggest meals without seafood. Ask if they want drinks or dessert with their order.

3. Cooking Pasta with a Friend

Person A
You are cooking pasta with your friend but don’t know how much salt to add. Ask your friend for help. Also, ask if the pasta is ready and what sauce would taste good with it.

Person B
You are helping your friend cook pasta. Tell them how much salt to use and how to check if the pasta is cooked. Suggest a simple tomato or cheese sauce and explain how to make it.

4. Making a Sandwich Together

Person A
You want to make a sandwich with your friend but don’t know what ingredients to use. Ask what they like in their sandwich. Tell them you don’t like spicy food and prefer cheese or vegetables.

Person B
You are making a sandwich with your friend. Suggest ingredients like ham, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Ask if they want mayonnaise or mustard. Help them prepare the sandwich step by step.

5. Asking for a Recipe

Person A
You ate a delicious cake at a party and want to make it at home. Ask the host for the recipe. Find out what ingredients you need and how long it takes to bake.

Person B
You baked the cake. Share the recipe with Person A. Explain the ingredients and steps clearly. Give tips on baking time and temperature.

6. Shopping for Groceries

Person A
You are at the supermarket and can’t find sugar and eggs. Ask a store worker for help. Also, ask where the milk and bread are.

Person B
You work at the supermarket. Help Person A find sugar, eggs, milk, and bread. Tell them if any items are on sale or out of stock.

7. Setting the Table for Dinner

Person A
You are helping set the table for dinner but don’t know where to put the forks, spoons, and glasses. Ask for instructions. Also, ask how many plates are needed.

Person B
You know how to set the table. Explain where to place forks (left), spoons (right), and glasses (top right). Tell Person A how many plates and napkins to put out.

8. Making Breakfast for the Family

Person A
You are making breakfast for your family. Ask your sibling what they want—toast, eggs, or cereal. Also, ask if they want juice or coffee.

Person B
You are the sibling. Tell Person A what you want for breakfast. Say if you prefer scrambled or fried eggs and what drink you’d like. Offer to help if needed.

9. Baking Cookies with a Classmate

Person A
You are baking cookies with a classmate but don’t know how to use the oven. Ask for help setting the right temperature. Also, ask how long the cookies should bake.

Person B
You have baked cookies before. Tell Person A to preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Explain that the cookies need 10-12 minutes in the oven. Check if they need help mixing the dough.

10. Choosing a Dish from the Menu

Person A
You are at a café and can’t decide what to order. Ask your friend what they recommend—something sweet or savory. You are very hungry!

Person B
You know the café menu well. Recommend a popular dish, like a burger or pancakes. Explain why it’s tasty. Ask if Person A wants a drink too.

11. Talking About Favorite Foods

Person A
You want to know your friend’s favorite foods. Ask what they like to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Share your own favorite meal and explain why you like it.

Person B
Your friend is asking about favorite foods. Tell them your top choices for each meal. Ask follow-up questions about their preferences. Discuss what foods you both dislike.

12. Preparing a Salad

Person A
You’re making a salad but need help. Ask your roommate what vegetables to include. You have lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers – ask if you need anything else. Also ask about making salad dressing.

Person B
Your roommate is making a salad. Suggest adding carrots or onions for more flavor. Explain how to make a simple dressing with oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Offer to help chop vegetables.

13. Making a Shopping List

Person A
You’re going grocery shopping and making a list. Call your family member to ask what ingredients they need. Ask about quantities (how much milk, how many eggs) and specific brands they prefer.

Person B
Your family member is making a shopping list. Tell them 3-5 items you need from the store. Be specific about amounts (a liter of milk, a dozen eggs). Mention if you want any special products.

14. Cooking Rice in the Kitchen

Person A
You want to cook rice but aren’t sure how. Ask your neighbor for help. You don’t know how much water to use or how long to cook it. Ask about using a rice cooker or pot.

Person B
Your neighbor needs help cooking rice. Explain the basic method: 2 cups water for 1 cup rice, cook for 15-20 minutes. Describe how to know when it’s done. Offer to show them if they’re still unsure.

15. Sharing a Recipe on the Phone

Person A
Call your friend to get their famous cake recipe. Ask about all the ingredients and exact measurements. Write down the instructions as they explain. Ask how long to bake it and at what temperature.

Person B
Your friend wants your cake recipe. Explain all ingredients clearly (2 cups flour, 3 eggs etc.). Give step-by-step mixing instructions. Tell them to bake at 350°F (180°C) for 30 minutes. Answer any questions.

16. Making a Cup of Tea or Coffee

Person A
You’re making a hot drink for a visitor. Ask if they prefer tea or coffee. For tea, ask what kind (black, green, herbal). For coffee, ask if they want milk or sugar. Make sure you prepare it how they like.

Person B
Someone is making you a hot drink. Tell them your preference (tea or coffee). If tea, say what kind. If coffee, say how much milk/sugar you want. Thank them when they bring it to you.

17. Ordering Fast Food

Person A
You’re at a fast food counter ordering lunch. Ask what meal deals they have. Order a burger combo – choose your drink and side. Ask about any special offers or new menu items.

Person B
You work at the fast food restaurant. Explain the meal deals. Ask if they want fries or salad with their burger. Offer drink options and ask if they want to upsize their meal for a small extra cost.

18. Helping Mom/Dad in the Kitchen

Person A
You’re helping your parent cook dinner. Ask what you can do to help – chopping vegetables, stirring food, or setting the table. Ask simple questions if you’re not sure how to do something.

Person B
Your child wants to help cook. Give them simple, safe tasks like washing vegetables or mixing ingredients. Explain each step clearly. Praise their help when they do a good job.

19. Making a Pizza with Toppings

Person A
You’re making homemade pizza with a friend. Discuss what toppings to use. You like vegetables but your friend prefers meat. Find a compromise. Ask how much cheese to put on.

Person B
You’re making pizza together. Suggest dividing the pizza so half has vegetable toppings and half has meat toppings. Explain how to spread the tomato sauce evenly. Show how to sprinkle the right amount of cheese.

20. Talking About Spicy Food

Person A
You’re at a restaurant with a friend who loves spicy food, but you don’t. Ask how spicy certain dishes are. Explain that you can only eat mild food. Ask the waiter to recommend non-spicy options.

Person B
Your friend doesn’t like spicy food but you do. Help explain the spice levels of different dishes to them. When the waiter comes, help ask for recommendations of mild dishes that still have good flavor.

21. Cleaning the Kitchen After Cooking

Person A
You just finished cooking a big meal and the kitchen is messy. Ask your family member to help clean up. Explain what needs to be done – washing dishes, wiping counters, and taking out trash. Suggest dividing the tasks.

Person B
Your family member needs help cleaning the kitchen. Agree to help but ask which tasks they want you to do. Suggest you wash dishes while they wipe the counters. Ask where cleaning supplies are kept.

22. Making a Smoothie

Person A
You want to make a healthy smoothie but don’t know what fruits to use. Ask your friend for suggestions. You have bananas and yogurt – ask what else would taste good. Also ask if you need to add milk or juice.

Person B
Your friend wants to make a smoothie. Recommend adding berries or mango for flavor. Explain that yogurt makes it creamy and a little juice helps blend it. Warn them not to add too much ice.

23. Cooking Eggs for Breakfast

Person A
You’re cooking eggs but aren’t sure how to make them well. Ask your roommate how long to cook scrambled eggs and when to add salt. The pan is getting too hot – ask what to do.

Person B
Your roommate is cooking eggs. Explain to cook scrambled eggs on medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Tell them to add salt at the end. If the pan is too hot, suggest turning down the heat or adding a little butter.

24. Going to a Bakery

Person A
You’re at a bakery and can’t decide what to buy. Ask the baker what’s fresh today. You want something sweet but not too sugary. Ask about the ingredients in different pastries.

Person B
You work at the bakery. Recommend today’s fresh items like croissants or fruit tarts. Explain which options are less sweet. Answer questions about ingredients (like nuts or gluten) if asked.

25. Making a Soup Together

Person A
You’re making vegetable soup with a friend. Ask what vegetables to chop first. You’re not sure how much water to add or how long to cook it. Ask when to add spices.

Person B
You’re helping make soup. Explain to chop hard vegetables (carrots, potatoes) first and cook them longer. Suggest starting with 4 cups of water. Tell them to add spices after the vegetables soften.

26. Discussing Food Allergies

Person A
You’re allergic to nuts and eating at a friend’s house. Ask what ingredients are in the food they prepared. Explain your allergy clearly. Ask if there might be nuts in any dishes.

Person B
Your friend has a nut allergy. Carefully explain all ingredients in your dishes. Point out any foods that might contain nuts or were prepared near nuts. Offer to make something safe if needed.

27. Preparing a Picnic Lunch

Person A
You’re packing a picnic with your cousin. Ask what food travels well – sandwiches or salads? You need ideas that won’t spoil in the sun. Also ask what drinks to bring.

Person B
You’re planning a picnic. Recommend sandwiches with dry fillings (cheese, ham) and whole fruits. Suggest bringing water or juice boxes. Remind them to pack napkins and plastic utensils.

28. Making a Fruit Salad

Person A
You’re making fruit salad for a party. Ask your neighbor which fruits combine well together. You have apples and bananas – ask what else to add. Also ask if you should add lemon juice.

Person B
Your neighbor is making fruit salad. Suggest adding berries and grapes for color. Explain that lemon juice keeps bananas from turning brown. Recommend cutting all fruits similar sizes.

29. Grilling Meat at a BBQ

Person A
You’re grilling burgers at a BBQ but never used a grill before. Ask your uncle how to tell when the meat is cooked. The flames are too big – ask how to control them. Also ask when to flip the burgers.

Person B
Your niece/nephew is grilling for the first time. Explain to wait for coals to turn gray before cooking. Show how to check if burgers are done (no pink inside). Tell them to flip only once after juices appear on top.

30. Talking About Healthy Food Choices

Person A
You want to eat healthier but don’t know where to start. Ask your nutritionist friend for simple changes. You drink lots of soda – ask for healthier drink options. Also ask about good snacks.

Person B
Your friend wants to eat healthier. Suggest replacing soda with flavored water or tea. Recommend snacks like nuts or yogurt. Explain that small changes work better than strict diets. Offer to share easy recipes.

Conclusion

These 30 cooking role-play scenarios give your students exactly what they need to talk about food and cooking with confidence. Whether they’re pretending to order at a restaurant, help mom in the kitchen, or grill at a BBQ, they’ll be practicing real, useful English.

The best part? Students won’t just memorize words – they’ll learn how to actually use them in conversation. They’ll ask questions, give instructions, and solve little cooking problems… all in English. And because cooking is something everyone understands, even beginners can jump right in and start talking.

So pick a scenario, pair up your students, and let the cooking conversations begin. Before you know it, they’ll be chatting away about food like pros!

FAQs about Cooking Role-play Scenarios

1. How do I introduce these role-plays to beginners?
Start by pre-teaching key vocabulary (e.g., “chop”, “boil”, “recipe”). Demonstrate one scenario yourself first, then have students repeat with scripts before freestyling.

2. Should students memorize the dialogues?
No! Encourage improvisation. Provide phrase prompts (“How do I…?”, “First, you need to…”) but let conversations develop naturally.

3. What if students get stuck mid-conversation?
Keep a “Help Menu” on the board with question starters (“Could you show me…?” “What’s next?”) and cooking verbs they can reference.

4. How long should each role-play take?
3-5 minutes per pair. Use a kitchen timer! Have groups switch roles when the timer dings for double practice.

5. Can I use these for individual students?
Yes! You play Person B (chef/waiter/etc.) while the student plays Person A. Great for tutoring sessions.

6. How do I make it more fun?
Add props! Bring in real kitchen tools (safe ones!), print fake menus, or use play food. The more senses engaged, the better they’ll remember.

7. What if students don’t know cooking terms?
Turn it into a vocab lesson! Show quick video clips of cooking actions (chopping, frying) before starting the role-plays.

8. How can I assess their progress?
Listen for:
✓ Using sequence words (first, next)
✓ Asking clear questions
✓ Responding with relevant answers

9. Can advanced students use these?
Absolutely! Challenge them to:
• Add problems (“Oh no, we’re out of salt!”)
• Use more descriptive language (“sizzling”, “golden brown”)

10. How do I extend the activity?
After role-plays, have students:
✍️ Write their own recipe
📱 Film a cooking tutorial
🍳 Actually prepare a simple dish (like sandwiches) while speaking English