If students can talk about recipes in English, they can have fun conversations about cooking and understand recipes from different cultures. Teaching “Talking About Recipes” to ESL students is fun and effective because it connects language learning with the love for food.
ESL students often use basic words when talking about recipes, missing out on more interesting culinary language.
How can teachers help students use a wider range of vocabulary to talk about recipes?
This post provides 15 conversations at different English levels. It helps students learn new words and expressions about cooking. Teachers can use these conversations to make lessons more engaging and help students talk about recipes confidently.
Table of Contents
Sharing a Simple Recipe (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two friends discussing a basic pasta recipe at a casual gathering.
Linda: Hi Mark, do you like pasta?
Mark: Yes, I love it! What’s your favorite kind?
Linda: I like spaghetti with tomato sauce.
Mark: Sounds tasty! How do you make it?
Linda: Boil spaghetti, then add sauce. Easy!
Mark: Do you add anything else to it?
Linda: Sometimes cheese or veggies, but not always.
Mark: I’ll try making it your way next time.
Linda: You should! It’s quick and delicious.
Asking for a Recipe (Formal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: A neighbor asking about a dessert recipe at a community event.
Sophia: Excuse me, Mrs. Johnson. Can I ask you something?
Mrs. Johnson: Sure, what’s on your mind, dear?
Sophia: Do you have a simple cake recipe?
Mrs. Johnson: Yes, I do. What kind of cake do you like?
Sophia: Chocolate cake, please.
Mrs. Johnson: Alright, I’ll write it down for you.
Sophia: Thank you so much, Mrs. Johnson.
Mrs. Johnson: You’re welcome, dear. Enjoy baking!
Discussing a New Recipe (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two colleagues talking about a new recipe one tried recently.
Carlos: Hey Maria, tried a new dish yesterday.
Maria: Oh? What was it?
Carlos: Chicken stir-fry. It was great!
Maria: Sounds yummy! How did you make it?
Carlos: Just cooked chicken and veggies together.
Maria: I should try that sometime.
Carlos: You should! It’s simple and tasty.
Talking about Recipes Over the Phone (Formal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Making a recipe request over the phone to a friend.
Julia: Hello, Sarah? It’s Julia.
Sarah: Hi Julia, how are you?
Julia: I’m good, thanks. Do you have a cookie recipe?
Sarah: Yes, I have a few. What type do you want?
Julia: Chocolate chip, please.
Sarah: Sure, I’ll send it to you.
Julia: Thanks, Sarah. Can’t wait to try it.
Sarah: You’re welcome, Julia. Enjoy baking!
Talking About a Family Recipe (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two friends discussing a traditional family recipe.
Anita: Hey Raj, do you have a family recipe?
Raj: Yes, my grandma’s potato curry.
Anita: Sounds special! Can you share it?
Raj: Sure, it’s simple and tasty.
Anita: I’d love to try making it!
Raj: You should! It’s our family’s favorite.
Anita: Thanks, Raj. Can’t wait to taste it!
Discussing a Vegetarian Recipe Swap (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two friends planning to exchange vegetarian recipes for an upcoming dinner party.
Emma: Hi Alex, I’m planning a vegetarian dinner. Do you have any recipes?
Alex: Sure, I have a great tofu stir-fry recipe.
Emma: That sounds delicious! Can you share the details?
Alex: Of course! It’s tofu, veggies, and a tasty sauce.
Emma: Sounds simple yet flavorful. I’ll try it!
Alex: Let me know how it turns out!
Emma: Will do! Thanks for the recipe.
Alex: You’re welcome! Enjoy your dinner party!
Discussing a Recipe Modification (Formal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: A chef and a food blogger discussing a recipe adaptation for a blog post.
Nina: Hello Chef Thomas, I’m adapting your risotto recipe for my blog.
Chef Thomas: Hello Nina. That’s great! What changes are you making?
Nina: I’m adding mushrooms for a twist. Is that okay?
Chef Thomas: Absolutely, mushrooms will add a nice earthy flavor.
Nina: Perfect! Should I credit you in the post?
Chef Thomas: Yes, please. I’d appreciate the acknowledgment.
Nina: Of course, thanks for letting me adapt your recipe.
Chef Thomas: You’re welcome. Looking forward to reading your post!
Discussing Dietary Restrictions (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two colleagues discussing dietary restrictions for an office potluck.
Sophie: Hi Liam, I’m bringing a dish to the potluck. Any allergies I should know about?
Liam: I’m allergic to nuts, but otherwise, I’m good.
Sophie: Thanks for letting me know. I’ll make something nut-free.
Liam: Appreciate it! What are you planning to make?
Sophie: I’m thinking of a vegetable quinoa salad.
Liam: Sounds healthy and delicious! Can’t wait to try it.
Sophie: Hope you like it! See you at the potluck.
Discussing Recipe Reviews (Formal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: A cooking show host discussing viewer feedback on a recently aired recipe.
Lucas: Hello Chef Maria, we received positive feedback on your lasagna recipe episode.
Chef Maria: That’s wonderful to hear! Any specific comments?
Lucas: Viewers loved the addition of spinach. It was a hit!
Chef Maria: I’m glad they enjoyed it. Spinach adds a nice touch.
Lucas: Indeed! They also appreciated the step-by-step instructions.
Chef Maria: Great! I aim to make cooking accessible for everyone.
Lucas: You’re doing an excellent job. Keep it up!
Chef Maria: Thank you, Lucas. I appreciate the support.
Discussing Recipe Ingredients (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two friends discussing alternative ingredients for a recipe due to dietary restrictions.
Aisha: Hey Jordan, I want to make banana bread but have no eggs. Any ideas?
Jordan: You can use applesauce or a ripe banana as a substitute.
Aisha: Really? I didn’t know that. Thanks!
Jordan: You’re welcome! It works well and adds moisture.
Aisha: I’ll try the applesauce. Hope it turns out well.
Jordan: It should! Let me know how it goes.
Aisha: I will! Thanks for the tip, Jordan.
Exploring Fusion Cuisine (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Two culinary experts discussing the emerging trend of fusion cuisine in a professional setting.
Dr. Elena: Good afternoon, Chef Marco. Have you noticed the rising popularity of fusion cuisine?
Chef Marco: Indeed, Dr. Elena. It’s fascinating how cultures merge flavors to create unique dishes.
Dr. Elena: Absolutely. The blend of Asian and Western cuisines seems particularly intriguing.
Chef Marco: Yes, dishes like sushi burritos or kimchi tacos are gaining traction globally.
Dr. Elena: Precisely. It challenges traditional culinary boundaries and encourages innovation.
Chef Marco: It does. It allows chefs to experiment and showcase creativity.
Dr. Elena: I believe it also enriches the dining experience for adventurous eaters.
Chef Marco: Definitely. It offers a delightful surprise with each bite.
Dr. Elena: I’m considering hosting a fusion-themed event. Would you be interested in collaborating?
Chef Marco: I’d be honored, Dr. Elena. It sounds like an exciting opportunity.
Discussing Sustainable Cooking Practices (Informal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Two environmentally-conscious friends discussing sustainable cooking practices over coffee.
Sophia: Hey Liam, I’ve been researching sustainable cooking methods lately.
Liam: That’s great, Sophia! What have you discovered?
Sophia: Using locally-sourced ingredients reduces carbon footprint significantly.
Liam: Absolutely! It also supports local farmers and boosts the economy.
Sophia: True. Plus, reducing food waste is another vital aspect.
Liam: Agreed. Composting and utilizing leftovers creatively can make a difference.
Sophia: Exactly! It’s all about mindful consumption and responsible sourcing.
Liam: Couldn’t have said it better. Have you tried any sustainable recipes?
Sophia: I made a vegetable stew using only local produce. It was delicious!
Liam: That sounds fantastic! Mind sharing the recipe?
Discussing Vegan Alternatives in Baking (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: A nutritionist and a baker discussing vegan alternatives in baking during a professional seminar.
Dr. Patel: Good morning, Ms. Carter. Have you explored vegan baking alternatives?
Ms. Carter: Yes, Dr. Patel. I’ve experimented with flaxseed as an egg substitute.
Dr. Patel: Flaxseed is an excellent choice! It provides a healthy omega-3 boost.
Ms. Carter: Indeed, and it maintains the texture and moisture in baked goods.
Dr. Patel: That’s impressive. Have you tried aquafaba as well?
Ms. Carter: Absolutely! It works wonders in meringues and mousses.
Dr. Patel: It’s remarkable how plant-based options can replicate traditional flavors.
Ms. Carter: Agreed. Vegan baking is not only ethical but also delicious.
Dr. Patel: It certainly opens up new avenues for dietary inclusivity.
Ms. Carter: Precisely. It caters to a broader audience with varying dietary needs.
Sharing Family Recipes and Traditions (Informal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Two friends reminiscing and sharing family recipes and cooking traditions.
Isabelle: Hey Diego, do you have any family recipes passed down through generations?
Diego: Yes, Isabelle. My grandma’s paella recipe is a family treasure.
Isabelle: Oh, paella! That sounds incredible. What makes it special?
Diego: It’s a blend of seafood, saffron, and love, cooked over an open flame.
Isabelle: That sounds magical! Family recipes often have such sentimental value.
Diego: They do. They connect us to our roots and heritage.
Isabelle: Absolutely. My mom’s lasagna recipe is a family favorite.
Diego: I’d love to try it someday. Family recipes are a beautiful legacy.
Isabelle: They truly are. They preserve memories and traditions.
Exploring Molecular Gastronomy Techniques (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Two chefs discussing the innovative techniques of molecular gastronomy in a culinary conference.
Chef Aria: Good afternoon, Chef Ethan. Have you delved into molecular gastronomy techniques?
Chef Ethan: Yes, Chef Aria. Techniques like spherification and foams fascinate me.
Chef Aria: They indeed offer unique textures and presentations to dishes.
Chef Ethan: Precisely. It’s a blend of science and artistry in the kitchen.
Chef Aria: Agreed. It allows chefs to push boundaries and redefine culinary experiences.
Chef Ethan: It does. It offers diners a multi-sensory journey.
Chef Aria: I believe it also encourages culinary innovation and creativity.
Chef Ethan: Absolutely. It’s reshaping the future of gastronomy.
Chef Aria: I’m considering incorporating some techniques into my menu. Any recommendations?
Chef Ethan: Foams are versatile and add a delightful twist. Perhaps start there?
Conclusion
Practicing these conversations about recipes will help ESL students improve their English skills while enjoying discussions about food. With these guided conversations, both teachers and students can make learning English more engaging and relevant to everyday life.
