Describe a traditional dish from your country - IELTS cue card

India is a nation where people like to cook traditional meals on every happy occasion and festivals.

One of my country's most loved traditional dishes is Dal Bati Churma. This dish is a meal and a celebration of Rajasthani culture and hospitality. Dal Bati Churma is a classic Rajasthani dish made up of three main components: "Dal" (a spicy curry including pulses), "Bati" (hard wheat rolls baked in a tandoor), and "Churma" (a sweet crushed wheat mixture).

To prepare Dal Bati Churma, we first make the Bati by mixing wheat flour with ghee, water, and some spices, then shape the mixture into round balls and bake them in an oven or a tandoor until they’re hard and golden brown. For the Dal, you cook lentils with onions, tomatoes, and combination of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Finally, Churma is made by crushing some of the baked Bati into crumbs, mixing it with ghee and sugar, and adding nuts and dry fruits.

The main ingredients for this dish are wheat flour, ghee, lentils, onions, tomatoes, and various spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric. For the Churma, you also need sugar and, optionally, nuts like almonds and cashews.

I enjoy Dal Bati Churma because it’s a hearty and flavorful meal that perfectly balances spicy, savoury, and sweet flavours. The crispy Bati pairs wonderfully with the rich and spicy Dal, while the Churma adds a delightful sweetness. Eating this dish reminds me of festive occasions and family gatherings, making it delicious and nostalgic.

Overall, Dal Bati Churma is a traditional Rajasthani dish that’s tasty and brings people together. It’s a wonderful representation of the region’s culinary traditions and a dish I always look forward to enjoying.

Every state in India has its own food specialities and traditional dishes. People in different regions enjoy different kinds of traditional food. So, today, I will talk about a traditional dish from Punjab in the northeastern part of the country.

A traditional Indian dish that I really enjoy is Sarso Da Saag with Makke Di Roti. This dish is especially popular in Punjab and is loved for its rich flavours and comforting taste. Sarso Da Saag is a spicy, flavorful curry made from mustard greens as well as other leafy vegetables, while Makke Di Roti is a type of flatbread made from cornmeal. Together, they make a hearty and satisfying meal.

To make Sarso Da Saag, you first wash and chop mustard greens, spinach, and sometimes bathua (a type of leafy green). These greens are then cooked with spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala until they’re soft and the flavours meld together. You can also add garlic, ginger and green chillies for extra taste. Makke Di Roti is prepared by mixing cornmeal with water and a little bit of salt to form a dough. The dough is then rolled out into flat circles and cooked on a hot griddle until each side is golden brown and slightly crispy.

For Sarso Da Saag, the main ingredients are mustard greens, spinach, bathua (optional), onions, tomatoes, and a mix of spices such as coriander, garam masala,cumin and turmeric. For Makke Di Roti, you only need cornmeal, water, and salt.

I enjoy Sarso Da Saag with Makke Di Roti because it’s healthy, comforting and flavorful. The rich, spicy Saag pairs perfectly with the slightly sweet and nutty taste of the Makke Di Roti. Eating this dish reminds me of family gatherings and traditional celebrations, making it even more special.

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Overall, Sarso da saag and Makke di roti are among the best traditional dishes in India. They are mostly prepared during winter with lots of fresh butter.

In India, food prepared in the northern and southern regions has quite different flavours. Today, I am going to talk about a popular South Indian traditional dish.

A traditional south indian dish that many people love is Dosa with Sambhar. This dish is staple in South Indian cuisine and is enjoyed by people all over the country. Dosa is a type of thin, crispy pancake made from fermented rice and lentil batter. It is usually served with Sambhar, a spicy and tangy vegetable stew. Together, they make a delicious and satisfying meal.

To prepare Dosa, you first need to make the batter by soaking rice and urad dal (split black gram) overnight, then grinding them into a smooth paste. This batter is left to ferment for a day or two. When you’re ready to cook, spread a layer of the batter on a hot griddle until it’s crispy and golden brown. For Sambhar, you cook lentils with a mix of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and beans. Then, add a special spice blend called Sambhar powder and tamarind to give it a tangy flavour. The stew is simmered until all the flavours are well blended.

The main ingredients for Dosa batter are rice, urad dal, and sometimes fenugreek seeds. For Sambhar, you need lentils, vegetables, tamarind, Sambhar powder (which includes spices like coriander, cumin, and turmeric), and mustard seeds.

I enjoy Dosa with sambhar because it’s delicious and has always been my go-to meal. The crispy Dosa pairs perfectly with the rich and spicy sambhar, creating a really satisfying combination of textures and flavours. Plus, it’s a dish that reminds me of family breakfasts and special occasions, which makes it even more enjoyable.

Overall, Dosa is one of my favourite traditional dishes. I eat it at least once every 15 days. Apart from this, dosa is also considered a very healthy and wholesome meal, as it contains all good ingredients for health.

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Question: Why do you think different cultures have different table manners?

Answer: Different cultures have unique table manners because these customs are shaped by their history, religion, and social values. For instance, some cultures focus on communal eating, while others emphasise individual portions. Table manners also reflect what is considered polite or respectful in each culture. These customs help maintain order and show respect for food and those sharing the meal. As a result, table manners vary widely worldwide, reflecting how people interact with food and each other.

Question: Tell me about the types of food people eat in your country?

Answer: In my country, people enjoy various foods that reflect our diverse culture. Common staples include rice, lentils, and vegetables, often cooked with rich spices. Traditional dishes like curry, biryani, and various types of bread are popular. We also have a range of regional specialities, such as dosas from the south and kebabs from the north. Meals often include a balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavours—and are typically enjoyed with family and friends.

Question: How may eating habits change in the coming decades?

Answer: Eating habits might change in the coming decades due to increasing awareness of health and environmental issues. People may shift towards more plant-based diets to reduce carbon footprint and improve their health. Technology could also play a role, with advances in food production and delivery changing how we prepare and consume meals. Additionally, global influences might introduce new cuisines and eating practices, leading to more fusion foods and diverse eating habits.

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Question: How healthy is your country’s food?

Answer: The healthiness of my country’s food varies. Traditional dishes are often balanced and nutritious, featuring fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. However, modern eating habits have introduced more processed foods, which can be less healthy due to higher levels of sugar, salt, and fats.

To summarise, the IELTS speaking cue card component is vital; nonetheless, it might be challenging because the themes may surprise you. But, at that point, try to remain calm, prepare your responses in the allotted time, and don't hesitate to respond. Try to curate the answers and stories in your thoughts to clarify what can be answered. You can also use the sample answers as a reference.

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