Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Cooking” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Ingredients
1. What is your favorite vegetable to cook with?
2. What kind of fruits do you like in your salad?
3. What is the most popular spice in your country?
4. What is your favorite kind of meat or protein?
5. Which is your favorite type of cheese?

II. Recipes
6. What is a traditional dish from your country?
7. What is the easiest recipe you can make?
8. Can you describe a dish you recently tried?
9. What is a dish you would like to learn how to make?
10. What is your favorite breakfast recipe?

III. Cooking Techniques
11. What is your favorite cooking method?
12. What is the difference between baking and broiling?
13. How do you like your steak cooked?
14. Can you explain the process of sautéing?
15. What is the main difference between boiling and steaming?

IV. Kitchen Tools
16. What is the most useful kitchen tool you own?
17. What is a kitchen gadget you wish you had?
18. Can you name a few essential kitchen utensils?
19. What is your favorite type of cookware?
20. What kind of knife do you use most often?

V. Meal Planning
21. How do you decide what to cook each day?
22. What do you usually have for lunch?
23. What is your go-to snack?
24. Do you prefer homemade or restaurant food?
25. What is your favorite kind of cuisine?

VI. Dietary Preferences
26. Are you a vegetarian or a meat-eater?
27. What is your favorite type of seafood?
28. Do you have any food allergies?
29. What is your favorite dessert?
30. Do you prefer sweet or savory dishes?

VII. Cooking Skills
31. How did you learn to cook?
32. Can you describe your cooking style?
33. What is the hardest dish you have ever cooked?
34. What cooking tips would you share with a beginner?
35. What is your favorite kitchen shortcut?

VIII. Baking
36. What is your favorite type of bread?
37. What was the last dessert you baked?
38. Do you prefer cakes or pies?
39. Can you name some ingredients used in baking?
40. What is the difference between baking powder and baking soda?

IX. Food Presentation
41. How important is food presentation to you?
42. What are some ways to make a dish look appealing?
43. Do you prefer simple or elaborate food presentations?
44. What colors make a dish visually appealing?
45. How can you make a salad look more interesting?

X. Food and Culture
46. What is a typical food from your hometown?
47. What is a common food misconception about your country?
48. How do people in your country usually eat their meals?
49. What is your favorite food-related holiday or celebration?
50. Are there any foods that you think are misunderstood?

XI. Food and Health
51. What is a healthy dish you enjoy?
52. How do you make a meal more nutritious?
53. What is a food you eat to boost your energy?
54. How do you maintain a balanced diet?
55. What is your favorite source of protein?

XII. Beverages
56. What is your favorite hot drink?
57. What is your favorite cold drink?
58. What is your favorite kind of tea or coffee?
59. What is a popular beverage in your country?
60. What kind of drink do you prefer with your meals?