ESL Conversation Questions – Cooking

🍳 Lessons we’ve made about this topic:
– Cooking & Recipes
– The Michelin Guide
– Eating Out

A2 Level (Elementary)

1. What is your favorite food to cook?
2. Can you name five kitchen tools?
3. How do you make a sandwich?
4. What vegetables do you like in a salad?
5. Do you prefer cooking or eating out?
6. What is a popular dish in your country?
7. Can you bake a cake? What kind?
8. What fruits do you use in a smoothie?
9. How do you make tea or coffee?
10. What is your favorite breakfast?
11. Do you like spicy food?
12. How do you set the table for dinner?
13. What is the easiest dish you can cook?
14. Do you like to try new recipes?
15. What do you like to eat for a snack?
16. Can you describe how to make soup?
17. What is your favorite dessert?
18. Do you cook with your family?
19. How do you cook rice?
20. What foods do you not like?

B1 Level (Intermediate)

1. What are some healthy cooking habits?
2. How has your country’s cuisine evolved over time?
3. What are the challenges of cooking for a large group?
4. How do you plan a balanced meal?
5. Discuss the importance of fresh ingredients.
6. What are some traditional dishes from your culture?
7. How do different spices change a dish?
8. What’s your opinion on vegetarian diets?
9. How does food bring people together?
10. What’s your approach to reducing food waste?
11. Can cooking be considered an art form?
12. How do international cuisines influence each other?
13. Discuss the role of cooking shows in popular culture.
14. What are the benefits of home-cooked meals?
15. How do you handle food allergies when cooking?
16. What’s the most complex dish you’ve prepared?
17. How do you stay inspired in the kitchen?
18. Discuss the trend of organic foods.
19. What’s the role of technology in modern cooking?
20. How do you balance taste and health in your cooking?

B2 Level (Upper Intermediate)

1. Discuss the cultural significance of food in your country.
2. How has globalization influenced local cuisines?
3. What are the ethical considerations of food sourcing?
4. How do dietary restrictions shape one’s cooking habits?
5. Explore the relationship between mood and food preferences.
6. What’s the future of sustainable cooking?
7. How do traditional cooking methods compare to modern techniques?
8. Discuss the impact of fast food on health and culture.
9. What role does food play in social events in your culture?
10. How can cooking be used as a form of self-expression?
11. What are the pros and cons of fusion cuisine?
12. How does one’s cultural background influence their cooking style?
13. Discuss the evolution of vegetarian and vegan cuisines.
14. What are the challenges of maintaining authenticity in ethnic cuisines?
15. How do cooking habits change with seasons?
16. What is the role of street food in your country’s culinary scene?
17. How do food trends emerge and evolve?
18. Discuss the concept of comfort food.
19. How important is presentation in cooking?
20. What’s the significance of recipe sharing in today’s digital age?

C1 Level (Advanced)

1. Analyze the interplay between cuisine and national identity.
2. How do culinary traditions reflect a region’s history and geography?
3. Discuss the impact of colonialism on world cuisines.
4. Explore the dynamics of innovation versus tradition in cooking.
5. How does the culinary scene mirror societal changes?
6. What’s the role of gastronomy in tourism?
7. Analyze the influence of celebrity chefs on public eating habits.
8. How do economic factors shape culinary trends?
9. Discuss the importance of culinary education in preserving cultural heritage.
10. Explore the psychological effects of cooking as a therapeutic activity.

C2 Level (Proficiency)

1. Critique the role of media in shaping global food trends.
2. How does culinary diplomacy promote cross-cultural understanding?
3. Analyze the ethical implications of genetically modified foods.
4. Discuss the sociopolitical aspects of food scarcity and distribution.
5. Explore the philosophical dimensions of eating and cooking.
6. How do culinary practices reflect societal values and norms?
7. Analyze the impact of technological advancements on traditional cooking methods.
8. Discuss the interconnections between food, health, and lifestyle.
9. Examine the role of food in literature and art.
10. Explore the complexities of food authenticity in a globalized world.