How to use this lesson: read each item aloud, notice the collocation, cover the definition and retrieve the word from memory. Then use at least three items in your own sentences.
10 useful words and phrases
flavour
The particular taste of food or drink.
Example: Lemon adds a fresh flavour.
Natural collocation: rich flavour
menu
A list of food and drinks available in a restaurant.
Example: The lunch menu changes every week.
Natural collocation: set menu
bill
A written statement of what you must pay.
Example: Could we have the bill, please?
Natural collocation: ask for the bill
starter
A small first course of a meal.
Example: We shared a starter before the main course.
Natural collocation: order a starter
main course
The largest or most important course of a meal.
Example: I chose fish for my main course.
Natural collocation: main-course dish
dietary requirement
A food-related need or restriction.
Example: Tell the restaurant about any dietary requirements.
Natural collocation: special dietary requirements
fresh
Recently produced or prepared and not preserved.
Example: The café uses fresh ingredients.
Natural collocation: fresh produce
spicy
Having a strong hot flavour from spices.
Example: The curry was too spicy for me.
Natural collocation: spicy food
ingredient
One of the foods used to make a dish.
Example: Fresh tomatoes are the main ingredient.
Natural collocation: key ingredient
recipe
Instructions for preparing a dish.
Example: This recipe serves four people.
Natural collocation: follow a recipe
Quick vocabulary check
- 1. Which word means “the particular taste of food or drink”? flavour
- 2. Which word means “a list of food and drinks available in a restaurant”? menu
- 3. Which word means “a written statement of what you must pay”? bill
- 4. Which word means “a small first course of a meal”? starter
- 5. Which word means “the largest or most important course of a meal”? main course
Make the vocabulary active
Choose five items above and make them personal. Say one true sentence about your life, work, studies or experience for each item. For stronger recall, return tomorrow and try to reproduce the collocations without looking.