Advanced culinary vocabulary for near-native speakers and food enthusiasts: refined tastes, textures, and rich food writing.
Free Food & Drink vocabulary flashcards at the C1 level — all 35 words with definitions and examples. Study them with spaced repetition and use these words precisely, including nuance most learners miss.
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staple
a basic food eaten regularly and forming a large part of someone's diet
culinary
relating to cooking or the preparation of food
fermented
preserved and transformed through a natural process involving bacteria or yeast
gourmet
of very high quality, associated with fine food and skilled cooking
repast
a meal, especially a formal or substantial one
palate
a person's ability to recognise and enjoy different flavours
sustainable
produced in a way that does not cause lasting harm to the environment
morsel
a small piece or amount of food
pungent
having a very strong, sharp smell or taste
zest
the outer skin of a citrus fruit, grated and used to add flavour
decadent
rich and indulgent in a way that feels luxurious or excessive
viscosity
the thickness of a liquid and how easily it flows
accompaniment
a food or drink served together with a main dish
marinated
soaked in a seasoned liquid before cooking to add flavour
braised
cooked slowly in a small amount of liquid in a covered pot
fare
food, especially of a particular kind or served in a particular place
indulge
to allow yourself to enjoy something pleasurable, especially rich food
abundant
existing in very large quantities; more than enough
refined
delicate and sophisticated in taste or presentation
aromatic
having a pleasant, noticeable fragrance, often from herbs or spices
nourishing
providing the nutrients needed for good health and energy
delectable
extremely delicious and pleasing to taste
tangy
having a sharp, slightly sour or acidic flavour
hearty
large, filling, and satisfying, especially in cold weather
robust
having a strong, full flavour that is not subtle or delicate
subtle
delicate in flavour and not immediately obvious to the senses
bounty
a generous and plentiful supply of good food
relish
to enjoy something, especially food, with great pleasure
devour
to eat something quickly and eagerly
sear
to cook the surface of meat very quickly over high heat to seal in the juices
curate
to carefully choose and arrange items, such as dishes on a menu
replenish
to fill something up again after it has been used
extract
a concentrated liquid taken from a plant or food, used to add flavour
concentrate
a substance made by removing water from a food to make it stronger in flavour
exquisite
extremely beautiful and finely made, often used of food or presentation