When we meet a foreigner or have a break in an international conference, what’s the best way to star conversation topics? According to research, food is one of the most common topics people talk about while on break.

###Why is talking about food such a great idea?

  • People like food. Thinking about food, thinking about dessert or main dished.
  • Food can bring people together. At work, we often have barbecues or potlucks or different events that have food.
  • It’s a way to show people that you have things in common.
  • It’s an easier topic than, for example, astrophysics. Anyone can talk about food.
  • It’s a chance to show your culture.
  • By talking about food, you can get more invites to go to restaurant or to go to people’s house for dinner or even to go to out for lunch with somebody.

###How to start a conversation?

If somebody is eating, this’s a great opportunity. You can say:

  • That looks good.
  • What food did you bring today?
  • What’s that you’re eating?

Tipics:

  • Restaurant/Food place

  • Experience of eating.

  • Do you like to cook at home?

  • Healthy eating

    I’ve started eating dark chocolate/yougert.

    I’ve started drinking green tea.

    I’ve heard ___ it’s really good for you.

    It’s high in ___.

    It’s low in ___.

    I’m trying to eat better. Any suggestions.

    Sometime, we would like talk about unhealthy eating.

  • Food Fads (food trends)

    Have you heard of ___?

    I heard ___ is becoming popular.

    Food from your culture. In my city, we eat ___.

Feelings:

  • I’m starving/hungry/hangry(hungry+angry).
  • I’m stuffed/full.

Difference:

It’s good to be respectful/ open-minded.

###Words:

  1. polluck

    An event where everyone brings a dish to share.

  2. barbeque

Reference

Easy English Conversation: Talk about food!