IELTS Speaking · 5

Yes, I really enjoy cooking, especially on weekends when I have more time to experiment. As a child, I mostly ate simple home-cooked meals like soups and rice dishes that my grandmother prepared. These days I usually prefer eating at home because it's healthier and cheaper, although I do go to restaurants for special occasions. My eating habits have definitely changed recently. I've started cooking more vegetables and cutting down on fast food, partly because I want to stay fit and partly because I've become more aware of where my food actually comes from.

I'd like to talk about a vegetable curry that I really enjoy cooking, because it's both comforting and surprisingly easy to make. The dish comes from a recipe my aunt taught me a few years ago, and it has become my go-to meal whenever friends come over for dinner. The main ingredients are onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, a mix of spices like cumin and turmeric, and whatever vegetables I happen to have, usually potatoes, carrots and peas. I also add coconut milk to make the sauce creamy and rich. In terms of preparation, I start by frying the onions until they turn golden, then I add the garlic and ginger, followed by the spices so they release their aroma. After that I throw in the tomatoes and vegetables and let everything simmer slowly for about half an hour. The kitchen fills with a wonderful smell while it cooks. The reason I enjoy making this dish so much is that it's flexible and forgiving, so I can adjust it to my taste and never worry about ruining it. It's also a healthy, affordable meal that I can share with people I care about. Honestly, cooking it helps me relax after a stressful day, and serving it to others always makes me feel proud.

I think young people cook less mainly because of busy lifestyles and the convenience of takeaways and delivery apps, so home cooking can feel like a luxury they don't have time for. Eating habits in my country have shifted noticeably, with more processed and international food appearing alongside traditional meals. I doubt traditional dishes will disappear completely, though, because they carry strong cultural and emotional meaning, and many families pass recipes down through generations. Food also plays a huge role in connecting people, as sitting down to share a meal creates a relaxed space where families talk, bond and maintain their relationships over time.