Ever stood in a fast food place or sat in a restaurant and new you wanted a particular food but you couldn’t say the name right! Well stop mispronouncing these popular food names so you sound like a local. Here’s a list of food names we mispronounce and how you should be saying them.
If you have any food names I can add to my list please comment. Currently there are 17 food names on my list of foods we mispronounce.
1. Quinoa – say keen-wah
What is Quinoa? Quinoa is a gluten-free seed that is cooked and eaten like a whole grain. It is an important, nutrient-dense food that contains all nine essential amino acids and is rich in dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals. Some consider it a superfood because of this.
2. Bruschetta – say broo-sket-ta (not “sh”).
What is Bruschetta? Bruschetta is a classic Italian (antipasto) consisting of grilled or toasted bread with with garlic and drizzled with olive oil. Many top it with a mixture of fresh diced tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper. Here’s my bruschetta (well actually panini recipe which is very similar) recipe.
3. Croissant – say kwah-sahn
What is a Croissant? A croissant is a buttery, crescent-shaped French pastry. It is made by repeatedly folding butter into dough, known as lamination to create distinct airy layers. You can eat them on their own or with savoury or sweet additions. If I’m feeling like something savoury I am partial to ham and cheese croissants. If I am feeling like something sweet I add a little jam and cream or jam and butter to my croissant.
4. Jalapeño – say ha-la-peh-nyo
What is a Jalapeno? A jalapeño is a popular chilli pepper native to Mexico. It has a grassy flavour that is often included in salsas, tacos, and a variety of Tex-Mex and Central American dishes. Here’s my taco recipe to try.
5. Quesadilla – say keh-suh-dee-yuh
What is a Quesadilla? The name translates from Spanish to ‘little cheesy thing’, so that should give you a good idea. A quesadilla is a traditional Mexican dish made of a corn or flour tortilla that is filled with cheese, folded in half, and heated on a griddle until the cheese melts and the tortilla becomes crispy. Just another classic favourite Mexican dish.
6. Gnocchi – say nyo-kee
What is Gnocchi? Gnocchi are basically Italian dumplings made from a dough of mashed potatoes, wheat and eggs. Then add a sauce either creamy or tomato. These are a very traditional Italian dish.
7. Tzatziki – say tsa-tsee-kee
What is Tzatziki? Tzatziki is a classic Greek sauce or dip made from yogurt, grated or finely chopped cucumber, garlic, olvie oil and lemon juice. Fresh herbs can be added also. Great with classic Greek lamb dishes like Gyro.
8. Worcestershire – say woos-ter-sher
What is Worcestershire (Sauce)? Worcestershire is a county in West-Central England, where Worcestershire Sauce originated. The sauce is a dark, fermented liquid used to season stews and dressings and even drinks like the Bloody Mary. It’s flavour is derived from vinegar, molasses, anchovies, garlic and a variety of spices. I find it is a bit like Australia’s Vegemite – you either love it or hate it!
9. Edamame – say eh-dah-mah-meh
What is Edamame? Edamame are the young, green soybeans that are harvested before they ripen or harden. Most will boil or steam them and eat them as an appetiser or as a salad ingredient.
10. Açaí – say ah-sigh-ee
What is Acai? Açaí is a small, dark-purple berry native to the South American Amazon rainforest. It is known as a superfood for the antioxidants, healthy fats and dietary fibre that you find in it. Many add Acai with other fruits in smoothies or as a topping for their cereal.
11. Pho – just say fuh
What is Pho? Pho is Vietnam’s national dish. Basically it’s a soup made from a rich bone broth, flat rice noodles and tender meat (beef or chicken) with fresh herbs.
12. Sriracha – say see-rah-cha
What is Sriracha? I first came across Sriracha travelling through Asia. It is a tangy hot sauce made from chilli peppers, distilled vinegar, garlic, sugar and salt. This mixture gives Sriracha a spicy, sweet kick – very nice.
13. Baguette – say ba-get
What is a Baguette? A baguette is a long, thin loaf of French bread. Traditionally made from flour, water, yeast and salt this French bread is distinguished by its crisp golden crust and light and airy interior. Great for picnics and with a glass of wine!
14. Parmesan – say par-muh-zahn
What is Parmesan? Parmesan is a hard cheese. Made from cow’s milk it is aged for at least 12 to 24 months giving it is strong rich flavour that is great on top of pasta dishes.
15. Gyro – say yee-ro
What is Gyro? Gyro is a popular Greek street food. It consists of seasoned meat that is cooked on a vertical rotisserie. It’s then thinly slice and served wrapped in warm pita bread with tomatoes, onions, fries and tzatziki sauce. Great to eat after a long night out!
16. Poke – say poh-kay
What is Poke? When it comes to food, Poke is a traditional Hawaiian dish. It consists of diced raw fish (usually tuna) that is marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil and other seasonings. I have tried it a few times on trips to Hawaii.
17. Acai Bowl – say ah-sigh-ee bowl
What is Acai? Acai is a small, dark purple berry. Harvested from the acai palm tree that is native to the Amazon rainforest in South America. It is loved for its high concentration of antioxidants, healthy fats and fibre.
Now you can pronounce these popular foods!
