LOGBOOK

They say you should never write on an empty stomach. If that’s true, this might be the most well-fed editorial of the year. November has arrived, and with it comes a season of cooking, gathering, and if we’re being honest finding excuses for second helpings.

Food is one of the richest topics we can explore in language learning. It’s universal, deeply cultural, endlessly personal and full of flavor, both literal and linguistic. Every dish carries a story: of family, geography, history, and identity. Whether students are describing their grandmother’s secret soup recipe or debating the best kind of street food, they’re not just practicing vocabulary; they’re sharing a piece of who they are.

In the ESL classroom, conversations about food open doors to so much more than recipes. They spark memories, comparisons, and curiosity. Talking about ingredients or cooking steps naturally brings in descriptive language, sequencing, and cultural exchange. And because everyone eats, it levels the playing field students at all levels can participate, connect, and learn from one another.

It’s also a golden opportunity for creativity. Cooking videos, restaurant role-plays, “Top Chef” style challenges, or even a “create your dream café” project invite students to experiment with language in ways that feel playful and authentic. A lesson about making pasta can turn into a discussion about tradition; a conversation about comfort foods can become an exploration of emotion and identity. These activities bring warmth into the classroom and not just from the imaginary ovens.

Food also teaches patience and process two things language learners know well. You don’t become fluent overnight, just as you don’t bake a perfect cake on the first try. It takes time, experimentation, and the willingness to laugh at your mistakes (especially if the “dish” turns out a bit burnt). In both cooking and communication, it’s about balance, adjustment, and tasting along the way.

And just like a good meal, learning English is best enjoyed when shared. When students swap recipes, tell stories of family celebrations, or describe dishes from home, they’re not only practicing new vocabulary they’re building bridges. Those conversations remind us that language isn’t only about grammar or pronunciation; it’s about connection, hospitality, and understanding.