A printable worksheet for news-based English conversation classes.
Date: 2024/02/15
Difficulty: Intermediate B1
PDF: Is British food misunderstood in Japan?
rationed • | • views |
cuisine • | • advanced |
appealing • | • limited |
perceptions • | • food |
sophisticated • | • display |
showcase • | • possibly |
potentially • | • attractive |
rationed | limited |
cuisine | food |
appealing | attractive |
perceptions | views |
sophisticated | advanced |
showcase | display |
potentially | possibly |
Many Japanese people believe that British food is not very good. The television host and writer, Kyosen Ohashi, once said that he avoided eating British food when he visited the country. This opinion started after World War II when food was being rationed and meals were kept simple.
British food has improved since the 1970s, but the negative view still exists. This might be because Japanese media often shows British home cooking as being basic and limited. Also, Japanese people find it strange that British cuisine doesn't include much seafood, even though the UK is an island country. Another issue is that British food is often presented in Japanese media as pub food, which is not very appealing in photos. This could be why there are no British restaurants in Japan, only pubs that serve some British dishes.
However, given the chance to try, Japanese people would likely enjoy a Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Pudding, or a Beef Wellington, both of which are sophisticated British dishes that should appeal to their tastes. These meals showcase the quality and variety of British cuisine, potentially changing perceptions with their rich flavors and appealing presentation.
A: | So, I've only heard bad things about British food. Is it really that bad? |
B: | Not at all! There's loads of good food in the U.K. |
A: | Oh yeah? Like what? |
B: | Well, there's bangers and mash! That's sausages in mashed potato. |
A: | Hmm... okay. Anything else? |
B: | Erm... how about a Cornish pasty? It's beef and potato wrapped in pastry. It's delicious! |