All Ears English Podcast AEE: 4 English Phrases to Start a Meal
49 snips
May 31, 2025 Dive into the art of starting a meal with four essential phrases that foster connection among diners. Explore cultural differences as the hosts compare English meal starters to those in other languages, revealing their informal charm. Learn about dining etiquette and vocabulary, from the casual 'chow down' to polite invitations like 'shall we?'. Plus, discover a C1 fluency course aimed at enhancing natural speech for English learners. Engaging anecdotes and tips make for a delightful discussion on dining interactions!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Lindsay's Memorable Banh Mi
- Lindsay McMahon shares her recent experience of having an amazing tofu banh mi sandwich at a Vietnamese restaurant.
- Despite its simplicity and low cost, it stood out as the best meal she had recently.
No Exact English Meal Greeting
- English lacks a direct, specific phrase equivalent to greetings like 'bon appétit' in other languages.
- Cultural differences strongly influence the expressions used to start a meal, reflecting varied traditions.
Use "Shall We" to Start
- Use "shall we" politely to suggest starting a meal when everyone has their food.
- This phrase is useful especially in small groups or more formal dining occasions.