6 Most Mispronounced Food Names

Food brings people together, but sometimes the names of certain dishes can be a mouthful—literally. Whether you’re dining out or discussing recipes with friends, knowing how to correctly pronounce these foods can save you some embarrassment and make you sound like a seasoned foodie. Here are six commonly mispronounced food names and the correct ways to say them.

1. Quinoa

Incorrect: kwin-oh-ah
Correct: keen-wah

Quinoa, a protein-packed grain from South America, is often mispronounced due to its unusual spelling. Remember, it’s “keen-wah,” and it’s a versatile ingredient in salads, bowls, and even as a side dish.

2. Pho

Incorrect: foe
Correct: fuh

This Vietnamese noodle soup is a favorite around the world, but its name often trips people up. It’s pronounced “fuh,” rhyming with “duh,” not “foe.”

3. Gyro

Incorrect: jy-roh
Correct: yee-roh

The delicious Greek sandwich made with meat, usually lamb, beef, or chicken, is pronounced “yee-roh.” The “g” is silent, and the “y” sound starts the word.

4. Bruschetta

Incorrect: broo-shetta
Correct: broo-sketta

This Italian appetizer of grilled bread topped with tomatoes and basil is pronounced “broo-sketta,” with a hard “k” sound, not “broo-shetta.”

5. Gnocchi

Incorrect: noh-kee
Correct: nyoh-kee

These Italian potato dumplings are pronounced “nyoh-kee,” with a soft “gn” sound at the beginning, similar to “ny” in the English word “canyon.”

6. Açaí

Incorrect: ah-kai
Correct: ah-sigh-ee

The superfood berry from Brazil, often found in smoothie bowls, is pronounced “ah-sigh-ee,” with the emphasis on the last syllable.

Conclusion

Mastering the correct pronunciation of these foods can make dining out and talking about your favorite dishes a breeze. It also shows respect for the cultures from which these foods originate. Next time you encounter these names, you’ll be able to order with confidence and enjoy your meal without any linguistic faux pas.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright