Believe it or not, there are tons of common (and not so common) foods that you have probably been pronouncing incorrectly for years. Is it see-tan or say-tan? Is the ‘g’ in gnocchi silent? Do you pronounce caipirinha like piranha? These are just a few questions you’ve probably had while out dining. Spelling can be a bit deceiving, so it makes sense that we have all fallen victim to butchering our food orders.
Let’s set the scene. You head out for a night on the town with your girls. You take a quick glance at the menu, feeling pretty confident as you ask the waiter for pho. Pronouncing it like a childhood enemy, he or she stares at you in confusion because they haven’t the slightest clue what you are talking about. We have all been there.
Mispronouncing the names of your favorite dishes is one of the biggest food faux pas a blossoming foodie can make. But you shouldn’t feel ashamed. And that shouldn’t stop you from experimenting with new menu items. You never want to be too timid to ask for a platter just because you don’t want to say the wrong thing. Life is all about giving anything a try at least once.
That’s why we have taken the guesswork out for you and tracked down a couple of those tricky foods you just can’t seem to say right. With the help of our friend Malandra, the Vegan Diva, you’ll be able to order any item off of the menu and not feel intimidated. Our common foods guide is setting the record straight once and for all.
Four Foods You’re Pronouncing Incorrectly:
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Pho – A delicious Vietnamese soup with noodles, cilantro and meat
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Seitan – A soy-bean based meat for vegetarians and vegans
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Gnocchi – Soft balls of dough
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Caipirinha – A sweet Brazilian drink you can order right along with your mojitos and margaritas.
