In 15 Seconds
- Use it to praise food or drinks that taste great.
- Say it at restaurants or dinner parties to be polite.
- Add 'so' or 'really' for extra emphasis and warmth.
Meaning
You say this when you eat or drink something that tastes very good. It is a warm way to show you are enjoying your meal.
Key Examples
3 of 6Eating at a friend's house
Wow, this is delicious! Did you cook it yourself?
Wow, this is delicious! Did you cook it yourself?
At a high-end restaurant
This is delicious, thank you to the chef.
This is delicious, thank you to the chef.
Texting a photo of a dessert
Look at this cake... it is delicious! 🍰
Look at this cake... it is delicious!
Cultural Background
Americans tend to be very enthusiastic with their food compliments. Using 'delicious' or 'amazing' is standard even for simple meals. British people might use 'lovely' or 'very nice' as often as 'delicious.' 'Delicious' is seen as a strong, sincere compliment. In Japan, saying 'Oishii' (delicious) is almost a social requirement during a meal to show respect to the host. The French take food very seriously. Saying 'C'est délicieux' is a high compliment to the chef's skill and the quality of ingredients.
Use it early
Don't wait until the end of the meal to say it. Saying it after the first bite is more sincere.
Don't overdo it
If you say 'delicious' 20 times in one meal, it might start to sound insincere.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to praise food or drinks that taste great.
- Say it at restaurants or dinner parties to be polite.
- Add 'so' or 'really' for extra emphasis and warmth.
What It Means
This is delicious is the ultimate compliment for food. It tells the cook that their hard work paid off. It means the flavors are perfect and you are happy. You are not just eating; you are having a great experience. It is a simple, powerful way to share joy.
How To Use It
Use it while you are still chewing or right after a bite. You can say it to the chef or your friends. Keep your voice bright and enthusiastic. If you want more power, add really or so. For example, This is so delicious! works perfectly. Don't forget to smile while you say it!
When To Use It
Use it at a dinner party to be polite. Use it at a restaurant when the waiter asks how the food is. It is great for street food or a fancy five-course meal. Even if you are just eating a snack, it works. It makes the person who provided the food feel like a hero.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for things you cannot eat. It sounds very strange if you use it for a movie or a song. Avoid saying it if you actually hate the food. People will see it on your face! Also, don't say it with a flat, bored voice. That makes it sound like a lie.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, praising the food is a social rule. It breaks the silence and starts happy conversations. Food is often tied to love and hospitality. By saying This is delicious, you are thanking the host for their care. It is the easiest way to be a great guest.
Common Variations
This tastes amazing!(More excited)This is yummy.(Very casual or for kids)This is incredible.(High praise for gourmet food)It's great.(Simple and safe)This is to die for!(A bit dramatic and very positive)
Usage Notes
This phrase is safe for all levels of formality. Just remember to use 'this' or 'it'—describing yourself as 'delicious' will lead to some very funny looks!
Use it early
Don't wait until the end of the meal to say it. Saying it after the first bite is more sincere.
Don't overdo it
If you say 'delicious' 20 times in one meal, it might start to sound insincere.
Pair with 'absolutely'
To sound like a native, say 'This is absolutely delicious!'
Examples
6Wow, this is delicious! Did you cook it yourself?
Wow, this is delicious! Did you cook it yourself?
A great way to start a conversation about the recipe.
This is delicious, thank you to the chef.
This is delicious, thank you to the chef.
Formal and respectful way to give feedback.
Look at this cake... it is delicious! 🍰
Look at this cake... it is delicious!
Commonly used in social media captions.
This is delicious, but my mouth is on fire!
This is delicious, but my mouth is on fire!
A humorous way to balance praise with a struggle.
Honey, this is delicious. Thank you for cooking.
Honey, this is delicious. Thank you for cooking.
Shows deep appreciation and love.
This is delicious! I need to buy another one.
This is delicious! I need to buy another one.
Shows immediate satisfaction.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct word.
This pizza ___ delicious!
'This pizza' is a singular subject, so we use 'is'.
Which sentence is a polite compliment for food?
You are at a friend's house for dinner. What do you say?
'This is delicious' is the standard, correct way to compliment food.
Fill in the missing line.
Waiter: 'How is your meal?' You: '__________'
When a waiter asks about your meal, 'It is delicious' is a perfect response.
Match the phrase to the correct time.
When do you say 'That was delicious'?
'Was' is the past tense, so you use it after the meal is over.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Ways to describe food
Positive
- • Delicious
- • Tasty
- • Great
Neutral
- • Okay
- • Fine
- • Alright
Negative
- • Bad
- • Disgusting
- • Bland
Practice Bank
4 exercisesThis pizza ___ delicious!
'This pizza' is a singular subject, so we use 'is'.
You are at a friend's house for dinner. What do you say?
'This is delicious' is the standard, correct way to compliment food.
Waiter: 'How is your meal?' You: '__________'
When a waiter asks about your meal, 'It is delicious' is a perfect response.
When do you say 'That was delicious'?
'Was' is the past tense, so you use it after the meal is over.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, if the water is very cold and refreshing on a hot day, you can say it, but 'refreshing' is more common.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your best friend.
'Delicious' is stronger and more emotional. 'Tasty' is more factual.
Yes, but 'absolutely delicious' sounds more natural to native speakers.
Yes! 'That smells delicious' is a very common phrase when someone is cooking.
No, 'yummy' is very informal and can sound childish. 'Delicious' is better for adults.
You can say 'It's not really to my taste' or 'It's interesting.'
Be careful! It can be flirtatious or strange. It's safer to stick to food.
Yes, it is used throughout the English-speaking world.
The most common opposites are 'disgusting,' 'gross,' or simply 'not good.'
Related Phrases
Tasty
similarHaving a good flavor.
Yummy
similarTasting very good.
Scrumptious
specialized formExtremely delicious.
Disgusting
contrastTasting very bad.
