In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say food is delicious.
- Works perfectly in both formal and casual settings.
- Essential for praising a host's cooking skills.
Meaning
This is the most common and polite way to say a meal is really tasty. It's like telling a friend, 'Wow, this food is amazing!'
Key Examples
3 of 6Thanking a friend's mother after dinner
आंटी, यह बहुत स्वादिष्ट खाना है।
Aunty, this is very delicious food.
Writing a restaurant review
यहाँ का स्वादिष्ट खाना मुझे बहुत पसंद आया।
I really liked the delicious food here.
Texting a friend about a new cafe
उस कैफे में स्वादिष्ट खाना मिलता है।
You get delicious food at that cafe.
Cultural Background
In Punjab, 'Svadisht khana' often implies food rich in 'Ghee' (clarified butter) and spices. Complimenting the richness is a sign of respect. In the South, 'Svadisht' might refer to the perfect fermentation of Idli batter or the balance of tamarind in Sambar. Food is often served on a banana leaf, which is said to enhance the 'Svad'. Bengalis are famous foodies. 'Svadisht khana' for them must include a balance of sweet and savory, often ending with 'Mishti' (sweets). In many Hindu households, food is offered to God first (Bhog). This food is then called 'Prasad' and is considered the most 'Svadisht' because it is blessed.
The 'Bahut' Boost
Always add 'Bahut' (very) before 'Svadisht' to sound more sincere and enthusiastic.
Don't say 'Testy'
Many Hindi speakers use the English word 'Tasty', but if you mispronounce it as 'Testy', it means grumpy!
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say food is delicious.
- Works perfectly in both formal and casual settings.
- Essential for praising a host's cooking skills.
What It Means
स्वादिष्ट खाना is your go-to phrase for 'delicious food.' The word स्वादिष्ट means 'full of taste' or 'savory.' खाना simply means 'food.' Together, they form a perfect compliment for any meal. It is a very positive and warm expression.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase as a standalone compliment. You can also drop it into a full sentence. For example, 'This is स्वादिष्ट खाना.' It acts as a noun phrase. It describes the quality of what you are eating. Use it for home-cooked meals or five-star dinners.
When To Use It
Use it when someone cooks for you. It is perfect for a dinner party. Use it when writing a review for a restaurant. You can even text it to a friend. If you see a photo of a great meal, comment this! It shows you appreciate the flavor and effort.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for drinks like tea or coffee. Hindi has different words for 'tasty' beverages. Avoid using it if the food is just 'okay.' It implies the food is actually high quality. Also, don't use it in a sarcastic way. It might come off as rude to the chef.
Cultural Background
In India, food is a way of showing love. A guest is like a god in Indian culture. Complimenting the food is a sign of deep respect. If you say this to an Indian mother, expect more! She will likely give you a second helping immediately. It is the ultimate social lubricant in family gatherings.
Common Variations
For a more casual vibe, try बढ़िया खाना. If the food is mind-blowing, use लाजवाब खाना. If it is spicy and tangy, use चटपटा खाना. For a very formal setting, some people say सुस्वादु भोजन. But स्वादिष्ट खाना remains the most versatile choice for everyone.
Usage Notes
This phrase is safe for all social levels. It is grammatically masculine because 'खाना' is a masculine noun in Hindi.
The 'Bahut' Boost
Always add 'Bahut' (very) before 'Svadisht' to sound more sincere and enthusiastic.
Don't say 'Testy'
Many Hindi speakers use the English word 'Tasty', but if you mispronounce it as 'Testy', it means grumpy!
The Hand Gesture
In India, a slight head tilt or a 'chef's kiss' gesture with 'Svadisht!' makes you look like a pro.
Examples
6आंटी, यह बहुत स्वादिष्ट खाना है।
Aunty, this is very delicious food.
Adding 'बहुत' (very) makes the compliment even stronger.
यहाँ का स्वादिष्ट खाना मुझे बहुत पसंद आया।
I really liked the delicious food here.
A standard way to express satisfaction in a review.
उस कैफे में स्वादिष्ट खाना मिलता है।
You get delicious food at that cafe.
Used to recommend a place to a friend.
क्या मुझे और स्वादिष्ट खाना मिल सकता है?
Can I get more delicious food?
A cheeky way to ask for a second helping.
मुझे माँ के हाथ का स्वादिष्ट खाना याद आता है।
I miss the delicious food made by my mother.
Connects the phrase to emotional memories of home.
इस स्वादिष्ट खाने के लिए धन्यवाद।
Thank you for this delicious food.
A polite way to end a professional meal.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word for 'tasty'.
यह _______ खाना है।
'Svadisht' is the adjective form needed to describe the food.
Which sentence is the most polite way to compliment a host?
Choose the best option:
This is the standard, enthusiastic compliment for a meal.
Complete the dialogue.
Waiter: खाना कैसा लगा? You: ___________।
This directly answers the waiter's question about the food quality.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You just finished a great meal at a friend's house.
It's the appropriate social response after eating.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesयह _______ खाना है।
'Svadisht' is the adjective form needed to describe the food.
Choose the best option:
This is the standard, enthusiastic compliment for a meal.
Waiter: खाना कैसा लगा? You: ___________।
This directly answers the waiter's question about the food quality.
You just finished a great meal at a friend's house.
It's the appropriate social response after eating.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral to formal. It's the standard word used in schools and polite society.
Yes, you can say 'Svadisht juice' or 'Svadisht chai', though 'Achhi chai' is more common.
No, 'Svadisht' is invariant. It stays the same for one samosa or ten samosas.
'Svadisht' is Sanskrit-based; 'Lazīz' is Urdu-based. 'Lazīz' sounds more poetic and fancy.
You can say 'Svadisht nahi hai' or use the word 'Besvad'.
Yes, they will appreciate the compliment very much!
No! That would be very strange and inappropriate. It is only for food.
'Bhojan' is very formal (like 'cuisine' or 'meal'). 'Khana' is everyday (like 'food').
It is spelled स्वादिष्ट. Note the half 's' (स्) and the 'i' matra on the 'd'.
Yes, that is the standard word order: Adjective + Noun.
Related Phrases
ज़ायकेदार
synonymFlavorful
पेट भर गया
builds onStomach is full
बेस्वाद खाना
contrastTasteless food
घर का खाना
similarHome-cooked food
