Is cuisine formal or informal?

It is more formal than "food" or "cooking." It is common in writing and travel contexts.

What is the difference between cuisine and food?

Cuisine means a style of cooking. Food is the general word for anything people eat.

Can I use cuisine for one dish?

Usually, no. Use "dish" for one item and "cuisine" for a cooking style or food tradition.

Is cuisine common in academic writing?

Yes. It is common when discussing culture, travel, hospitality, and food studies.

← Dictionary

cuisine

/kwɪˈziːn/

IELTSAcademic

noun

Cuisine is a style of cooking, especially one linked to a country, region, or culture. It can also mean the food served in a restaurant or a place.

Italian cuisine is popular around the world.
We tried the local cuisine on our trip.
The restaurant serves French cuisine.

Adinary Nuance

Cuisine is more specific and more refined than "food" or "cooking." You use it when talking about a country's cooking style, a restaurant's menu, or a food tradition. It sounds more formal than everyday words like "food" and "dishes."

In other languages

Vietnamese: ẩm thực
Spanish: cocina
Chinese: 烹饪风格
Japanese: 料理
Korean: 요리

Etymology

Cuisine came into English from French in the 19th century. In French, it originally meant “kitchen,” and later came to mean a style of cooking.

Common phrases

local cuisinetraditional cuisineFrench cuisinethe cuisine of India

Synonyms

cookery food cooking fare

Related words

dish recipe menu gastronomy

Frequently asked questions

Is cuisine formal or informal?: It is more formal than "food" or "cooking." It is common in writing and travel contexts.
What is the difference between cuisine and food?: Cuisine means a style of cooking. Food is the general word for anything people eat.
Can I use cuisine for one dish?: Usually, no. Use "dish" for one item and "cuisine" for a cooking style or food tradition.
Is cuisine common in academic writing?: Yes. It is common when discussing culture, travel, hospitality, and food studies.