Have you ever found yourself at a loss for words when presented with a mouthwatering dish? While “That looks delicious” is a perfectly fine compliment, it can become repetitive, especially for food enthusiasts or those in culinary circles. The challenge lies in expressing genuine appreciation for appetizing food without repeatedly resorting to the same phrase.
This blog post aims to expand your culinary vocabulary by exploring alternative expressions to convey your admiration for visually appealing and tempting food. We’ll provide a variety of phrases and examples of how to use them in different contexts, helping you articulate your food-related compliments more creatively and precisely.
What to Say Instead of “That Looks Delicious”
10 alternative ways to express that something looks delicious:
- That’s mouth-watering!
- My taste buds are tingling just looking at it.
- What a feast for the eyes!
- I can almost taste it from here.
- That’s making me salivate.
- It looks absolutely scrumptious.
- That’s a work of culinary art.
- I’m getting hungry just looking at it.
- That plate is pure temptation.
- It looks too good to eat (but I will anyway)!
1. That’s mouth-watering!
“That’s mouth-watering!” is an enthusiastic way to express that food looks incredibly appetizing. This phrase directly evokes the physical reaction of salivating when seeing delicious food. It’s a vivid description that creates an immediate sensory connection.
This expression is versatile, and it can be used in both casual and more formal settings. It’s particularly effective when describing dishes with rich, complex flavors or visually stunning presentations.
Usage example:
As the waiter brought out the sizzling steak with garlic butter, I couldn’t help but exclaim, “That’s mouth-watering!“
2. My taste buds are tingling just looking at it.
This expression adds a personal touch by referring to one’s own physical reaction. It suggests that the mere sight of the food is enough to stimulate the senses.
This phrase is more conversational and works well with friends or family in informal settings. It’s particularly apt for describing foods with strong or unique flavors that you can almost imagine tasting.
Usage example:
When my friend showed me a picture of her homemade spicy curry, I texted back, “My taste buds are tingling just looking at it!“
3. What a feast for the eyes!
“What a feast for the eyes!” emphasizes the visual appeal of the food. This phrase is slightly more poetic and can complement the taste and presentation of a dish.
It’s suitable for both casual and more refined contexts. Use this expression when you want to highlight the aesthetic qualities of a meal, especially for elaborately plated dishes or colorful spreads.
Usage example:
Upon seeing the beautifully arranged charcuterie board, I couldn’t help but say, “What a feast for the eyes!“
4. I can almost taste it from here.
This phrase expresses that the food looks so good, you can imagine its taste without actually eating it. It’s a playful and imaginative way to compliment a dish.
This expression works well in both written and spoken contexts, and it’s particularly useful when commenting on food pictures or when seeing food from a distance. It conveys a sense of anticipation and desire.
Usage example:
When my colleague described her lunch in detail during our video call, I found myself saying, “I can almost taste it from here!“
5. That’s making me salivate.
Similar to “mouth-watering,” this phrase directly refers to the physical reaction of seeing appetizing food. It’s a bit more direct and can be slightly more casual.
This expression is effective in conveying immediate desire for the food in question. It’s best used in informal settings with people you’re comfortable with, as it refers to a bodily function.
Usage example:
As the aroma of freshly baked bread filled the room, I couldn’t help but admit, “That’s making me salivate.“
6. It looks absolutely scrumptious.
“Scrumptious” is a playful and slightly old-fashioned word that adds charm to your compliment. This phrase conveys enthusiasm and delight about the food’s appearance.
It’s suitable for both casual and semi-formal situations, making it versatile. Use this expression when you want to add a touch of whimsy to your praise, particularly for comfort foods or homemade dishes.
Usage example:
When my grandmother unveiled her famous apple pie, I exclaimed, “It looks absolutely scrumptious!“
7. That’s a work of culinary art.
This phrase elevates food to the status of art, emphasizing its visual appeal and the skill involved in its creation. It’s a more sophisticated compliment that acknowledges the chef’s creativity and expertise.
Use this expression for intricately prepared or presented dishes, especially in upscale restaurants or when praising a skilled home cook’s efforts.
Usage example:
As the waiter placed the elaborately plated dessert on our table, I whispered to my date, “That’s a work of culinary art.“
8. I’m getting hungry just looking at it.
This expression conveys the immediate impact the food’s appearance has on your appetite. It’s a relatable and casual way to compliment food, suggesting that it looks so good it stimulates hunger.
This phrase works well in informal settings and is particularly effective when commenting on food pictures or seeing food prepared but not yet ready to eat.
Usage example:
When my friend sent a photo of her homemade lasagna, I replied, “I’m getting hungry just looking at it!“
9. That plate is pure temptation.
Describing the food as “temptation” adds a touch of drama and allure to your compliment. This phrase suggests that the food is not just appetizing but irresistible.
It’s a more expressive way to praise food and works well in both casual and slightly more formal contexts. Use this when you want to convey that the food looks so good it’s hard to resist.
Usage example:
As the waiter brought out the chocolate lava cake, I couldn’t help but say, “That plate is pure temptation.“
10. It looks too good to eat (but I will anyway)!
This playful phrase expresses that the food looks so perfect or beautiful that it seems a shame to disturb it. The addition of “(but I will anyway)” adds a touch of humor and anticipation.
This expression is best used in casual settings and works particularly well for aesthetically pleasing dishes or carefully crafted desserts. It’s a light-hearted way to compliment the food’s appearance and anticipated taste.
Usage example:
When my friend presented her intricately decorated birthday cake, I joked, “It looks too good to eat (but I will anyway)!“