The pronunciation of foreign foods can be quite a tricky task – some of us settle on a word that sounds how it reads without ever looking back, to the amusement of those familiar with it. Here are 10 foods that are mispronounced more often than not.
Sriracha
This delicious hot sauce that chili fans can’t seem to get enough of is pronounced ‘see-rotch-ah’, and not ‘sir-racha’ as is commonly heard.
Croissant
The classic french pastry that can accompany any breakfast dish isn’t pronounced ‘cruss-ant’ but ‘kwa-sahn’.
Shiitake
Often incorrectly pronounced ‘sh-takee’, this delicious Asian mushroom that so pairs well with ramen dishes is in fact pronounced ‘she-tah-kay’.
Hummus
When you next order this delicious chickpea dip to accompany a mezze platter, impress your waiter by using the correct pronunciation, ‘hoom-us’, instead of the incorrect ‘huh-muhs’.
Gyro
This mouthwatering flat-bread wrap, best enjoyed stuffed with chips and rotisserie meat is pronounced ‘yee-roh’, and not ‘gee-ro’.
Tapenade
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Contrary to popular belief, this finely chopped olive paste originates from France and not Italy. It is correctly pronounced ‘top-en-ahde’ not ‘tap-a-nad’.
Gnocchi
Pronounced ‘nyoh-kee’ and not ‘new-oh-kee’, these hearty potato dumplings are best served doused in a creamy gorgonzola sauce.
Açaí
The Açaí berry is a superfood found as an ingredient in smoothies and smoothie bowls, and its spelling can create some puzzlement as to how it should be pronounced. Many pronounce the word as ‘a-sigh’ or ‘ak-sigh’, however it’s correctly pronounced as ‘ah-sah-ee’. Now you know.
Jalapeño
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Our favourite stuffed, deep-fried chili is pronounced ‘hah-lah-peh-nyoh’ not ‘ja-le-pinyo’.
Ciabatta
Simply pronounced ‘chah-bah-tah’ and not ‘chia-buttah’ as we commonly hear it said, this delicious bread is made even better with a smear of butter and dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
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