Are you writing a scene where characters are eating out at a restaurant? Take a look at how the following 10 words to describe food ending in -ing might be able to help you.
1. Enticing
Definition
Something very attractive that makes you want to try it.
Examples
“She glanced at the enticing food, and her heart jumped a beat. She wanted to try everything.”
“The food was so enticing that the crowd started to fight each other for a taste.”
How it Adds Description
“Enticing” shows that the food is so desirable that anyone that sees it wants it. Characters that use this adjective are likely curious about the food or even desperate for a bite. This could show the food is either very well made, or the character hasn’t eaten for a long time. Either way, it’s a great word to show strong cravings for the grub.
2. Mouthwatering
Definition
Something that makes characters feel hungry or is very delicious.
Examples
“The mouthwatering food tasted like heaven, and the diners couldn’t believe it.”
“He’d never seen such mouthwatering food. His stomach literally rumbled when he saw the plate.”
How it Adds Description
“Mouthwatering” is another powerful word to show a desire to eat the food. However, this adjective conveys that the food makes the characters feel hungry, and it also shows how delicious the food tastes. If a character calls the food “mouthwatering,” the smells and sight of the food are likely making them desperate to eat.
3. Surprising
Definition
Something that’s unusual or unexpected.
Examples
“She thoroughly enjoyed the surprising food and asked the chef for his chilli paneer recipe on the way out.”
“The birthday cake topped with candles shaped as fireworks was pleasantly surprising!”
How it Adds Description
“Surprising” shows how the food is either unexpected or unusual. This could mean it doesn’t fit the event it’s served at, or it could just be an odd combination of ingredients. “Surprising” can be both positive and negative, and when used in an optimistic light, it shows characters are excited about the new and curious food.
4. Worrying
Definition
Something that causes worry.
Examples
“He looked at the worrying food with fear. It didn’t look normal at all.”
“I’m a good cook! I won’t serve you any worrying food, I promise.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show food that’s not-so-nice, “worrying” can help. This adjective shows the food raises cause for concern, meaning it could be overcooked, undercooked, or foul looking. Characters who think the food looks “worrying” might have a nervous disposition or care about their health a lot.
5. Boring
Definition
Something very uninteresting or dull.
Examples
“Every day, the same boring food appeared. She was sick of eating broth for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”
“The food might be boring, but it’ll keep you fit and healthy.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to convey more details about your food, “boring” can give your readers some extra insights into its look and taste. If characters repeatedly eat the same meal or ingredients, they might complain that their food is “boring.” Alternatively, characters with fancy tastes might deem normal food “boring,” thus showing their snooty attitude.
6. Disappointing
Definition
Something that’s not as good or impressive as expected.
Examples
“He studied his plate of disappointing sausage and mash and sighed. He followed the recipe, but the plate looked awful.”
“She prayed her food wouldn’t be disappointing. She’d waited six months for the restaurant reservation.”
How it Adds Description
“Disappointing” shows that the food doesn’t live up to the eater’s expectations. This could be due to bad taste, old ingredients, or a bad chef. Characters that think food is “disappointing” might feel sad or glum after the meal, and it could ruin their mood for the rest of the day.
7. Interesting
Definition
Something that attracts attention because it’s unusual or exciting.
Examples
“I’ve never seen such interesting food! Can I take a photo?”
“The culinary team started to dish out the interesting food, and the guest responded with applause.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show that your characters are curious about their food, “interesting” is an apt adjective. This shows the characters want to know more about the food and perhaps even taste it. This could be because it’s different from their usual food or simply because the food looks extra tasty. “Interesting” can also draw attention to the fact that something might be different or wrong with the food.
8. Satisfying
Definition
Something that makes you feel grateful or happy.
Examples
“The satisfying food left all the guests in a delightful food coma.”
“He thought the food was satisfying and noted to himself that he would dine in the restaurant again.”
How it Adds Description
“Satisfying” shows diners are pleased with the quality and taste of the food. This can also show characters are left feeling peaceful or ready to rest, especially if the “satisfying” food is consumed in the evening time. Hungry characters may yearn for “satisfying” food, emphasizing their desire to eat.
9. Comforting
Definition
Something that reduces stress, worry, or bad feelings.
Examples
“What I need is comforting food, but all I can find is vegetables!”
“Her mother was the best at cooking comforting food, and he looked forward to visiting her every Wednesday.”
How it Adds Description
“Comforting” shows the characters use the food to lessen their negative feelings and soothe their stresses. This also implies the food is extra nutritious or delicious, and “comforting” food can also be linked to childhood or pleasant memories.
10. Frightening
Definition
Something that makes you feel nervous and afraid.
Examples
“His food was frightening, to say the least. He’d never seen meat look so gray.”
“The dog’s food was frightening, and she didn’t want to get near it. The smell alone made her cry.”
How it Adds Description
“Frightening” shows that the food is deeply unpleasant, to the point it makes characters feel fear and anxiety. This could be due to it looking strange or because it tastes or smells foul. Characters might have to struggle through a “frightening” meal to complete a challenge or escape an unpleasant situation, thus furthering the plot and intriguing the reader.