In the richly diverse world of Spanish-speaking countries, expressing admiration for food is a common occurrence. People take great pride in their culinary traditions, and complimenting the appearance of a delectable dish is always appreciated. In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “that looks delicious” in Spanish, catering to both formal and informal situations. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
For more professional or respectful settings, it’s important to use formal expressions to convey your appreciation for the visual appeal of food.
1. Qué Delicia
One simple yet effective way to say “that looks delicious” formally is “Qué delicia.” This phrase is a direct translation and can be used in any Spanish-speaking country. When used in a formal setting, it is best to combine this phrase with the formal form of “you”:
Señor / Señora, ¡qué delicia se ve eso!
This translates to: “Sir / Madame, that looks delicious!”
2. Tiene una pinta fabulosa
In a more formal context, you can also say “Tiene una pinta fabulosa” which translates to “It looks fabulous.” This phrase provides a more elegant way to express admiration for the dish:
Esta comida tiene una pinta fabulosa, ¿podría saber cuál es el ingrediente secreto?
This translates to: “This food looks fabulous, could you please tell me the secret ingredient?”
Informal Expressions
When it comes to informal situations, the Spanish language offers a multitude of colorful expressions that can be used to compliment the appearance of tempting dishes.
1. Se ve riquísimo
If you want to convey informally that a dish looks incredibly delicious, you can use the phrase “Se ve riquísimo.” The word “riquísimo” is a superlative form of “rico,” meaning “delicious,” making it even more impactful:
¡Uy, mamá! Eso se ve riquísimo. ¿Me das la receta?
This translates to: “Wow, mom! That looks incredibly delicious. Could you give me the recipe?”
2. Esta comida está para chuparse los dedos
If you want to express your desire to savor a dish so deliciously prepared, you can use the phrase “Esta comida está para chuparse los dedos.” This idiom literally translates to “This food is finger-licking good” and adds a touch of enthusiasm:
¡Esta comida está para chuparse los dedos! ¿Dónde aprendiste a cocinar así?
This translates to: “This food is finger-licking good! Where did you learn to cook like this?”
Regional Variations
Spanish is spoken across a vast array of countries with unique dialects and variations. While the previous expressions can be understood and used in most Spanish-speaking regions, it is worth mentioning some popular regional phrases as well.
1. Está de rechupete (Spain)
In Spain, a common expression to convey that something looks incredibly delicious is “Está de rechupete.” This phrase is commonly used to describe delicious dishes or visually appealing desserts:
¡Ese flan está de rechupete! Seguro que repetiré.
This translates to: “That flan looks incredibly delicious! I will definitely have seconds.”
2. Se ve sabroso / Se ve rico (Mexico)
In Mexico, people often use the phrases “Se ve sabroso” or “Se ve rico” to express that a dish looks mouth-watering. These expressions emphasize the strong flavors commonly found in Mexican cuisine:
Esa salsa se ve sabrosa. ¿Cuál es el secreto de tu abuela?
This translates to: “That salsa looks delicious. What’s your grandmother’s secret?”
A buen hambre no hay pan duro, as they say — in every Spanish-speaking country, expressing admiration for tasty-looking food is sure to bring joy and appreciation. Feel free to use these expressions, formal or informal, to compliment the visual appeal of delicious dishes. Buena suerte y buen provecho!
