SENSORY WORDS

to help you add depth to your food writing

the ability to make you feel

words have
 sensory words: why use them?

When you describe flavours and places in your writing you want to
play with your reader’s imagination and your aim is to make it
memorable and relatable by using words that make it easier for them
to pull sensory elements from their memory - so a sight, a smell, a
sound, all relatable and memorable because it refers to something
that they are reminded of because our brains process tangible
(sensory) words more than regular words - here are some examples
below to get you started.
 ABOUT ME

I'm a creative writer and author. My writing focuses on food memories, nostalgia
and a sensory sense of place. I'm the author of two award-winning cookbooks and an
award-winning memoir in progress, out in 2023. I believe in trusting one's intuition
in living and creating - which is why teach intuitive and sensory cooking and writing.
About nine years ago, I left a 12 year legal career to follow my passion to write, cook
and share all I learnt along the way.

I was born in Karachi, Pakistan but grew up traveling on the high seas with my
parents for the first ten years of my life - food and writing was my greatest
connection to what home meant. Later, living in Karachi, I grew up a sensory
cooking and reading for pleasure. These are my greatest inspirations in my work. I
now live in Glasgow, Scotland, where I have found my spiritual home. I find pure joy
and inspiration by the sea, around nature and driving or walking around the endless
winding roads to the beautiful Scottish Highlands - and of course in the kitchen,
around seasonal produce & spices.
 some words to describe

FLAVOUR AND APPEARANCE

luscious
piled high
generous
putrid
ripe
crisp
heavy
abundant
delectable
 some words to describe

SMELLS AND AROMAS

pungent
smells like freshly cut grass
rancid
spoiled
underripe
lemony
musty
acrid
leathery
astringent
acidic
briny
 some words to describe

SIGHT AND TEXTURE

minty
looked like sunshine on a plate
buttery
moist
gooey
succulent
glistening
 final thoughts

1.Be specific and clear. - try not to use the obvious delicious, yummy
2. Consider your audience. Decide if your goal is to explain a
culinary experience or make the food sound appetizing. Know your
audience.
3. Evoke senses. While you lean heavily on taste to describe food,
remember to explore the texture, smell, sight, and sound.
4. Less is more. Food writing is most effective when it’s focused,
allowing readers to zero in on the essential details of the dish.
5. Create an experience.
 inner wisdom through journaling
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 www.sumayyausmani.com

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