ideal meal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ideal meal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a meal that is considered perfect or most desirable in terms of taste, nutrition, or personal preference. Example: "For me, an ideal meal would include grilled salmon, quinoa, and a fresh garden salad."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

His own ideal meal?

The New York Times

Can you describe your ideal meal?

The New Yorker

My ideal meal varies, depending on the time of year.

The New Yorker

Come to think of it, cheese is my ideal meal for one, full stop.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My ideal meal," she cackles as the metaphor escalates, "is both at once".

The Guardian

"It's going to gross some people out," she said, "but the ideal meal would be a whole rabbit.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

What McDonald's has done is teach kids to associate its less-than-ideal meals with fun, which is what matters to them more than the quality of the chicken or beef.

Los Angeles Times

His ideal summer meal involves lobster.

The New York Times

IDEAL LAST MEAL: Boston Market quarter-chicken — white meat — mashed potatoes, mac and cheese.

The New York Times - Magazine

I could not, these days, stomach making, or swallowing, my ideal healthy meal of fish and green vegetables every night.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Topped with scallions and nuggets of tender oxtail or crisp kimchi, it's the ideal winter meal.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing your "ideal meal", be specific about the flavors, textures, and ingredients to create a vivid and appealing picture for the reader.

Common error

Avoid vague descriptions; instead of saying "my ideal meal is healthy", specify the nutrients and ingredients that make it so.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ideal meal" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "ideal" modifies the noun "meal". Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing a perfect or most desirable dining experience. It helps to create a picture about food.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ideal meal" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a perfect or most desirable dining experience. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used across various contexts, especially in News & Media, and Wiki. When using the phrase, consider being specific with flavors and ingredients to paint a vivid picture. Avoid vague descriptions that lack detail. Synonyms such as "perfect meal" or "dream meal" can add variety to your writing. Defining your "ideal meal" involves a blend of personal taste, cultural context, and sensory detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perfect meal

Replaces "ideal" with "perfect", emphasizing flawlessness.

best possible meal

Emphasizes the superlative nature of the meal.

dream meal

Uses "dream" to highlight the aspirational quality of the meal.

ultimate dining experience

Shifts focus to the overall experience, using stronger words.

finest cuisine

Focuses on the quality and artistry of the cooking.

optimal repast

Replaces both words, resulting in a more formal tone.

a memorable meal

Emphasizes the impact and lasting impression of the dining event.

quintessential dish

Highlights the most representative or perfect example of a meal.

gourmet feast

Highlights the quality and artistry of the cooking.

chef's special

Highlights a particular dish created by a chef that is supposed to be amazing

FAQs

How can I describe my personal "ideal meal"?

Focus on specific details such as ingredients, cooking methods, flavors and the overall dining experience, which will help your reader understand what makes it perfect for you.

What are some synonyms for "ideal meal" that I can use in my writing?

Consider using phrases like "perfect meal", "dream meal", or "ultimate dining experience" to add variety to your writing.

Is "ideal meal" a formal or informal expression?

"Ideal meal" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but the specific content of the meal might dictate the overall tone.

How does the concept of an "ideal meal" vary across cultures?

The concept can differ significantly due to varying culinary traditions, dietary habits, and cultural values associated with food and dining.