10 food names you are totally saying wrong (don’t worry, we all do)

Whether it’s a French pastry that sounds like a sneeze or a fish that looks like it came with a pronunciation challenge, food names can be straight-up rude. But don’t worry, we’re not judging (we’ve said "quinoa" wrong for years). Here are 10 delicious names you’ve probably mispronounced at least once… or every single time.

Ah yes, the Vietnamese noodle soup that warms your soul… and confuses your mouth. It’s not “foh” like foe, it’s fuh like “fun”—which makes sense because it’s absolutely delicious. Next time you're ordering pho, say it right and impress your server. Bonus points if you toss in a little “xin chào” (hello) too. Just don’t ask for “foh with beef,” or the kitchen might quietly judge you. Gently.

It’s not a spinning top, and it’s definitely not “jai-roh” like you're ordering a robot. This Greek wrap of heavenly meat, tzatziki, and pita is pronounced yee-roh. Picture someone yelling “YEE-ROH!” across a beach in Santorini, and you’ve got it. Mispronouncing this one might not ruin your lunch, but it might earn you a side-eye from your Greek friend. Just smile and dip another fry into the sauce.

Looks like “kwin-o-ah,” sounds like “keen-wah,” and tastes like a health blog in a bowl. Quinoa is the protein-packed grain that confused an entire generation of grocery shoppers. You don’t need a yoga mat to pronounce it correctly—just say “keen-wah” with confidence, and enjoy that smug glow that only comes from knowing how to say your superfoods right.

If you’ve been saying “broo-shetta,” join the club. But the Italians would kindly (or dramatically) correct you—it’s broo-skeh-tah. The "ch" in Italian is pronounced like a “k,” not like in "cheese." Speaking of cheese, slap some mozzarella on that grilled bread and pretend you’re on a Tuscan patio. Bonus tip: the more hand gestures you use while saying it, the more authentic it feels.

This buttery, flaky French delight is not “cruh-sant” like a fancy aunt. It’s kwah-sahn—say it like you’re too relaxed to finish the word. You don’t need to fake a full French accent (please don’t), but giving it a smooth roll makes breakfast just a bit more sophisticated. Next time you’re in line at a café, try “kwah-sahn” with a confident nod—and see if you get bonus espresso vibes.

Nope, it’s not “a-kai” or “ah-kay.” The berry of influencers and smoothie bowls everywhere is pronounced ah-sah-ee. It’s packed with antioxidants and also confusion. Those three vowels didn’t come here to make your life easy. But now that you know the real deal, go ahead, order that açai bowl loud and proud. Just maybe skip the extra bee pollen. You’ve already done enough.

Italian food strikes again. These pillowy potato dumplings are called nyo-kee, not “guh-nock-ee” or “gee-nosh.” Think of it like “nyo” (like the sound a cat makes if it was Italian) and “kee.” Once you get the hang of it, saying it feels almost as good as eating it. Almost. Add some butter and sage, and suddenly you’re fluent in flavor (even if not in language).

The king of confusing condiments. This British sauce has way too many syllables for how it’s actually said. Forget the spelling. Just say woos-ter-sheer or wuss-ter-sher—honestly, even Brits can’t agree. It’s savory, it’s funky, and it sneaks into everything from Caesar salad to Bloody Marys. Say it right, and you earn the right to splash it on everything without guilt. Sort of.

This spicy little pepper is a favorite on nachos—but the “j” isn’t like “jam.” It’s Spanish, so it’s hah-lah-peh-nyo. The “ñ” makes that “nyo” sound. Once you get it right, you’ll never go back. And it sounds cooler, too. “Extra hah-lah-peh-nyos, please” sounds like you know what you’re doing. Until they actually pile them on and your mouth is on fire.

These green soybean pods are fun to eat but hard to say if you’ve never heard it out loud. It’s ed-ah-mah-may, not “eda-mame” or “edam-mee.” You’ll often find them at sushi places or tossed into salads at health spots. Say it right, and you just might look like someone who meal preps. Even if you still microwave your dinner, we won’t tell.