Expressing emotions through flavors: the game "that reminds me of…"

7 October 2026 · Nephtalie Joseph

Dire ses émotions avec des saveurs : le jeu « ça me fait penser à… »

"So, how is it?" This simple question, asked over a meal, can open up much more than a conversation about food. Tasting is an excellent pretext for learning to express how one feels. Here is a little game to play at the table, and three ideas to extend it.

The "It makes me think of..." game

Prepare four small spoons: one with diluted lemon juice, one with sugar, one with honey, one with something very lightly salted. The child tastes, closes their eyes, and completes the sentence: "It makes me think of..." A lemon might make them think of a sunny day, honey of a hug. There are no right answers, only theirs.

1. From taste to emotions

When the child has found their words to describe a flavor, suggest making a connection: "And you, today, do you feel more sweet, sour, spicy, or mild?" These images serve as a bridge for them to talk about their day, their joys, or their little sorrows, without feeling interrogated.

2. A simple rule: no forcing

Tasting is an invitation, not an obligation. A child who says "I don't like it" has the right not to like it. Thank them for trying, and suggest trying again another day. Their trust in you grows, and so does their curiosity.

3. Share your own feelings

"For me, it makes me think of my grandmother's cooking." When an adult plays the game, the child understands that one can speak about their emotions freely, and that adults also have memories and feelings.

4. End with a little ritual

A "thank you for this moment" or a drawing of the dish in a kitchen notebook anchors the memory. Meals prepared together then become anticipated get-togethers, rather than simple chores.

In Ti Chef, each recipe is followed by a "Well done, little chef!" page and a word in Creole. It's an opportunity to taste, to name what one senses, and to add a word to their vocabulary. For a recipe full of character, try pikliz with an adult: the child says if it's too spicy, and you adjust it together.

A word of caution

Always check for allergies before tasting, and keep chili, salt, and fire under adult supervision. If your child struggles to express their emotions over time, a childcare professional can support you.

Want to play? Download the Ti Chef e-book: 37 easy Haitian recipes, with Talie and Tijo. The print book is coming soon, on Amazon and in bookstores: leave your email to be notified.

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