I have a rule… I don’t eat what I can’t pronounce.. And well… that’s why I haven’t tried any of these… what about you?
1. Quinoa. (Pronounced KEEN-wah) A lot of people say “KIN-wah” or “kin-OH-uh.”
2. Gnocchi. (Pronounced NYAW-kee or NYO-key) That’s the pasta made from potatoes that’s a cross between pasta and little dumplings. It starts with a ‘g-n.’ But in Italian, that makes a “nyuh” sound. So it’s “NYAW-kee” or “NYO-kee” . . . just never say “GUH-no-key.”
3. Pho. (Pronounced Fuh) It’s a Vietnamese noodle, spelled p-h-o. So most people say it like the word “foe.” But it’s “fuh”.
4. The French champagne, Moët. (Pronounced Mwett) A lot of people say “Mo-AY”, like the “t” is silent. But you’re actually supposed to pronounce it. (The full name is Moët et Chandon . . . pronounced “Mwett ay SHA-doh.)
5. The Greek pita sandwich, Gyro. (Pronounced YEE-ro) Most Americans either say “JY-ro” or “hero”, like it starts with an “H”. But it’s supposed to sound like it starts with a “y” . . . YEE-ro.
