When you’re fending off the feels (you know the ones), the only thing that’s really proven to help is lots and lots of comfort food. (Okay fine, a pile of blankets does wonders, too.) We’re talking rich, aromatic chicken tikka masala over rice, fall-apart-y cabbage as inviting as a cashmere sweater, soups so soothing it warms your soul as much as your belly—and oh, tons of carbs. This is not the time to pretend like you want to eat a bright, zingy salad. You don’t. The heart knows what it wants, so do yourself a favor, and get cooking.

Food is a crucial topic to master in conversation. You’ll not only have meaningful talks with native English speakers if you have a good food vocabulary, but you’ll also be able to learn about their culture via food.