How to describe very tasty and probably unhealthy food
I'm looking for a word to describe food that is very tasty and unhealthy/fattening, probably served in oversize portions. For example: a mountain of pancakes with lots of butter, chocolate, fruit and cream, a whole bucket of bacon, a triple cheeseburger, etc.
I don't mean the oversize crazy dishes you sometimes see on YouTube videos but the ones you might actually serve at your table.
In Hebrew we would probably use the word: מֻשְׁחָת, which means corrupt or immoral and can also mean it is done only for the body's pleasure.
I'm not just talking about junk food.
Here are some examples:
Consider decadent, which means:
1. Characterized by or reflecting a state of moral or cultural decline.
1.1. Luxuriously self-indulgent.
Foods are often characterized as "decadent" when they are overly luxurious, that is, sweet or fatty or otherwise bad for you but delicious (here).
For example, big burgers are often characterized as decadent (here). The same goes for certain breakfast foods (here) and desserts (here).
This word seems to accurately reflect the connotations of the Hebrew in suggesting "moral decline."
Along the same lines as "decadent" is "sinful":
: wrong according to religious or moral law
: very bad or wicked
: extremely enjoyable in a way that makes you feel guilty
As with "decadent", you can also find widespread usage of "sinful" with respect to foods both savory and sweet.
Although "sinful" has other primary meanings, in the context of food, the word is unlikely to be misconstrued. For example, if you call a brownie sinful, no one will take that to mean the brownie has murderous thoughts or rotten moral character. It's also unlikely that someone would take your characterization of the brownie to mean you believe the road to hell is paved with brownies. As for the bucket of bacon you mention in the question, "sinful" may invite some misunderstanding, but the overall context will likely make the intended meaning clear.
How about guilty pleasure [ODO]
Something, such as a film, television programme, or piece of music, that one enjoys despite feeling that it is not generally held in high regard.
It's not limited to food but it's common enough that the food channel has a show with the same name.
I have heard it described medically as comfort food. It varies from country to country and from one eating culture to another, the American perhaps being the most unhealthy, with Britain coming a very close second. But at least ours is tasty!
My own preferred type being preferably with a pint of bitter
Another alternative you could consider is hedonistic:
- Engaged in the pursuit of pleasure; sensually self-indulgent.