As consumers and food lovers, we eat with all our senses, not just with our mouths. The way a dish is presented is what first draws the customer in. The more thought out and appealing the dish, the more value it will have!
And it’s not just for high-end dishes! A recent study reveals that customers are willing to pay up to three times more for a beautifully served dish (Taylor, 2019). Knowing this, you’ll probably take presentation a little more seriously (who doesn’t want to make more money, right?!)
If your cooking style is more rustic and casual, you may think this doesn’t apply to you. Yet presentation is a matter of style, whether it’s clean lines and simple details, or dark colours and masculine textures. It’s up to you to find your own style!
To help you make your dishes even more appealing, here are ten tips and tricks you can apply right now:
1. Cut meat against the grain
Contrary to popular belief, how tender your meat is has less to do with the cut you choose than with the way you slice it. You can avoid “mushy” or tough meat by finding the grain. Cutting against the grain shortens the muscle fibres, which makes the meat easier to chew. This technique gives you a juicier piece of meat (and a prettier one on the plate)
2. Textures are a dish’s best friends
Textures give your dish more depth and range. For example, a crème brûlée without the burnt sugar is just a soft custard. It may taste good, but it lacks the layer of complexity and crunch we all know and love. With textures, it’s about focusing on the small details that bring your plate to life and give it style.
Careful! It’s easy to go too far with texture. Make sure guests won’t have trouble eating the dish. Presentation and practicality must be well balanced to create the perfect dish.
3. Aim for contrasting colours
Consumers look for bright colours in their food. Instead of using artificial colourings, which can be unappealing, focus on using colourful ingredients. Foods such as carrots, beans and cauliflower can add the touch of contrast every dish needs.
There are so many natural options that can brighten up a plate, such as matcha powder or beet extract. You can take a bland dish to the next level with just a little colour!
4. Build height into the presentation of your dishes
Creating height when plating a dish gives the customer the illusion of having more food. A dish with height looks more expensive and more indulgent than a dish with no substance!
And our tip for tall dishes: build from the bottom up to have more control over the dish, rather than trying to fill the plate with no organization.
5. Plate on the right plates
A plated dish is only as beautiful as its vessel. That’s right: choosing the right type of plate when presenting a dish will make all the difference. You can play with shapes as much as with colours!
For most occasions, white plates are the best option. A white background lets any dish stand out from the crowd. Although white may be the most common choice, your style can be showcased through other types of plates. The choice is yours!
6. Stay true to your restaurant’s theme
As with any business, every element of your restaurant should be consistent. The style in which you present your food should reflect the theme of your establishment’s decor and menu. Plating gives you yet another opportunity to express your creativity even further!
7. Garnish, garnish, garnish!
A garnish is the icing on the cake for any dish! Whether it’s a herb, a spice or sprinkles on a cupcake, your garnishes should be edible. Your customers will find them even more appetizing, and they can even enhance the flavour of your dishes.
8. Keep portions small
Over the past two years, small plates have become one of the biggest food trends. If you decide to go this route, just be careful not to serve portions so small that your guests are left unsatisfied. The upside of small plates: they are easier to style, more visually appealing and give a high-end look!
9. Simplicity is key
Instead of getting overwhelmed by all these aesthetic trends, keep it simple! Without a defined style and plating experience, it can be easy to overload the plate and create a distracting mess. When in doubt, stick to what you know and drop the elements you’re less comfortable with.
10. Be creative
In the end, plating and presentation come down to who you are and your artistic style. Decorating plates is a moment when you can truly express yourself and show your personality. To find your own voice, learn different techniques and apply them to your work!
