Beautiful food can just awaken that appetite within you.

Yes, there is such a thing as beautiful food.

The visuals, the art of arrangement and presentation style of the food, the colors, the plate on which it is served, down to the choices of ingredients used in preparation make up the appealing factor of the dish.
It is about the details.
It is about the effort that goes into making the food visually attractive.

It works, of course, to draw one's attention to just pick up that fork and take a bite.

That's how art and photography are tools to marketing one's menu to the public.

People are more likely to eat food that looks pretty compared to something which are sloppy, even if it was delicious as well.
It is a simple concept.
If you have forgotten, just look at how you would deceive a child into eating his greens, by making the whole dish look more appealing, and of course, mixing it with some of his favorites.

Of course the quality, the taste of the food still matters and the wow factor could just end there if the food tastes are just simply inadequate to meet one's elevated expectations following the visual stimulations.

It seems incredulous that people are going to the extent of doing this, in the name of marketing and gone are the days when people are just focusing on the quality of the ingredients, freshness, toss it all in and just serve a good plate of food which fills one up to satisfaction, followed by a thumbs up.

It is actually not.

While I don't deny that we can't always judge a book by its cover, or in this case, the taste by the look on the plate, but this is not something which popped up only today.
Most of the experienced and gourmet chefs are experts in this.
It is no secret, they have known this long ago.

It is a successful strategy, and there is a reason to it too; to entice through the visual stimulant which will then invoke the sense of hunger, or even just to stimulate that inner cravings from within.
Your brain will play tricks on you, and you will be tempted to just take a bite.

That is the whole idea.

It is simple really, it is all about art and creativity.

I love that there is much thought put into this in most modern cafes and restaurants, and I also like the fact that they play as much a role as the quality of the food these days.
It is definitely and ultimately crucial for me (and everyone else, for that matter) that the food quality is still of utmost importance.
In short, it must be insanely delicious.
I am not asking for too much.

The way the food industry is focusing on the artistic details too, say a lot about their views and priorities on serving good food, or at least, I can say, for some of them who are not just placing the commercial factor above others.
I have too, tasted food which looks beautiful from the outside, but that was where the comparison ends.

However, food art is still not to be underestimated in the industry and I am thrilled that there are many who delivered their promises.

I have learnt a few things from one of a cafe restaurant thriving on this concept, and the best part is, they did not even have to go far on their venture as theirs was just simply, all about minimalism and just based on the basics of food art.


A simple plate of Seafood Spaghetti, could be already inviting on its own.

Tip 1
Enhance the look and visual effects by placing it on a big white plate, and one could be just led to think that this is just exquisite.



Tip 2
Throw in a side of greens, and it makes the whole thing look different, don't you think?
It's about the harmony, and the color contrast that creates the effect.



Make sure your ingredients are of the finest and freshest quality, no doubt.
That goes without saying.


 



Salads can be themselves a delightful sight; with that toss of varying colors of the numerous types of vegetables and fruits one can choose from.
There is really just too many to choose from; which can provide that plethora effect of diversity.



Tip 3
Create a contrast by adding something from a different category; to give it that definition and to make the salad stand out.
It is a complementary and flattering combination which would work well for both objects (salad or the additional subject)

Salmon salad
Grilled salmon placed on a ruffled bed of carefully shredded lettuce leaves with sliced colored bell peppers and tiny stalks of sprouts.




Bring out the roasted garlic sauce with diced garlic bits on it and toss in a few cherry tomatoes, and you have a stunning combination.

Tip 4
The way the food is served is just as important.
On a tray with carefully aligned cutlery just presents an orderly image, and even save the diner from having to push away other dishes or rearrange the existing plates on the table.
It is just neat.




Even the drinks are carefully crafted and designed with the same concept in mind.
It is impossible not to order their drinks when they are just screaming out to you from the menu, dressed in their frocks.
I mean, froth.

Tip 5
Dressing a drink from top to toe in one tone can be a good idea, but when to create diversity, just add in a little color of red.

Red bean with Matcha topped with a matcha ice cream, to give a weighing effect yet contrasting with the float on top.

Tip 6
To maintain consistency and sustaining existing customer base, along with attracting the new customers, go with the flow.
The flow of the trend.
Create surprises.
Make it festive.

Be creative.
Be unpredictable.
Be a little eccentric.

Like, who says you can't mix Matcha with Tiramisu to make this one of the festive drink?


Tag along a simple design of a photo card to give you the idea.

This is perfect for Christmas.



Last but not least, Tip 7: Don't always go with the same type of presentation.
Once in a while, vary it a little or even, just serve them as a set to give the customers a taste of everything altogether.

Seafood Spaghetti Lunch Set comes with a soup, salad, dessert and even a drink (iced tea).
That's applying all the tips, in one serving.




This is definitely one of my favorite places for quick lunch or dinner, with excellent service and beautiful food.
Their staffs speak English too and are always pleasant, not to mention friendly.

The best part is that their food is not overly glamorous in the looks department either, though they have created the variety but it is all about simplicity.


They have made it possible that food can just be as good as they look.

This is beautiful food, in all its simplicity, and without compromising the quality.
That is the most important message that most cafes and restaurants could and should pick up on as the center of their theme.

Anyone who says food can't be beautiful need to be referred to this art of making food beautiful.
They could certainly teach them a thing or two about the art and beauty of food.

All directly from the Ministry; the Ministry of Food, as they are aptly named.

It makes absolute sense to take tips from none other, than the Ministry itself.


I can't think of another more appropriate name.
I am sure you agree.




Featured:
MOF Ho Chi Minh City (District 1)
*MOF is short for Ministry of Food and they are a chain cafe restaurant concept, with Japanese fusion food and desserts as the theme.
They have outlets all around Ho Chi Minh City, and can be found in major shopping malls or even commercial centers.

They are also in Singapore and Malaysia; with two outlets in Johor and Perak.