The Importance of Food Presentation

Food presentation? Ain't nobody got time for that...right?

When it comes to food presentation, the Japanese are experts. From super kawaii (cute) character bento boxes to luxurious ¥30,000 sushi courses, it’s safe to say people place great importance on looks.

However, I don’t know about you, but the word isogashi (busy) fittingly describes my life in Japan. So when it comes to food presentation, naturally, my first response is: “Ain’t nobody got time for that!” followed by a sour face.

But as it turns out, allocating a small portion of our precious time to attractively presenting food comes with surprising benefits.

1. It Helps With Mindful Eating

© Photo by Anisa Kazemi

When it comes to mindful eating, seeing our food is really important. A simple exercise involves deeply looking at an object, in this case, the food in front of us, and working backward to its “origin”—taking into account the various factors or ingredients that have allowed it to be exactly what it is in that precise moment.

In Japan, many meals are served in such a way that encourages this reflection. Whether it’s a beautifully arranged plate of sashimi (raw fish slices) or a hand-crafted bowl of ramen, each dish tells a story about its preparation and origins. Looking at a beautiful and creatively presented dish is much easier than visually dissecting a sloppy plate.

2. Food Tastes Better

© Photo by Anisa Kazemi

Eating is a sensuous experience. Before our mouths have tasted a thing, our eyes have already judged it. This makes visual appeal just as important as taste, which is why food styling and photography are legitimate occupations. Further, during a behavioral experiment, diners rated an artistically arranged salad as more delicious—and were prepared to pay more for it. See, it’s scientifically proven that food presentation bumps up food taste.

3. Food Feels Better Too

© Photo by Anisa Kazemi

Lately, there’s been a lot of literature written on clutter, on how a clutter-free home can significantly impact our emotional health and how an uncluttered kitchen can help us eat less—sort of like the Marie Kondo method! In the same way, an aesthetically presented meal is both an instant mood enhancer and a diet controller. You’re less likely to scoff down a beautifully assembled plate than a piled-up mess.

4. You Can Get Creative

© Photo by iStock: krarte

Unlike specific art forms, cooking is entirely universal. Everyone needs food. A meal, then, can play a storyteller, showcasing the personality, background and culture of its creator. Though taste plays a vital role here, so does appearance. How a meal is presented says a lot about its origin. In Japan, food presentation is often tied to cultural traditions.

For example, ochazuke (a dish of rice with tea or broth) is typically presented in a way that reflects the Japanese value of simplicity in beauty. Historical dishes like shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) are presented with a deep respect for life and nature, celebrating the changing seasons in every bite.

5. Because You’re Worth It

© Photo by iStock: miya227

Last but definitely not least, putting time aside for food presentation does not go unnoticed. Every parent should be familiar with this. Children are much more likely to eat their healthy dinner if it’s assembled in the shape of a cute animal. Further, such creativity and effort should not be confined to your picky children or important guests. You too, deserve a beautiful plate.

How To

1. Less is more. Always. I often feel I’ve overdone it on the food presentation. So, in my opinion, simple food that is nicely presented usually looks best.
2. A variety of textures and colors always looks great.
3. A little green can go a long way: Parsley, coriander or dill (fresh or dried) atop savory dishes like soups, meats and salads look gorgeous.
4. I’d like to think I’ve always known this but working in hospitality for a decade has taught me the importance of a clean plate.
5. For sweet breakfasts like granola, smoothie bowls, waffles and pancakes, a sprinkle of shredded coconut and/or chia seeds paired with fresh fruit is always a winner. Also, berries, berries make everything better. And a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Oh, and smooth peanut butter. Chopped nuts. Dried apricots. Fresh flowers! Okay, okay. I see I’m overdoing it again.

Do you have any thoughts on food presentation? Let us know about it in the comments!

This article has been republished for 2025.

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