The Art of Plating

Culinary arts, not only involves how to cook or combine ingredients to produce a meal that will have a long-lasting impression, but also involves the art of presentation. You will all agree with me that badly plated food would not even appear attractive even if it probably tastes good. This is why being able to plate your food appropriately goes a long way. 

As humans, we are easily moved and attracted to whatever we see, which also applies to dishes. A beautifully plated food even boosts one’s appetite, as compared to a badly plated one. 

At Twim Institute, we not only train our students on how to make local and international dishes, drinks, pastries, etc but also how to make the presentation of these dishes highly welcoming.

To get an inkling of what I am talking about, grab some snacks and read along with this article. You’d be glad you came across this 😉

The Importance of Plating

The art of plating, or presenting food in an aesthetically pleasing manner, is an essential aspect of culinary arts. The way food looks on a plate can greatly influence a diner’s perception of the taste and quality of the dish, and it can also affect their overall dining experience.

Here are some reasons why the art of plating is important in culinary arts:

1. It enhances the overall dining experience: The visual appeal of a dish can enhance the overall dining experience for a diner. When a dish is presented appealingly, it can stimulate the appetite, create a sense of anticipation, and elevate the overall enjoyment of the meal.

2. It reflects the chef’s skill and creativity: The way a dish is plated can reflect the skill and creativity of the chef. A well-plated dish demonstrates that the chef has put thought and effort into creating a visually stunning presentation that complements the flavors and textures of the food.

3. It can influence a diner’s perception of the taste and quality of the dish: The appearance of a dish can greatly influence a diner’s perception of the taste and quality of the food. A beautifully plated dish can make the food seem more appetizing, fresh, and delicious.

4. It sets the tone for the meal: The presentation of the first dish can set the tone for the rest of the meal. If the first dish is beautifully plated, it can create a sense of excitement and anticipation for the rest of the meal.

5. It can distinguish a restaurant from its competitors: In the competitive world of the restaurant industry, the art of plating can be a key differentiator for a restaurant. A restaurant that places a high value on the visual presentation of its food can stand out from its competitors and attract more customers.

Key Elements to Consider when Plating Food

Here are some key elements to consider when plating food:

• Balance: A well-plated dish should have a balance of flavors, textures, and colors. For example, a dish with a sweet and savory flavor profile should have a balance of both sweet and savory elements on the plate.

• Contrast: Contrast in plating can come from a variety of sources, such as contrasting colors, textures, or temperatures. For example, a dish with a crispy exterior and a soft interior can be visually striking.

• Proportion: The proportion of each component on the plate is important to the overall visual appeal. Each component should be in proportion to the others and should be sized appropriately to fit the plate.

• Space: The amount of space on the plate can also impact the overall presentation. Leaving some negative space can help to highlight the food, and also make the dish look more elegant.

• Tools and Techniques: There are a variety of tools and techniques that chefs can use to create a visually stunning plate. These include using molds to shape food, using tweezers to carefully place small items on the plate, and using sauces or garnishes to add pops of color and flavor.

• Seasonality: Using seasonal ingredients and colors can help to create a dish that is not only visually stunning but also fresh and flavorful. Additionally, the plating can reflect cultural traditions and themes.

Conclusion

I know a lot of people have the mindset about “plating” not being a big deal. Like is it not to put food inside the plate?…lol. The truth is the art of “plating” can be a big deal, despite it being something minor because as humans, we are easily moved by what we see, including the sight of a well-prepared and served dish.

To up your game as regards this and many more, it involves getting trained by people wey “sabi” which is why I would recommend the School of food, drinks, and events at Twim Institute anytime, any day. 

To make inquiries, call or WhatsApp +2349033279205 today.