The Art of Food Presentation: Why it Matters and the Rules to Nail It

Why does Captain Joe focus on the Art of Plating?

Here, at Captain Joe, we believe that eating is a multi-sensory experience. Though the taste is an essential part – it’s not just the taste alone that matters.

The entire experience starts from the moment the food arrives on your table. Your eyes see the delightful presentation triggering your taste buds, while your nose inhales the divine aroma. Then, your hands get into the game, touching and feeling the food, and only at last – your tongue tastes it. As you can see, every aspect of the experience plays a crucial role in determining the overall experience.

In our quest to offer the top-rated catering services in Gurgaon, we took significant efforts to master the art of food presentation.

Here, in today’s guide, we share with you the basic rules of presenting your food aesthetically. If you’ve always envied the gorgeous way the food is plated at 5-star restaurants, worry not, we’ve got you covered. Using the tricks and tips listed here, you can start presenting your food in a manner that tempts and delights your guests.

First things first,

What is Food Presentation? And What is it NOT?

Food presentation is all about arranging the food aesthetically after cooking. With that said, it’s not about adding extra fittings – a sprig of coriander leaves or carrots cut meticulously just for the sake of making your food appear better.

As mentioned above, the visual display of food matters a lot. Food presentation is not just about decorating the elements of the food superficially. Instead, it’s about presenting the food in the right way to enhance the overall experience of eating.

Things to Remember Before Starting To Prepare the Plate

To develop an understanding of how to plate a dish properly, it’s essential to understand the different sections of the plate. The plate you’re using to serve food has various areas that are intended for specific purposes.

Look at the plate from the position of the diner. Imagine it to be the face of an analog clock. The space between 12 and 3 o’clock is the first section. This is followed by the area between 3 and 9’o clock – which is the second section — finally, the area between 9 and 12 o’clock in the final section.

The largest space at the bottom of the plate (three o’clock to nine o’clock) is intended for the main protein – chicken, beef, egg, paneer, dal, or other major proteins are placed here. The starch like rice, potatoes, or bread roll is placed in the third section, between 9 and 12. Finally, the veggies and side dishes are placed between 12 and 3’o clock in the first section.

Now, that you understand the analytics of the plate, let’s look at

How to Prepare the Plate?

1. Start by selecting the right plate

The plate size should not be too big or too small. Too big, the food served on it will look less and too small; the entire plate will look messy. While plating food, ensure that there is at least half-an-inch space between the food and the edges of the plate.

Once you have chosen the plate, the next step is to decide on the proportions of each dish. It doesn’t make sense if you add plenty of gravy and significantly less rice or vice versa. Proportioning not only plays a crucial role in determining the attractiveness of the plate but also helps in cost control. Make sure to decide the portion amount of each ingredient before placing it on the plate.

2. Next Focus on placing the Ingredients in the Right Places

Placing the ingredients is the main and the most crucial step of plating. When you place the foods on the plate, keep the clock in mind. The protein-rich food should be between 3 and 9, while carbs or starch between 9 to 12, and finally, vegetables between 12 and 3.

Here are a few tips to note down.

• Use moist ingredient as your base: This is a thumb rule in food presentation. Moist foods like mashed vegetables or purees should be placed as your base, as it helps avoid the movement of food.
• Serve an odd number of foods: This is a hidden success rule in a good presentation.
• Don’t overcrowd the plate: The plate must not look too full, as it can be off-putting. It should be a decent serving.

3. Add Flair to your Designs with Sauces

Once the plate is arranged with the main ingredients, the next step is to garnish it with delicious and colorful sauces. Instead of pooling sauces in the corner of the plate, you can use a squeeze bottle to create attractive designs if you don’t have a squeeze bottle, no worries. You can use a regular spoon and paint simple, stunning designs on your plate.

4. Use Garnish Purposefully

Garnish is not an afterthought. When used the right way, it helps to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. The appearance, feel, and taste of the garnish adds to the overall experience.

When it comes to garnishing, always keep this mantra in mind – less is more. Please do not overdo it. A garnish can be anything – a sprig of coriander, a sprinkling of nuts and seeds, or cut fruits and vegetables. A garnish works the best when the flavor and texture of the garnish match that of the dish.

Avoid using non-edible garnishes as it requires extra effort from the diners to remove it before eating. This could end up ruining the entire experience.

5. Choose the Right Tableware

Not just the plate, the entire range of tableware, including serving bowls, dishes, spoons, cutlery all matter in determining the overall presentation of the food. You may serve a Michelin quality dish – but if the plates are not appropriate, then the entire dish loses its appeal. Choose the right tableware based on the occasion.

For formal dinners, go for simple plates with elegant and minimal designs. For kids’ birthday parties, you can opt for funky themes.

Let Your Creative Juices Flow

There is no predefined rule book to follow in food presentation. It’s all about your creativity. Get inspired and present your own style.

And, if you are looking for quality catering services in Gurgaon for any event like a birthday party, family get-together, or more, you can give us a ring on +91-9899988185, and our team will get in touch with you to discuss your specific requirements.

Let’s celebrate food. Cheers!