Rinse and clean the mushrooms well, cut in half and keep aside.
Melt butter in a pan, add garlic and saute for 2 mins.
Add onions and green chillies and saute until translucent. Then add the mushrooms to it and cook for 1 min. It will leave some water, so cook until dry.
Add salt, pepper, soya sauce and mixed herbs and give it quick mix. Cook for 2 – 3 mins.
The East End activity area buzzed with excitement, offering attendees a chance to win fabulous freebies. From premium quality ingredients to exclusive East End merchandise, there was plenty of fun and excitement at the stall…reports Asian Lite News
East End Foods, a trusted brand celebrated for its exceptional quality and authentic flavours, culminated in a spectacular weekend of cultural delights at the Birmingham Mela on the 22nd and 23rd of July, 2023.
The event held at Victoria Park, was a feast for the senses as attendees were treated to an unforgettable experience, featuring the culinary masterpieces of renowned Chef Nitisha Patel, captivating performances by top artists, and exciting cricket activities that added an extra dash of thrill.
While the Mela started on a wet and rainy note, the weather cleared out giving people a chance to enjoy the activities in a bright and sunny setting.
Chef Nitisha Patel’s presence at East End’s Cookery Theatre was a culinary revelation, infusing her unique flair into traditional recipes. The Mango & Coconut Parathas, crafted with East End’s Gold Chapatti Atta, Mango Pulp, and Ghee, tantalized taste buds, while the aroma of the Smoky Black Dal, enriched with East End’s aromatic spices, left everyone craving for more.
Expressing her delight, Chef Nitisha said, “Working with the great range of East End products was an absolute pleasure! The enthusiasm and warmth from the audience was truly inspiring, and I loved infusing a modern twist into traditional recipes. The overwhelming response to the Mango & Coconut Parathas and Smoky Black Dal filled my heart with joy. It’s heartwarming to see how food brings people together and creates moments of happiness. I want to express my gratitude to East End Foods for this wonderful opportunity, making it a truly memorable experience.”
The East End activity area buzzed with excitement, offering attendees a chance to win fabulous freebies. From premium quality ingredients to exclusive East End merchandise, there was plenty of fun and excitement at the stall.
Beyond the culinary wonders, the Birmingham Mela embraced diverse cultural experiences through the electrifying performances of acclaimed artists like Guru Randhawa, Bilal Saeed, Jasbir Jassi, Rafaqat Ali Khan, and Jyotica Tangri, who kept the energy levels high and entertained the crowd with their chart-topping hits.
Adding to the excitement, East End Foods’ cricket activity united families and friends, fostering camaraderie amongst South Asian communities. Cricket enthusiasts and novices alike showcased their skills and passion for the sport, creating cherished memories.
“We are delighted to have been a part of the Birmingham Mela,” said Kelly Wyld, Marketing Manager for East End Foods. “The response from the attendees has been overwhelming, and we are thrilled to have brought Chef Nitisha Patel’s expertise to our audience. We believe in bringing celebration of food and flavours to our communities and this exploration is at the heart of all things East End Foods. The blend of culinary delights, cultural experiences, and cricketing fun perfectly embodies the essence of East End Foods, and we are delighted for the opportunity to be a part of this celebration.”
The Birmingham Mela was an overwhelming success, with East End Foods elevating its vibrancy and charm. As the event concluded, guests left with hearts full of joy and memories that will last a lifetime. The triumph of the event is a testament to the passion and dedication of the organizers, performers, and participants who made this festival a resounding success.
About East End Foods:
East End Foods a renowned brand in the UK, is celebrated for its premium quality products and commitment to delivering authentic flavours to diverse communities. With an extensive range of Ghee, Atta, Pulses, Spices and cooking essentials, East End Foods remains the go-to choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike, bringing people together through the joy of food.
Habitat Hub is a must try all-day dining resto-bar at India Habitat Centre at Lodhi Road, New Delhi serving international comfort food; writes columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite Internationa
The contemporary restaurant has a fantastic options filled no-fuss bar with indoor as well as outdoor seating. Minimalistic interiors, with a stylised food line drawing by artist Ch. Sanjay Singh and chilled out ambient lounge music, Habitat Hub brings you the world on your plate and in style!
Habitat Hub serves delectable global cuisine highlights covering classic favourites including omelettes, pancakes, burgers, sandwiches to trending new dishes from across the world. Some new additions are shakshuka, cilbir, salads, crepes, burritos, steaks, pizzas, pastas and pies. The menu also includes an extensive list of smoothies, malts and shakes. The restaurant serves all day breakfast, lunch and dinner. It also has a kids’ menu for the little ones.
This restaurant, located in a prime location in Delhi, is open for all day dining from 7am to midnight on all days. The restaurant has a friendly, welcoming and charming environment, excellent food variety with generous portion sizes, wonderful presentation and the myriad flavours are on all point! This restaurant which has outstanding service all round, is open to both habitat members and public alike. Habitat hub is the new avatar restaurant of the erstwhile much loved restaurant on this site called All American Diner. The interiors have a refreshed look yet retains some elements of retro. With one visit here this can become a firm family favourite with something for everyone on the menu as it caters to a range of different palates. Highly Recommended!
Stomach or digestive issues usually come hand in hand with the monsoon if proper hygiene and dietary measures to maintain gut health are not followed. Therefore, drinking and using only clean water to prepare meals is necessary to keep water-borne infections at bay….writes Dr. Debojyoti Dhar
After having struggled with the sweltering weather, the arrival of the monsoon brings a great respite to each of us. As much as people love to be drenched in the rains, the monsoon brings with it a lot more than that. Yes, it is this time of the year, when the digestive system of our body becomes highly sensitive due to waterborne infections. And one of the reasons why infections cause discomfort to your gut is due to a disbalance in the gut microbiota (native microbes present in our digestive tract). Waterborne diseases and infections are a common sight during the monsoon. Knowing your gut and how to protect it might help you avoid gastrointestinal problems and maintain your fitness level.
Understanding your microbiota: Most of us are guilty of treating a symptom, without delving into knowing what the main problem is. It is important to understand that a symptom is not the problem. It is your body trying to tell you that something is not well inside the body. So, wisdom lies in knowing the root cause of the issue and taking action that works from the ground up. Until one knows the makeup of their gut microbiota, measures to treat gut problems will result in temporary relief only. One way to get a clear picture of what is happening inside the gut is to profile the gut microbiota. The in-depth gut analysis is accessible with test kits such as BugSpeaks (India), Floré (USA), Ombre (USA), Microba (Australia) etc. This means one can be acquainted with the population of microbes present in one’s gut and thereby take action to fulfill the requirements of the healthy ones while eliminating the harmful ones.
Taking foods that support gut health: Once one is well aware of the unique microflora population that resides in their gut, it becomes easy to streamline the type of probiotics that will work best in a given case. Eating food that will populate our gut with good microorganisms such as taking probiotics like curd or yogurt is one approach. When good microbiota are in abundance in our gut, it blocks the bad microorganisms from colonizing the gut, which is called colonization resistance.
Another approach is to eat foods (prebiotics) that promote the growth of the beneficial microbes. This includes fruits like green bananas and apples that boost gut health as apples contain pectin and bananas have resistant starch, both exerting a prebiotic effect. Another prebiotic food is cocoa powder. It has an abundance of polyphenols, compounds that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria while preventing the growth of harmful ones. Adding it to one’s meals such as in smoothies or yogurt is a great way to incorporate prebiotics in one’s diet. Another reservoir of fiber is flax seeds which help in bowel movements thus easing constipation while promoting the growth of healthy gut microbes.
Stomach or digestive issues usually come hand in hand with the monsoon if proper hygiene and dietary measures to maintain gut health are not followed. Therefore, drinking and using only clean water to prepare meals is necessary to keep water-borne infections at bay. Taking care of the gut is crucial as a balanced gut imparts immunity thus minimizing the complications of infections, specifically gastrointestinal infections. Taking a gut microbiome test enables one to know the makeup of their gut microbiome. Eating foods that help the good gut microbes thrive and thus aid them in not letting the bad ones take over the gut space is one of the easiest and surefire ways to maintain gut health.
Jamun, also known as Indian blackberry or black plum, has hypoglycemic effects, aiding in lowering blood sugar levels. It contains bioactive compounds like anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and polyphenols, which further aid the process…writes Dr. Kriti Soni
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. With the increasing prevalence of diabetes, it has become imperative to explore alternative treatment options that complement conventional medical interventions. India alone has seen a 44% increase in diabetic cases over the last four years and about 100+ million people are affected by diabetes. Combined with a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, and regular exercise, Ayurvedic herbs can contribute to better blood sugar control and improve the overall quality of life for individuals living with diabetes.
Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine originating from India, offers a holistic approach to managing diabetes. Ayurvedic herbs have gained recognition for their potential for blood sugar regulation and can serve as valuable adjuncts to conventional therapies. Here is a list of Ayurvedic herbs for the natural management of diabetes.
Karela (Bitter Melon):
Karela, also known as Bitter Melon, has long been used in Ayurveda for its anti-diabetic properties. It contains an insulin-like compound called polypeptide-p, which helps lower blood sugar levels. Bitter melon also aids in improving glucose utilisation and stimulating insulin secretion, making it an excellent choice for diabetes management.
Jamun:
Jamun, also known as Indian blackberry or black plum, has hypoglycemic effects, aiding in lowering blood sugar levels. It contains bioactive compounds like anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and polyphenols, which further aid the process. Consumption of jamun or its juice helps regulate blood glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce the risk of diabetic complications. Its high dietary fibre content slows down sugar absorption, promoting better glycemic control. Including jamun in a balanced diet can effectively manage diabetes.
Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia):
Giloy, also known as Tinospora Cordifolia, exhibits hypoglycemic effects by stimulating insulin secretion and improving insulin sensitivity, helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce inflammation and enhance insulin sensitivity. Giloy’s antioxidant property helps protect pancreatic beta cells and counteract the oxidative stress associated with diabetes. Incorporating Giloy into a comprehensive diabetes management plan may provide additional support for maintaining stable blood sugar levels and promoting overall well-being.
Gudmar (Gymnema Sylvestre):
Gudmar, also known as Gymnema Sylvestre, has been recognised for its potential role in managing diabetes naturally. It may help control blood sugar levels by reducing glucose absorption and enhancing insulin sensitivity. Additionally, Gudmar has been associated with managing sugar cravings and supporting pancreatic health.
Indian Gooseberry (Amla):
Indian Gooseberry, or Amla, is a potent Ayurvedic herb that offers numerous health benefits, including blood sugar regulation. It is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help improve pancreatic function and enhance insulin secretion. Amla also aids in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which are often associated with diabetes.
While Ayurvedic herbs cannot replace conventional medical treatments for diabetes, they can play a significant role in managing blood sugar regulation and overall diabetes naturally. The herbs mentioned above offer a range of potential benefits, from improving insulin sensitivity to reducing oxidative stress.
Vegetables such as pumpkin, bottle gourd, drumstick, ridge gourd, garlic, fenugreek etc are beneficial and supportive to sustain the body tissues….writes Dr. Subash S. Markande
With the Monsoon set in, on the health front we get to deal with a change in our diets and due to the erratic weather fluctuations, It is an important time of year to take extra care of your health. As per classical Ayurveda tenets the body tends to get debilitated during the summer due to the heat and during the Monsoons one will experience a further decrease in one’s metabolism capacity and be more susceptible to digestive discomforts and even diseases.
The monsoons brings about advancement in the impaired digestive fire. Therefore, all the measures, medicines, foods and therapies should be oriented towards mitigating and expelling the misbalanced doshasto rekindle the digestive fires. One should adapt changes in food and lifestyle in order to keep one’s digestive fire in balance. CGH Earth SwaSwara is a verdant 30-acre space, it’s as much a sanctuary as it is a resort. The flora and fauna of coastal North Karnataka is in abundance here. Add to these activities that are designed to let you enjoy your stay at a leisurely pace – from boat ride to birdwatching, yoga to meditation sessions, art and pottery to cooking classes. The aim is to ensure that you experience a more connected, grounded holiday that re-energises you for your return to the humdrum of daily life wherein the classical Ayurveda tenets are imparted for holistic rejuvenation.
A few principal measures to mitigate the effect of a low metabolic activity & improve the gut health would be:
Food :
The food should majorly consist of unctuous (fats and oils), (slight) sour, less sweet, salty tastes, and foods which are simple andof easily digestible nature.
Old Grains and Rice harvested and stored for more than sixty days, wheat, soups of pulses and even goat meat are beneficial. While ghee and milk should be taken with the food in order to sustain and balance the metabolism.
Vegetables such as pumpkin, bottle gourd, drumstick, ridge gourd, garlic, fenugreek etc are beneficial and supportive to sustain the body tissues.
Preparations with dals such as khichadi, kadi, rice gruels, simple jeer rice, upmaare also good to consume daily.
Food should be eaten while warm.
Chew and eat a small piece of Ginger and Jaggary or Rock salt prior to each meal – to aid your digestion.
Drinks:
Boiled water (preferrable), Ginger water, Cumin water, Coriander water in warm or even slightly hot are recommended as they assist to kindlethe digestive fire.
Preparation:
Boil approximately 1 litre of water thoroughly in container and add around ½ tsp of Ginger /Cumin seeds or Coriander seeds to it and bring to a boil.
Cover the water with a lid. Allow the preparation to settle for about 30 mins before drinking it. Important – once these herbal waters are prepared, they should be consumed within 6 hours of preparation.
Foods to avoid: As the metabolism slows down during the Monsoons, food items and preparations which are heavy to digest should ideally be avoided eg, ice creams, dairy, oily food stuff – deep fried etc. Potatoes, leafy vegetables, tubers, raw foods and salads, pre packed foods, curd, red meat, excess water and liquids, complex food preparations such as biryani, chole, rajma etc. Such food items are to be consumed in moderation.
Lifestyle: A Healthy Diet needs to be supported with a Healthy Lifestyle to acquire the desired benefits.
Therefore avoid sleeping during day time, avoid over exertion and over exercising too. Keep your surroundings dry and clean; do not allow water to accumulate. Avoid walking in dirty rain water and getting wet in the rain. If you happen to get wet, change into dry clothes and dry your head at the earliest. Keep your body warm. Dry clothes using loban and dry neem leaves to keep the fungus away. Use of perfumes is recommended during this season.
Body cleansing procedures like Basti (Enema) are recommended as they reduce the adverse effects of increased “ Vata” in the body. Doing an Abhyanga (oil massage) & Padabhyangam (feet massage) with warm sesame oil is advocated, to regain strength and stamina.
Teach your kids about the importance of a balanced diet and explain the negative effects of excessive fast-food consumption. Help them understand the nutritional value of whole foods and the consequences of consuming a lot of processed foods….reports Asian Lite News
When you have a child, each tiny milestone of theirs’ brings you happiness and joy. Be it the first time they grab your finger or the first few steps they take, each development makes your heart leap with joy. But, with each new step, parents are also constantly worried about their health and well-being. Parenting is often challenging and takes ample hard work and responsibilities, especially for the new parents as the formative years of children hold the utmost importance to shape their lives. One of the biggest worries of a parent is to make their kids eat nutritious and healthy meals that help them to grow. However, Kids often get fussy and demand junk food with unhealthy fats and added sugars. They also increase children’s chances of developing childhood obesity which causes multiple risk factors for many health complications in later life.
Dr. Pallavi Rao Chaturvedi, a parenting coach, educator, and founder of Get Set Parent shares few ideas to raise your kids in a junk food-free environment:
Why do our bodies craves junk food?.(photo:IANSLIFE)
Be an example for kids to follow: Children often imitate their parents and look up to them for everything. Hence, it is very important to make sure you are setting a good example by choosing nutritious, home-cooked meals over fast food. Show them that healthy eating can be delicious and can make all the difference.
Converse and educate: Teach your kids about the importance of a balanced diet and explain the negative effects of excessive fast-food consumption. Help them understand the nutritional value of whole foods and the consequences of consuming a lot of processed foods.
Involve them in meal planning and preparation: Get your children actively involved in meal planning and preparation, ask for their suggestions, and try to implement them. Let them pick out fruits and vegetables at the grocery store and help in the kitchen. This will give them a sense of ownership and make them more likely to enjoy healthier meals.
Limit fast food as a treat: Instead of completely saying no to fast food, consider it as an occasional treat rather than a regular meal option. Set clear rules about how often it can be consumed, such as once a week or for special occasions.
Make healthy snacks accessible: Keep a variety of healthy snacks readily available for your child to choose from. Stock the pantry with options like fresh fruits, cut vegetables, whole grain crackers, and yogurt. Limit the availability of processed snacks and sugary treats.
Choose healthier alternatives: When eating out, choose restaurants offering healthier options or a wider range of choices. Look for places that have salads, grilled options, and fresh ingredients. Encourage your kids to make healthier choices by explaining the benefits of those options.
Remember that changes in eating habits may not happen overnight. Be patient, consistent, and supportive as you work towards improving your child’s eating habits and patterns for a better and healthier tomorrow.
Even the best foods can turn toxic if they are prepared improperly. When consumed raw, spinach is tasty and incredibly nourishing. But when softly melted over oil in a pan, it creates a really lovely side dish or even a beautiful sauce….writes Olivia Sarkar
It’s not always simple to estimate how much food you’ll actually consume when cooking. especially if you’re cooking for a larger group. You will undoubtedly have some leftovers the following day if you think that having too much food is preferable to having not enough. Therefore, if you intend to store them, keep them in the refrigerator to prevent the growth of bacteria that could become dangerous to your health.
But hold on, have you ever questioned whether the food you are reheating is still ediblet? Well, given that they frequently lose their nutritional content when reheated, several of the foods we eat on a daily basis might not be as safe.
And as long as you are aware of which items you should never reheat, that isn’t necessarily a negative thing.
SEAFOOD
Fresh seafood usually tastes better than frozen seafood. But given that this preservation method is more tightly regulated by food safety organisations, purchasing it frozen may be safer.
But what should you do if you prepare a gourmet meal, like seafood paella, and there is simply too much to eat? Once more, as soon as it has slightly cooled off, place it in a refrigerator.
RICE
The same is true of rice, another common component of dinner. You can safely reheat the dinner the following day if you store it in the refrigerator as soon as it has cooled off a bit. If you don’t and leave it out on the counter for too long, the Bacillus cereus bacteria may begin to grow.
SPINACH
Even the best foods can turn toxic if they are prepared improperly. When consumed raw, spinach is tasty and incredibly nourishing. But when softly melted over oil in a pan, it creates a really lovely side dish or even a beautiful sauce.
You shouldn’t subject it to heat again after the first time. Use any leftovers in a salad or simply consume them cold. Nitrates are abundant in spinach, and when they are heated to a high temperature, they can transform into nitrosamines, the majority of which are carcinogenic.
EGGS
We all know that eggs are a great source of protein, but repeatedly heating fried or boiled eggs can be dangerous. Eat fried eggs right away, but if they’ve been kept for a while, don’t reheat them; instead, just eat them cold because high-protein foods contain a lot of nitrogen. Reheating could cause this nitrogen to oxidise, which would then cause cancer.
BEETROOT
Beet-containing cooked meals also fall under the category of foods that shouldn’t be heated up again. The narrative is same to that of the spinach.
You run the risk of receiving a dose of toxins instead of all the wonderful advantages of this vegetable in its raw or lightly cooked form if you put the leftover beetroot stew or curry in the oven, microwave or hob.
MUSHROOM
White and brown button mushrooms, for example, may be okay to eat raw, but the majority of the other mushrooms should absolutely be cooked. Again, the next day, you absolutely should not microwave them. Unless you put it in the fridge quickly enough after cooking.
Mushroom proteins can be harmed by enzymes and bacteria that begin to grow at room temperature if they are not stored appropriately. An unpleasant stomach may result from this.
CHICKEN
You already know how delicious hot chicken is, but if you are preserving the curry for the next day, remember not to reheat it constantly. When this staple is heated from the refrigerator, its protein makeup is completely altered. The digestive system may experience issues as a result. Be careful not to heat it at a high temperature.
POTATOES
Have you ever noticed how poorly leftover cooked potatoes taste? Maybe you haven’t since the flavour would merely blend in if you fried them again in a skillet or heated them along with other dishes. But if you give it a shot, I’m confident that you’ll never want to eat leftover potatoes again.
Long-term room temperature storage of cooked potatoes can result in the growth of clostridium botulinum bacteria. Eating food contaminated with this bacteria can have very serious implications.
Home delivery just got an extra layer of deliciousness with the recent launch of the nationwide cake delivery service from everyone’s favourite London bakery, Lola’s Cupcakes; writes columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.
From Port Isaac to Peebles, the beloved brand’s fresh, delicious, handmade cakes can now sweeten up someone’s special day, no matter where they call home.
Choose from Lola’s classic Chocolate or Vanilla, iconic Red Velvet, indulgent Cookies & Cream, resplendent Rainbow, or Vegan Caramel Biscuit, then give it that perfectly personal touch with a free hand-piped message, beautifully written in milk chocolate or icing. Candles, cards, sparkles and more can also be added, making Lola’s your one-stop party shop!
We know what you’re thinking…a cake? In the post? Recipe for cake-tastrophe! Luckily, Lola’s don’t do things half-baked. They’ve put time and effort into developing innovative packaging and testing the delivery process over and over again to ensure your special treat arrives without a crumb out of place.
Handled with the love and care each cake deserves, Lola’s master bakers carefully pack each creation into a snug-fitting cardboard belt, designed to stop any sliding about in transit. Dry ice is added to the box to keep everything at optimal temperature, even in the midst of summer heatwaves, and those lovely people at DPD let you know via text on the day what time to expect its arrival.
It doesn’t stop there. Once you’ve unboxed your perfectly baked cake, help Lola’s to help the planet by sending the packaging back, using the free returns label, or arranging a free collection following the in-box instructions.
The packaging is exceptionally done, their communication for delivery is also extremely professional. This deliver sure is a treat to unbox! The flavours and taste is amazing and so is the presentation. The quality is high and freshness is on point. Birthday, baby shower, anniversary or an excuse to indulge, Lola’s has made nationwide delivery a piece of cake!
Chefs and culinary professionals understand the importance of thoughtful plating techniques to create visually stunning dishes that captivate diners…writes N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe
When it comes to culinary artistry, the way a dish is presented can be just as significant as how it tastes. They say we eat with our eyes first.
The artistic procedures of food plating and presentation turn a basic meal into an aesthetically pleasing and mouth-watering masterpiece.
Mastering the art of food plating can take your culinary creations to new heights, whether you’re a home cook seeking to impress your guests or an aspiring chef looking to hone your talents.
Food is not only the important stargazing factor but its plating plays an important role too. The way food is presented on a plate can enhance its visual appeal, stimulate the appetite, and even elevate the perceived taste.
Chefs and culinary professionals understand the importance of thoughtful plating techniques to create visually stunning dishes that captivate diners.
Celebrity chef and founder of Palate Culinary Academy, Rakhee Vaswani, author and consultant celebrity chef Ananya Banerjee give six food plating and presentation suggestions that will help you take your culinary creations to the next level.
Choosing the right plate: In food plating and presentation, choosing the appropriate dish is crucial to improving the whole eating experience. Your culinary masterpiece is shown on the dish as a canvas. The dish’s visual appeal might be enhanced or diminished depending on its colour, shape, and size. To attain the proper composition and balance, various dishes call for different plate styles. How the components of the meal are organized and divided depends on the size and shape of the plate. The star components of your cuisine might be better emphasized with the right platter. A textured or patterned plate can offer visual interest without detracting from the major pieces, as opposed to a plain white plate, which allows brilliant colours and detailed details to stand out.
Balance and Composition: Balance and composition are fundamental elements in food plating and presentation, contributing to the overall visual appeal and aesthetic harmony of a dish. It produces a visually appealing appearance that grabs guests’ attention right away. You can ensure that the varied flavours and textures are evenly distributed around the plate by attaining balance and composition. Effective harmony and composition highlight the dish’s star ingredients or focal points. You may direct the diner’s attention and highlight the star elements by placing the important items in strategic locations, which will result in a visually compelling presentation. The placement of the components on the plate should convey a sense of movement and flow, leading the eye from one piece to the next. As diners explore the many flavours and textures on the plate, this visual journey makes the dining experience more engaging and interesting.
Attention to detail: Attention to detail is of utmost importance in food plating and presentation as it elevates the overall dining experience and showcases your professionalism and commitment to excellence. Every component on the plate is expertly arranged when even the slightest details are paid attention to, which improves the dish’s aesthetic attractiveness. It indicates your commitment to making an enticing presentation that is aesthetically stunning. Your culinary product exudes quality and precision when you pay attention to the little things. You show your dedication to delivering a superior dining experience by meticulously arranging each ingredient, garnish, and sauce. Your culinary identity and brand are cultivated by paying attention to detail consistently throughout all of your plating endeavours. It creates a distinctive look and guarantees that each dish you serve adheres to a strict aesthetic and quality standard.
Utensil Placement: Utensil placement is an often overlooked yet essential aspect of food plating and presentation. Utensils that are arranged properly add to the plate’s overall visual harmony. The diner’s comfort and practicality should come first when placing the utensils. The diner will be able to easily switch between different components of the dish if the utensils are placed in a convenient location and within easy reach. Keep in mind that utensil placement may change depending on the cuisine served, the setting, and individual preferences. In order to achieve a polished and aesthetically acceptable presentation, it is important to establish a balance between aesthetics, practicality, and cultural factors.
Layers & Heights: Using layers and heights in food plating and presentation is a powerful technique that adds dimension, visual interest, and sophistication to a dish. The use of layers and heights enables cooks to express their artistic flair and originality. It gives you the chance to try out various plating methods, set-ups, and presentations, turning the dish into a gourmet masterpiece. In order to generate visual contrast on the plate, several pieces are layered with contrasting colours, textures, and shapes. Contrasting layers give the meal interest and excitement while also adding to its visual appeal.
Use Edible Garnishes: Using edible garnishes in food plating and presentation adds a touch of artistry and enhances the overall dining experience. Edible garnishes offer the chance to enhance a dish’s bright colours, textures, and visual appeal. They can improve the plate’s presentation, making it appear more alluring and delicious. In addition to adding to the aesthetic appeal of a dish, garnishes can also improve its overall flavour profile. A burst of freshness and aromatic notes can be added with fresh herbs, microgreens, or edible flowers. The possibility to add contrast and balance to the dish is provided by garnishes. By introducing various colours, shapes, and textures, they can provide a contrast to the primary elements. For instance, delicate, vibrant green herbs can be used to contrast with hearty, earthy proteins, or red chilli flakes can be used to provide a splash of colour to a creamy white sauce.
The significance of meal presentation and plating cannot be emphasized. Food has the ability to stimulate our senses and produce life-changing experiences in addition to merely sustaining our bodies. A basic meal may be turned into a piece of art that satisfies the senses and provides amazing culinary experiences by paying attention to every detail, from the arrangement of components to the choice of colours and textures.
