Home food doesn’t have to be boring. During the pandemic, we’ve seen how there’s a chef within each one of us. It’s only about having the right cooking tools, resources, and enthusiasm to cook. And of course, the presentation matters. In fact, presentation of the dish is just as important as the masalas you use to prepare the dish. When it comes to home-cooked meals, the power of plating plays a critical role in elevating a simple dish into a masterpiece. Visual feast naturally aid appetite and draw people towards your food. Using innovative food plating techniques and modern presentation styles can take your culinary creations to new heights. In today’s blog, we’ll explore some of the best plating techniques that will take your food presentation , several notches higher.

Use the right serveware and cutlery :

The kind of plates, bowls, and cutlery you choose can make a world of a difference. It’s a fundamental point that is often ignored or underestimated. Your serveware will effortlessly elevate your food presentation . At thinKitchen, you will get a range of servewarethat’s stylish and durable at the same time. Explore top international serveware brands to elevate your food presentation.

Visual balance :

Try to achieve a visual balance in your food presentation. Use a mix of colours to enhance your food presentation . If the dish is simple, use a pop colour to add some highlight. Don’t go overboard with the colours as it could be not-so-appealing for some.

Free form :

This technique allows you to be a child, literally. The plate is your canvas, feel free to experiment. Draw some carefree strokes on the plate and let the food presentation  look abstract. This style has no rules, so go ahead and let your imagination run wild.

Tease with texture :

Plating provides a canvas for experimenting with textures. From crispy to creamy, crunchy to tender, the arrangement of different textures on the plate adds a dynamic dimension to each bite. This textural diversity not only enhances the eating experience but also showcases the chef’s expertise. For example, a simple dal khichdi can be clubbed with papad and onion’s plating.

Tease with texture :

Plating provides a canvas for experimenting with textures. From crispy to creamy, crunchy to tender, the arrangement of different textures on the plate adds a dynamic dimension to each bite. This textural diversity not only enhances the eating experience but also showcases the chef’s expertise. For example, a simple dal khichdi can be clubbed with papad and onion’s plating.

Negative spacing :

You don’t have to fill up the whole plate. It’s good to embrace the negative spacing. This plating technique allows individual items to shine and stand out. Your food presentation  will look elegant when you experiment with negative spaces. And don’t be afraid to use dark cutlery for your food plating.

Shapes and sizes :

You can also experiment with different shapes placed together. This would create some excitement and extra visual delight. Alternatively, you can test out different sizes served together. This plating technique allows you to place a variety of things together.

Now that you have a fair idea about the plating, let’s look at the different sizes of platters to ace the plating techniques :

Large Plates :

Ideal for main courses, large plates provide ample space for showcasing the main dish, along with some sides. They are commonly used for dinner entrees.

Medium Plates :

Versatile and widely used, medium-sized plates are suitable for a variety of courses, including appetizers, salads, and smaller main courses. For house parties, medium plates are a must-have. Our recommendation would be the Denby Halo Medium Plate Set of Four. You can use this for casual gatherings as well as formal dinners. Denby is one of the most celebrated international dinnerware brands.

Small Plates/Bowls :

Perfect for appetizers, tapas, or side dishes, small plates or bowls allow for controlled portions and are often used for shared dining experiences. If you’re into dips and sauces, you must invest in some small plates and bowls. For small plates, our pick would be the Mikasa ceramic side plate. It’s versatile and looks extremely elegant on the table.

Platters :

Used for family-style or buffet presentations, platters come in various shapes and sizes. They are excellent for serving larger quantities of food in a communal setting.If you are into contemporary plating techniques, feel free to choose abstract shaped platters for your food presentation .

Dessert Plates :

Smaller than main course plates, dessert plates are designed to showcase sweet treats without overwhelming the diner. They are often used for a delightful finish to the meal. With dessert plates, don’t forget to have dessert spoons as well. You could also use shot glasses to add some oomph factor to your dessert plating.

At ThinKitchen, we go beyond providing just kitchenware; we offer an immersive experience that transforms the way you cook, serve, and enjoy your time at home. From barware to platters and homeware, we’ve got you covered. What’s unique is that we bring to you some of the best international kitchenware and serveware brands to your doorstep. So, what are you waiting for? Infuse sophistication to your meals with these plating techniques and platters from thinKitchen.