Getting your soup served in a stiletto is bonkers, no doubt about that. But have you noticed that those super fancy, very detailed, often bizarre food servings come from luxurious restaurants? I mean let’s be honest, your local Chinese takeaway couldn’t care less about putting that sweet & sour curry in anything other than a plastic container. Do you complain about them not being elaborate enough? Well, probably not. So why, then, is it so frustrating when restaurants are genuinely trying to stand out and make us impressed? Now this is some food for thought.

Fancy restaurants are also notorious for serving small portions. A walnut-sized piece of cod, anyone?! But if we take a closer look at this common phenomenon, we may find some solid reasons why restaurants do that. First, it’s the pricing of the ingredients. The more high-priced ingredients they use for the dish, the more expensive the dish will be. Moreover, small portions can reduce costs for purchasing ingredients. As a result, less money gets wasted, adding to a higher profit margin for a restaurant.

The second reason is that eating at a fancy restaurant is about savoring every bite. Food served in smaller portions will help you relish and savor every bite. This is part of the experience and so it’s defo not for the hangover-induced munchies.

Moreover, smaller portion sizes are said to lead to a better customer experience. Because the truth is, by the time you sit down and finish your substantial meal, you really don’t get the full dining experience. A large portion does a great job at filling up your stomach, but fine dining is not just about that. It’s giving those taste buds a well-deserved workout and it’s all about being in the moment.