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The competition in the restaurant industry is brutal. So, it's only natural that establishments want to offer people something the joint down the street still doesn't have on its menu. But if the sole purpose of standing out is simply to stand, it can quickly lead to something hilarious. Or ridiculous. Or even worse, both.

Bored Panda already wrote about restaurants trying to impress their customers too hard here, here, and here but people continue posting pictures of absurd food servings, so we continue covering them. From eating spaghetti off the fricking table to receiving your starter in a sink, continue scrolling to check out the newest batch of Gordon Ramsay's nightmares.

More info: wewantplates.com | Reddit | Facebook | Instagram |Twitter

Most of these pics were featured on We Want Plates, a community of regular people and dedicated foodies who came together to get restaurants to serve food on actual plates, not on “bits of wood and roof tiles, chips in mugs and drinks in jam jars.”

“I started the campaign in 2015 after a friend posted a picture of an average-sized steak on Facebook, which had been served to him on a large chopping board," Ross McGinnes, the founder of the We Want Plates said in an earlier Bored Panda interview. "It was captioned, unironically, 'That is a big meal!' It wasn't a big meal — he'd fallen for all this style-over-content hipster gastropub nonsense. I searched Twitter for an account which would allow me to vent my spleen with like-minded people, but found nothing. We Want Plates was born. Four years later we have over 150,000 followers on Twitter, and three quarters of a million across all social media platforms."

#2

This Whole Thing Is Just Wrong!

This Whole Thing Is Just Wrong!

"So I went on a date today and we went to a nice restaurant before going to the movies and I ordered the “iced grape popsicles” for dessert because I love grape Popsicles so why not right?…..so the waiter brings out the “iced grape popsicles” aND THEY WERE LITERALLY 3 FROZEN GRAPES ON STICKS…..I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE OFFENDED IN MY LIFE…SINCE WHEN ARE 3 [FRIGGIN] FROZEN GRAPES IN A [FRIGGIN] VASE AN ACCEPTABLE SINGLE DESSERT ORDER..ITS NOT EVEN FROZEN GRAPE JUICE OR SOMETHING ITS LITERALLY JUST A 0.02$ GRAPE THAT WAS PUT ON A STICK THEN FROZEN…LIKE SOMEONE ACTUALLY WROTE THIS DOWN ON THE MENU THINKING “OH YEAH PEOPLE [FRIGGIN] LOVE COLD GRAPES” AND SOME OTHER ASSHAT SAID “BRAH. HEAR ME OUT, HOW ABOUT WE PUT THEM ON STICKS AND SERVE THEM IN A VASE WITH NOTHING ELSE” LIKE YOU COULDNT EVEN SERVE IT WITH A [FRIGGIN] SECOND FRUIT OR EVEN [FRIGGIN] LEAVES OR WHATEVER… IM SO MAD. [FRIGGIN] FROZEN GRAPES ON A STICK.
AND THEY WERENT EVEN SEEDLESS GRAPES…"

Garden_Faery Report

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applepieschool avatar
The Emerald Triangle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did you read the fine print under the description of the item you ordered? That was the exact fricken comment I got from a waiter once.

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As We Want Plates continues to grow, McGinnes said the worst food serving he has ever encountered was when he got a piece of cake on a table tennis bat in Barcelona around 2008. "It still gives me sleepless nights," he said.

It's style over content, and McGiness thinks too much time is spent faffing around balancing six chips in a mini wheelbarrow. When these stunts become the focus, the flavour becomes secondary. And that's not a good thing.

#4

Most Expensive Restaurant I've Ever Been. Chef Literally Made The Starter In Our Hand

Most Expensive Restaurant I've Ever Been. Chef Literally Made The Starter In Our Hand

Zero_Boss Report

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idrow avatar
Id row
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Expensive often just means pretentious. You got what you paid for.

f_h_ avatar
F. H.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pretentious definitely, but as soon as it gets inconvinient, the chef should start questioning his skills.

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Cold Contagious
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So disgusting 😡. Looks like spaghetti sauce with raw liver on top, finished with whipped egg yolk and spinach. I wouldn't feed that to my dog and I would be pissed if it was put in my hand.

lsoo avatar
Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And, you're supposed to lick that off your hand like primitive man? That is just too way out there for me.

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Tahani
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would walk out at once after smacking that c**p on the floor.... it’s revolting and does not even look like food.....

birdeeorassi avatar
Anaïs Ballestra
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, I have to disagree with this one as I've been in I think the same restaurant in Madrid. The Chef is a 3 stars chef and, of course, the hygiene is very strict. The idea is that extreme simplicity for presentation can be amazingly surprising and, for myself, it was. One of the weirdest but best dinner experience in my life and I do regret to see this picture here.

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Lindsey Judd-Bruder
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Does the chef make the customer wash their hands, before he plops the food into their palm??

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Meyer Weinstock
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm guessing it's some land-animal organ meat and/or invertebrate sea-food dish in an aspic-type gelatine, with Hollandaise & parsley...ewwwwww.

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Susan Svitak
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

should be the cheapest restaurant since they don't even use plates!

applepieschool avatar
The Emerald Triangle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sooo....are plates now forbidden in restaurants as apart of the "reopening" stages?

f_h_ avatar
F. H.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In an expensive restaurant, I would definitely complain, maybe even ask to speak to the chef. This is a gimmick, not something a fancy restaurant should do. A good proof that the chef sucks at his job.

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Just Carmen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is just disgusting. Is this in the US? Cause if it is, I'm pretty sure that's a health code violation right there!

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Faith Nicole
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a terrible idea, and looks disgusting..whatever that goop is

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Wendy Emlinger (ManyTotems)
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ick! This is not sanitary or attractive. I want my food on a plate or in a bowl, not my hand. Do they at least give you a wet wipe or just leave you sitting there all sticky?

wendyemlingermanytotems avatar
Wendy Emlinger (ManyTotems)
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't want to wear my food, I want to eat it, preferably from a plate or a bowl. Do they hand you wet wipes after they serve this mess? Or just leave you sitting there all sticky?

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Jenny Guarr
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have pretended to sneeze into my hand right after the chef finished, looked around, wiped my hand on the table cloth and asked the chef to start all over again. Bet that would be the last time they tried to serve food into my hand.

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Sarah Nunns
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What is that? Seriously it looks revolting, it would still look revolting if it was served on a plate, yuck!

rwin106 avatar
Rob N
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do you just slurp it off your hand or did you use a spoon? 😷

juliav avatar
JuliaV
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get the revulsion, but must now ask... were you supposed to eat it with or without silverware? and how did it taste? Really.... too funny.

johnbaker avatar
John Baker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not sure what that is, but I'm sure I wouldn't eat it.

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Kimberley Thomas
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why in the hand instead of on a plate? To save on washing dishes? Or for a more memorable experience?

odiasuda565 avatar
Scratch
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You should have slapped them in the face with it. Talk about a wasted opportunity.

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Magpie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have prescription lotion on my hands most times.......not a taste i like.

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Gerry Higgins
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It looks like the chef couched something up in their hand. A blood clot... a cancer or something.

sweetangelce04 avatar
CatWoman312
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I did a tasting menu at a fancy restaurant in Toronto. The first course came out in what appeared to be a doll’s dish. I’m not complaining ever again over that lol

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Suzanne Clark
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

HA! It looks worse than a bloot clot ;-) I think those are worse than blood clots.

erosa1224 avatar
Orionpax75
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First of all I'm not letting any chef do that on my hands. Second that app was probably 70-80 bucks foh!!

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fuggnuggins
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes. Many chefs HATE YOU WHINY, OBNOXIOUS C***S. This would definitely put a smile on my face.

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Hans
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Hm...poo on serum with a drop of pus on top of it.

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#5

My Friend Was Served A Single Potato On A Tiny Chair

My Friend Was Served A Single Potato On A Tiny Chair

lu-ne Report

#6

The One Vegetarian Entrée At This Restaurant Is Served Inside The Shell Of A Dead Sea Creature

The One Vegetarian Entrée At This Restaurant Is Served Inside The Shell Of A Dead Sea Creature

Nephelus Report

#8

Saw This On A Friend’s Instagram. The Horror

Saw This On A Friend’s Instagram. The Horror

SwaggerWaggon123 Report

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JuJu
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Flying spaghetti monster decided to land on your table to convert you?

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#9

Saw A Bird Nest Post Here And Thought This Was Comparable

Saw A Bird Nest Post Here And Thought This Was Comparable

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#10

Spaghetti Bolognese In A Bread Cone

Spaghetti Bolognese In A Bread Cone

Cyclonekmb Report

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EA
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How is it possible to make one of the best meals to eat, universally loved, look SO unappealing...

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#11

Our Sharing Starter Came In A Sink

Our Sharing Starter Came In A Sink

cwsphotographer Report

#12

It’s Getting Out Of Hand

It’s Getting Out Of Hand

psburton Report

#13

“Don’t Eat The Rocks” - Waiter Upon Serving

“Don’t Eat The Rocks” - Waiter Upon Serving

swflmeli Report

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Natalie Scott
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This would be better if the waiter whispered 'they're not rocks' after his warning, then walked away and left you guessing what they are.

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#14

The Jello Tasted Alright, Nothing Special

The Jello Tasted Alright, Nothing Special

CTU-24 Report

#15

Not Shown: The Sauce Proceeding To Spill Onto My Lap

Not Shown: The Sauce Proceeding To Spill Onto My Lap

ecapstone Report

#17

Not A Plate, But An Actual Glass Would Be Nice

Not A Plate, But An Actual Glass Would Be Nice

soseidel79 Report

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nanashi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that's what you get for a few cents from a street hawker, not in a fancy a*s restaurant where you pay extra for dine in service.

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#18

Cheese Served On A Mouse Trap

Cheese Served On A Mouse Trap

the_avo_89 Report

#19

We Demand Plates

We Demand Plates

Top_pilots Report

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Blackheart
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This literally is box mac and cheese with dinosaur chicken nuggets. You can do this at home with a plate.

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#20

I'm Gonna Swing From The Chandelier, From The Chandelier

I'm Gonna Swing From The Chandelier, From The Chandelier

coup_detat_21 Report

#21

Steak And Mashed Taters In A Sombrero

Steak And Mashed Taters In A Sombrero

issyababymamma Report

#22

This Broccoli On Barbed Wire

This Broccoli On Barbed Wire

oldfashioned24 Report

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The Emerald Triangle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just 4 pieces? That better be gold flakes on the sh*t if I got to pry it off of Bob wire.

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#23

Sorbetto With Foam Served In A Lightbulb On A Bed Of Dried Grass

Sorbetto With Foam Served In A Lightbulb On A Bed Of Dried Grass

mightgooutside Report

#24

Dinner At A Corporate Christmas Party. Mashed Potatoes, Roast Beef, And Peas In A Martini Glass

Dinner At A Corporate Christmas Party. Mashed Potatoes, Roast Beef, And Peas In A Martini Glass

nolawsdrinkclaws Report

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Blackheart
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a friend who cannot stand it when her food touches each other. This is her nightmare.

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#25

Didn't Expect My Appetizer To Be Served Inside A Dresser But Ok

Didn't Expect My Appetizer To Be Served Inside A Dresser But Ok

kiwimeli Report

#26

The Syrup Is Already Going Down His Arm

The Syrup Is Already Going Down His Arm

ZebraBoat Report

#27

My Friend's Ramen Was Served In A Beer Mug

My Friend's Ramen Was Served In A Beer Mug

Mo1s7 Report

#28

Gordon Got Served A Steak On A Roof Tile

Gordon Got Served A Steak On A Roof Tile

bigppman2 Report

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#31

$500 Tasting Menu, And This Is How Dessert Was Served...

$500 Tasting Menu, And This Is How Dessert Was Served...

krazy4001 Report

#32

At A Conference In Houston

At A Conference In Houston

bwelnicki Report

#33

Not In Need Of A Plate, But A Bowl Would Have Been Nice As Opposed To This Wine Glass For My Soup, Which Was Poured At The Table Out Of A Wine Bottle

Not In Need Of A Plate, But A Bowl Would Have Been Nice As Opposed To This Wine Glass For My Soup, Which Was Poured At The Table Out Of A Wine Bottle

frysause- Report

#34

This Is Not Acceptable.

This Is Not Acceptable.

horfor Report

#35

Scrolling Through Instagram This Morning And Found This

Scrolling Through Instagram This Morning And Found This

lavrenmc Report

Note: this post originally had 94 images. It’s been shortened to the top 35 images based on user votes.