The easiest way to make food look (and taste) better
You don’t need fancy plates or restaurant tricks.
The quickest way to elevate almost any dish is a garnish.
A handful of fresh herbs, a drizzle, or a dusting — that’s all it takes to turn “fine” into “wow.”
A dull-looking curry looks instantly more satisfying with chopped coriander.
A pie or fruit tray bake? Always better with a light snow of icing sugar.
Even plain boiled vegetables, like green beans or cauliflower, come alive with a spoonful of butter-fried breadcrumbs on top.
This is exactly what restaurants do. It’s why their food looks better, feels more special, and why we sometimes eat out more than we need to.
We convince ourselves it’s the flavour, but often it’s just the finish, that final touch that makes it feel cared for. And when our own food doesn’t compare, it adds to the quiet guilt of thinking we don’t cook “well enough.”
But the truth is, you can get that same satisfaction at home.
The point isn’t to decorate, it’s to finish. And the way to think about it is simple: what will add something in taste, colour, or texture? Here are a few ideas:
For savoury dishes
Chopped herbs (coriander, parsley, chives, dill, mint)
Lemon zest or a quick squeeze of juice
Cracked black pepper
Sea salt flakes
Toasted nuts or seeds for crunch
Butter-fried breadcrumbs on boiled greens or cauliflower
A drizzle of good olive oil or chilli oil
Crispy shallots or fried garlic
Shaved parmesan or feta crumbs
A few microgreens or baby herbs
For sweet dishes
Icing sugar (use a fine sieve for a soft, even dusting)
Citrus zest
Cocoa powder or cinnamon dust
A few fresh berries or sliced fruit
Crushed nuts or biscuit crumbs
Flaked sea salt on chocolate or caramel
A drizzle of cream, honey, or melted chocolate
You don’t need to overthink it, just finish your food with something alive. It’s the smallest touch that says: someone cared.
Next time you feel like your food is missing something, consider one of the above.
