The Truth Behind Foreign Food Joints in Korea: Unveiling the Discrepancy between Advertised Pictures and Actual Food

When you walk into a foreign food joint in Korea, you’re often greeted with tantalizing pictures of burgers, pizzas, and other dishes that seem too good to resist. However, when the food arrives at your table, you might notice a discrepancy between the advertised pictures and the actual food. This phenomenon is not unique to Korea, but it seems to be particularly prevalent in the country’s foreign food joints. So, what’s the truth behind this discrepancy? Let’s delve into the matter.

The Role of Food Styling

Food styling plays a significant role in the discrepancy between advertised pictures and actual food. Professional food stylists and photographers are hired to make the food look as appealing as possible in advertisements. They use various techniques and tricks, such as using motor oil instead of syrup on pancakes or using mashed potatoes instead of ice cream, to make the food look perfect. However, these techniques are not practical in a real kitchen, leading to a difference in appearance.

Standardization vs. Individual Preparation

Another factor contributing to the discrepancy is the difference between standardization and individual preparation. In advertisements, the food is prepared meticulously to represent the ideal version of the dish. However, in a busy kitchen, the staff may not have the time or resources to replicate the exact presentation, leading to variations in the final product.

Adaptation to Local Tastes

Foreign food joints in Korea often adapt their menu to cater to local tastes. This could mean changes in ingredients, portion sizes, or presentation, which could result in a difference between the advertised pictures and the actual food. For example, a burger might be advertised with a thick, juicy patty, but the actual burger might have a thinner patty to cater to local preferences for less meat.

Regulations and Oversight

In some countries, there are strict regulations regarding food advertising, requiring the advertised product to closely resemble the actual product. However, in Korea, such regulations are not as stringent, allowing for more leeway in food presentation in advertisements.

Conclusion

While the discrepancy between advertised pictures and actual food can be disappointing, it’s important to remember that the primary goal of food advertising is to entice customers. The actual taste and quality of the food are what truly matter. So, the next time you see a mouth-watering picture at a foreign food joint in Korea, remember to manage your expectations and enjoy the food for what it is.