Have you ever wondered why a dish cooked by someone else looks so much tastier than the one you make yourself? Even when you follow a recipe step by step, the results are often not the same. If you're tired of dry meat or poorly cooked vegetables, don't worry—you're not alone, and there are legitimate reasons for this phenomenon.
The secret behind the taste of restaurants
A major reason why restaurant food looks so delicious is the use of oils, butters and spices. Restaurants do not skimp when it comes to these ingredients that give the dishes the perfect taste. When we cook at home, we are usually more sparing with them, whether for health or practical reasons.
In addition, professional chefs have access to industrial equipment and the highest quality ingredients. “An industrial deep fryer is something few people have at home, but most restaurants do,” says chef Scott Duke. "It makes chicken deep-fried in oil much more delicious than lightly pan-fried chicken."
This, combined with the long training and experience of the chefs, brings results that we in our kitchens cannot always achieve. “The chefs know exactly how to bring out the best flavors in every dish they prepare,” says Chef Rena Awada.
The psychological side of taste
The taste of food is not only a matter of ingredients and cooking technique. It's also about how we perceive it. According to food scientist Sarah Bond, the process of cooking at home affects our taste experience.
“When you cook for yourself, you're exposed to smells all the time, and it can desensitize you before you even take the first bite,” explains Bond. On the other hand, when someone else prepares the food, you do not participate in the process and experience the flavors and aromas more intensely, making them more delicious.
How to improve cooking at home
Although restaurant food may seem underwhelming, there are a few ways to improve home cooking:
1. Use quality ingredients
Invest in fresh produce, preferably from local farmers' markets, for more authentic flavors.
2. Don't skimp on the spices
According to Awada, the right use of salt, pepper and other spices can make all the difference.
3. Rest while cooking
Bond suggests stepping away from the kitchen for a few minutes during the process to "refresh" your senses.
4. Add small details
A splash of flavored oil, a little lemon juice or some fresh spices at the end can transform an ordinary dish into something special.
Even if you don't have a deep fryer or a lot of experience in the kitchen, the tips above can help you bring restaurant flavors into your home. And ultimately, don't beat yourself up too much—sometimes, it's just better when someone else takes the lead.
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