Let me begin by recounting the tale of my love affair with Korean cuisine.
Back in 2012, on a crisp Saturday in Montreal, craving novelty, I pondered what to indulge in for lunch. That day, the usual mid-sized pizza just wouldn’t suffice. I yearned to venture into new culinary realms and savor something entirely unfamiliar.
A quick internet search led me to a highly-rated Korean restaurant merely a mile away. Deciding to seize the opportunity, I ventured forth. Upon arrival, a young Korean waiter greeted me warmly and confidently presented the menu.
However, my luck seemed to falter as the menu lacked any accompanying photos. Consequently, I found myself at a loss when it came to placing an order. Terms like ‘Dashima’ or ‘Kimchi’ were foreign to me, and I couldn’t discern the differences between ‘Bulgogi’, ‘Bossam’, or ‘Sam Gae Tang’.
I inquired, “What dish is this? How does it differ from the others? How is it served?”
In a stroke of brilliance, the waiter swiftly whipped out his smartphone and displayed photographs of the restaurant’s delectable offerings, captured by his own hand.
As I perused the images, one dish seized my attention: a visually stunning array of vibrant colors and textures. The waiter informed me that it was called ‘Bibimbap’ (비빔밥). He then proceeded to regale me with the history of Bibimbap, imparting cultural insights and serving instructions. Without hesitation, I placed my order.
When the dish arrived, I followed the waiter’s instructions precisely: mixing the ingredients with the provided utensils in preparation for my inaugural bite of Korean cuisine. As the flavors danced upon my palate, I felt a sense of wonder and fulfillment. In that moment, I wasn’t merely consuming food; I was partaking in history.
That initial foray into a Korean restaurant felt akin to a journey to South Korea itself. It not only introduced me to a new culinary realm but also fostered a deep appreciation for Korean culture and its people.
This tale underscores the profound impact of photographs, simplifying the customer’s decision-making process and enhancing sales with minimal effort. Rather than drowning in a deluge of words to explain, the waiter opted to show.
“보기좋은떡이먹기도좋다”
(Rice cakes that look good are good to eat)
Fast forward 12 years, and I now helm a company dedicated to empowering traditional food establishments to harness the power of photos and history to elevate the value of their offerings and drive sales. We craft, host, and manage ‘Smart Educative Menus’ for them, enabling seamless integration into their websites, TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Instagram pages, while also facilitating contactless dining experiences by replacing physical menus.
As the wise waiter aptly demonstrated, showing rather than telling is key. Click the link below to discover how we can collaborate to transform your menu into a practical masterpiece:
“함께모이는것이시작이고, 계속함께함이진보이며, 함께일하는것이성공이다.”
(Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.)