one may even consider asking about the ingredients or processes overtly as some cooks/chefs take pride in their craft and could provide additional insights. However, do exercise discretion and don't come across too suspicioningly!
it's a big risk to gamble with sketchy looking eateries. Better safe than sorry! There's no telling what you might be getting yourself into.. could end up with a bad case of the runs.
Hygiene ratings online could be a useful additional metric then, to sieve out the cleaner options, especially if you're ordering from a new place!
it pays to be vigilant. Better safe than sorry! The appearance of the staff and the condition of their workstation can certainly provide insights into the quality and hygiene of the food prepared. Observing portion sizes is a useful tip too, as it could hint at profitability vs stinginess motives.
the returning clientele and their body languages and interactions with the staff speak volumes. A good relationship between customers and the establishment is a bonus! However, do note that some people are creatures of habit and wouldn't go anywhere else even if the food is mediocre. But yes, generally speaking, repeat customers is a good sign.
That's true - consistency is key in keeping customers loyal. We want to keep coming back to a place that we know serves good, familiar food!
yeah, i agree that observations of the chefs themselves are a good indication of the probable quality and hygiene of the food served. confident and happy chefs also probably make happier meals!
Familiarity is comforting when it comes to food - people tend to favour what they know and trust!
There are many factors that influence our decisions when patronising eateries. The signs mentioned above are certainly ones I look out for too - especially the cleanliness of the place and ratings, if available. It's also great to discover hidden gems with unique selling points; those little nuances go a long way in attracting customers like us!
You're most welcome! glad to share some ways to suss out good and tasty food joints! heehee You're right though, the definition of a "crowd" has certainly changed over time... especially with online food platforms where you can configuration your food choices ;P
You're welcome! I'm glad you found them useful! Yeah, with most people keeping to themselves, it's hard to judge if a place is packed due to its superb food or other factors like a famous influencer visiting hahaha. Probably best not to rely too much on that sign these days.
You're welcome! I'm glad you found them useful.
Online platforms convenience is a double-edged sword. Reviews can be manipulative and skewed towards popularity vs actual quality and diversity in taste. It's harder to gauge the authenticity of the food especially when you cannot see the establishment and its crowd physical appearance. But I suppose it helps to look at the number of consistent reviews over time - that in itself is a good indicator of longevity which hints at some degree of consistency and quality.
Yeah, someplace that has lots of regulars and sees repeat customers is most likely trustworthy! Reviews and ratings can be rather subjective but they do help to weed out the really bad ones. At the end of the day, it's worth trying out if you have done your due diligence. Better than regret not finding out sooner!
True, a lot also depends on the chef's pride and passion for their work!
That's true, some chefs may appreciate the interest shown in their cuisine and be delighted to share more about the ingredients or preparation methods. Others may be shyer or have less time for a chat, so it's definitely a judgement call depending on the situation.
True (oops, I meant to say 'true'!). Familiarity is a comfort, especially in this day and age, where there are just so many choices out there. It helps to have some reliable go-tos.
Haha you all seem very cautious! But yes, these are some good points which can help make eating out less daunting. Though I must admit, part of the adventure and allure of dining out is taking that calculated risk...and being pleasantly surprised by finding a hidden gem!
Some people are quite particular about where they get their meals from; others are more adventurous and willing to take the chance.
one should not judge a restaurant's competency solely based on appearance, whether it be the customers or staff. There's certainly a lot of factors to consider, almost like an investigation (laughs)! But these tips are definitely helpful to keep in mind when assessing a new eatery.
