[gambiting]

One thing that I noticed works brilliantly with "unfamiliar" food is literally having the complete thing displayed on your stand/display/whatever. If you've ever been to Camden Market in London, there's loads of food vendors, and they all do this, they have examples of whatever they are making just sitting there, so you don't even need a menu - just point at the thing that you want and they will make it for you. I think it's the same with these - a roll in itself probably won't attract interest, but display it cut in half so everyone can see straight away what you're selling and it becomes a lot more attractive.

[pjc50]

Interestingly, the cheaper a place is the more likely it is to have pictures. And a few of my greatest ever food experiences have been from places where the food is in hot dishes and you point at what you want on your plate, enabling you to order food where you don't have a common language with the restauranteur.

[gambiting]

Like, that's some pictures I took in Camden market, it's brilliant - and it works even if you don't really speak the language too!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/pRp6reC7E9mJAUMWA

https://photos.app.goo.gl/jVBWo4BcmBbAHjb78

[sebmellen]

Cool pictures! Just a note — if you're trying to keep this HN profile somewhat anonymous — the Google Photos sharing window displays your full name.

[gambiting]

Ooops, thanks for the heads up ;-)

I can't edit the original post but I deactivated the links - reuploaded here:

https://i.postimg.cc/jS2CVNx6/image.png

https://i.postimg.cc/fRmpRqRM/image.png

[Cthulhu_]

They should do that in every 'conventional' menu as well I think - also because there is a category of people who will pick a dish for its visual aesthetics instead of flavor.

Plus a nicely presented food picture book is a nicer experience than a 'bland' list of items.