In today’s digital age, dining now is more than just about flavour—it’s also about the photo, the video, and the story that goes online before the first bite. With TikTok food trends shaping what people crave, every meal is now an opportunity for free (and organic) marketing. And with Deepavali just around the corner, food businesses can leverage festive menus to make their dishes more “shareable” than ever.
So, what makes a meal truly worth posting? Let’s find out.
Ask yourself: why do some dishes go viral on TikTok or Instagram?
It’s usually not just the taste—it’s the wow factor and how the dish looks. The colourful garnish, the perfect portion, the aesthetic presentation that makes people’s mouths watery, or the unexpected element that makes customers share your videos and images to their friends and families.
Yet many businesses overlook this. They focus only on flavour (which matters, of course) but miss the chance to turn every customer into a brand ambassador, unofficially. Designing meals with social media appeal in mind could be your most powerful, low-cost marketing tool this Deepavali.
Visuals are the first contact point. A plate of crispy murukku with vibrant chutneys, or a golden-brown fried chicken using SERI-AJI® Tepung Goreng styled with colourful banana leaves, can instantly catch the eye. Contrasting colours, neat layouts, and creative garnishes go a long way.
Huge plates may look messy. Instead, opt for individual, instagrammable servings. Imagine bite-sized AJINOMOTO Gyoza on a festive platter, or a small serving of vegetable kurma in mini bowls—kept consistently tasty with a light umami lift from TUMIX®—they’re easier to photograph and more inviting to share.
Think interactive. This Deepavali, a ‘DIY platter’ where customers can mix and match their sauces, or a juicy burger patty enhanced with AJIezi™ Meat Juicy Up for EXTRA juiciness and tenderness—makes the meal fun, delicious and photo-ready. The more engaging your dish, the higher the chance it trends.
Looks alone won’t sustain interest. To get glowing, 5-stars Google Reviews, your food must taste as good as it looks.
Help customers help you. A well-lit photo corner with Deepavali décor, a catchy hashtag like #DeepavaliDelights2025, or small festive touches like Pal Sweet® Sweetener-sweetened sugar-free lassi served in colourful cups can inspire instant shares and reposts.
Every photo, TikTok, or Google Review is authentic advertising. A platter of crispy snacks fried with SERI-AJI® Tepung Goreng, or a fusion gyoza appetiser on a banana leaf, can go viral faster than a paid ad. People love fusion—that looks good!
In the end, plating, creativity, and consistency do more than create “Instagrammable” dishes—they drive real results: more brand exposure, better reviews, and more happy customers walking through your door this festive season.
Talk is cheap, right? Let’s look at some local heroes who are already crushing it. These guys understand that people eat with their eyes first.
Merchant’s Lane (KL): Check out their Instagram. They are masters of Tip #1 (Lighting). They use the natural light of their beautiful space to create bright, airy photos. Their food is well-lit, showing off every texture, from the glistening sauce on their pasta to the fluffy eggs in their breakfast platters.
Kofi by 77 (Klang): This is a perfect example of Tip #2 (Composition). Their photos are clean and minimalist. They often use a simple, top-down shot with carefully placed props—a cup, a pair of sunglasses, a book—to tell a story. It’s not just coffee; it’s a whole vibe.
The Loaf (Various Locations): These guys are great at Tip #3 (Leveraging Festive Menus). During CNY or Hari Raya, their social media is filled with beautifully styled photos of their festive specials. They use props and colours that match the celebration, making their regular pastries feel special and urgent.
Think you need a big, fancy camera and expensive lights? Think again, boss. You can get professional-looking shots with just your phone and a few cheap tricks.
Your Phone is Enough: Modern smartphone cameras are incredibly powerful. Learn to use the “Portrait Mode” to create that beautiful blurry background (bokeh) that makes your dish pop.
Free Editing Apps Are Your Best Friend: Don’t post a raw photo. Use free apps like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile to make simple adjustments. Just increasing the “Brightness” and “Saturation” a little bit can make your food look ten times more delicious. Senang je!
The White Cardboard Trick: The biggest secret to good lighting? A piece of white kadbod (cardboard) or foam board. Place it opposite your light source (like a window) to bounce soft, flattering light back onto your dish and remove harsh shadows. It’s a 10-ringgit trick that gives a 1000-ringgit result.
You mentioned leveraging festive menus, which is a brilliant idea. Here’s how to style your photos to match the occasion and make them confirm cun.
For Hari Raya: It’s all about warmth and community. Use rustic wooden props, traditional ketupat weaving patterns in the background, and rich green colours. Think cozy, inviting, and celebratory.
For Chinese New Year: Go for prosperity and energy. Use auspicious red and gold colours. Add props like mandarin oranges, elegant chopsticks, or even a few red packets (ang pao) to the scene.
For Deepavali: This is the festival of lights, so your photos should be vibrant and rich. Use bold colours, intricate kolam-inspired patterns, and shiny brass or copper dishes to create a luxurious, celebratory feel.
This Deepavali, don’t be like the rest. Don’t just serve food—serve an experience worth sharing. With the right balance of flavour, creativity, and festive flair, your menu could be the next big hit on TikTok’s food trends. You’ll never know… until you try!
Ajinomoto Food Biz Partner
