A hungry customer scrolls through a food delivery app after a long day. They’re not reading — they’re looking.
Dish after dish flashes by. Some photos are dull, messy, confusing. Others make them stop.
A plate of juicy dumplings. A cheesy, bubbling pizza. A vibrant, colorful salad.
Their mouth waters.
They click.
In the world of online food delivery, it’s not just about cooking great food anymore — it’s about showing it off.
When customers can’t taste or smell your food, your photos have to do all the talking.
A single image decides whether someone chooses your restaurant or keeps scrolling.
That’s why food delivery platforms like foodpanda make it easier than ever for local restaurants and home chefs to reach thousands of new customers — but only if you stand out.
This guide will show you simple photography tricks to make your dishes irresistible — and how listing your restaurant on foodpanda can turn a great photo into real, paying orders.
Let’s dive in.
Why High-Quality Menu Photos Matter More Than Ever
When customers order online, they trust what they see.
Without a dine-in experience, the way your dish looks becomes just as important as how it tastes.
✔️ Builds Trust: Clear, fresh-looking photos make customers feel confident about what they’ll get.
✔️ Drives Orders: Mouth-watering images increase the chances someone will click “Add to Cart.”
✔️ Boosts Brand Image: Consistent, good-quality photos make your restaurant look professional and memorable.
On platforms like foodpanda, great images can directly impact how often your food gets ordered. Simply put — better photos, better business!
First Things First: Why Listing on foodpanda Can Help You Get More Orders
Before we jump into photography hacks, here’s an important step — getting your restaurant listed on foodpanda.
Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
>Massive Customer Base: foodpanda is Asia’s largest food delivery platform outside China, reaching millions daily.
>Marketing Boost: Being on foodpanda automatically gives your restaurant visibility through their marketing efforts, including app promotions, ads, and SEO.
>Ease of Use: With foodpanda’s self-signup portal, listing your restaurant is easy, fast, and free to start.
>Better Trust: Customers trust familiar platforms. Being on foodpanda adds credibility to your business instantly.
>Smart Tech Support: foodpanda helps you optimize menus, photos, and promotions to maximize your success.
Pro tip: A beautifully listed menu with amazing photos can skyrocket your sales even faster!
Easy Photography Tips to Make Your Dishes Stand Out
You don’t need a fancy camera or a photography degree. Follow these simple tricks:
1/ Get the Lighting Right
>Use natural light — a window with soft sunlight is perfect.
>Avoid harsh overhead lights or direct flash that can flatten your dish.
>If needed, use a ring light or softbox for a warm, appetizing glow.
2/ Master the Best Angles
>Overhead shots (flat lay) are great for colorful, detailed dishes like rice bowls, pizzas, or platters.
>Eye-level shots work well for stacked items like burgers or sandwiches.
>Close-ups highlight beautiful textures — like juicy steaks or cheesy pizzas.
3/ Keep it Fresh with Food Styling
>Add fresh herbs, lemon slices, or sauces for extra color.
>Highlight your “hero” ingredient — the star of the dish.
>Avoid overcrowding — keep the plate neat and tempting.
4/ Use Simple Tools for Better Shots
>A tripod can make a huge difference by keeping photos sharp.
>Try your smartphone’s portrait mode to focus on the dish and softly blur the background.
Quick Editing Tips to Polish Your Photos
A little editing can go a long way:
>Brighten the image to make your dish pop.
>Boost contrast slightly for depth.
>Enhance saturation — but don’t overdo it.
>Use free apps like Snapseed, Lightroom Mobile, or VSCO for professional-looking results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
>Too much editing: Over-filtered photos can look fake and turn customers away.
>Poor lighting: Shadows and glares hide the beauty of your food.
>Inconsistent style: Pick a consistent look for all your menu items — it makes your brand stronger.
Final Thoughts
In the competitive world of food delivery, how you show your food is just as important as how you cook it.
Great photos create great first impressions. And with a platform like foodpanda, you can bring your dishes in front of thousands — even millions — of new customers.
Start by getting listed with foodpanda. Pair it with some simple photography hacks, and watch your orders grow!
Ready to get started?
Join foodpanda today and show the world your delicious creations!
FAQs: Photography for Restaurants on foodpanda
1/ Do I need a professional photographer to take food photos?
No, with natural light, a smartphone, and a few simple tips, you can take great photos yourself!
2/ How does better photography help my restaurant on foodpanda?
Eye-catching images build trust and encourage customers to order your food over competitors.
3/ Can I update my menu photos later on foodpanda?
Yes! You can always update or improve your photos to keep your listing fresh and attractive.
4/ What’s the best light for taking food photos?
Natural, soft light from a window is ideal. Avoid direct flash and harsh lights.
5/ How can I get listed on foodpanda?
Simply sign up through foodpanda’s vendor portal. It’s fast, simple, and a great way to grow your restaurant!
