1. INTRODUCTION

A tasting menu is a great way for restaurants to show off their best dishes in small portions. The Stubborn Seed tasting menu exemplifies this concept, offering a curated selection that highlights the restaurant’s creativity and precision. For food critics and enthusiasts who wish to sample a variety of flavors in a single meal, it’s ideal. This type of menu helps restaurants earn more money and run more smoothly. Since fewer large meals are made, the kitchen can work faster and more efficiently.

Here is a quick guide to assist you if you want to introduce a tasting menu to your restaurant.

  1. WHAT IS A TASTING MENU?

A tasting menu is a set of small dishes served one after another. It comes from the French word dégustation, which means tasting food carefully to enjoy the flavors and presentation.

Also called a prix fixe or set menu, it offers a full food experience, not just a regular meal. While normal dinners have about 3–4 courses, tasting menus often include 10 or more small plates.

  1. TASTING MENU VS. À LA CARTE

An à la carte menu lets guests choose individual dishes, each with its price. This gives people more freedom to pick what they want.

In contrast, a tasting menu is pre-planned by the chef. Guests don’t choose—they’re served a series of small, creative dishes in a set order. It’s more about the chef’s ideas and the full dining experience.

  1. BENEFITS OF A TASTING MENU

  • Better kitchen operations: A fixed menu means chefs can prepare ingredients in bulk, saving time and reducing waste.
  • Higher earnings: You can charge more per customer since the menu feels exclusive and creative. You can also add drink pairings like wine to boost the bill.
  • Easier staff training: Since the menu is fixed, waiters don’t need to memorize many dishes. This makes the service quicker and smoother.

  1. HOW TO CREATE A TASTING MENU

  • Know your restaurant’s concept: Start by clearly defining your restaurant’s style and target audience.
  • Choose your dishes carefully: Incorporate both seasonal specials and your signature dishes.  Don’t overdo it; instead, concentrate on balance and variety.
  • Pick how many courses to serve: Some menus have just a few courses, while others have 10+. Make your decision based on the size of your kitchen and what your customers expect.
  • Set the price: Make sure your pricing covers costs and brings profit. Do a cost breakdown of each dish.
  • Test your menu: Arrange a soft opening before the major launch. Invite friends or influencers to try it and give feedback.
  • Promote it: Advertise through social media, email newsletters, or by working with food bloggers.

  1. HOW TO SERVE A TASTING MENU

  • Use palate cleansers like sparkling water or ginger tea between dishes.
  • Serve food on simple, elegant plates to highlight the food.
  • Plan staff roles carefully for smooth service.
  • Add stylish touches like centerpieces or fine tableware.

  1. GO DIGITAL WITH QR CODES

Using QR code menus can keep things modern and classy. You can update items quickly and even share stories, videos, or chef’s notes digitally.

Add QR codes to table cards or napkin rings so they don’t affect the fine-dining vibe. This makes your menu flexible and interactive without losing elegance.