In the digital world, people eat with their eyes first, especially in the UAE and Gulf, where dining culture is booming and decisions are made in seconds.

Yet many restaurants underestimate how much bad food photography is costing them. According to Zomato UAE data, dishes with professionally styled images receive up to 60% more clicks and 3x more order conversions compared to those with low-quality photos.

But here’s the real kicker, it’s not just about bad photos. It’s about what those photos say about your food.

A Personal Wake-Up Call in a Bowl of Green Curry

A while ago, we were in the mood for red Thai curry. A spicy, rich, and comforting dish. As we browsed food delivery apps, a well-known restaurant chain popped up. Curious, we clicked in and started scrolling through their Thai curry options.

What stopped us wasn’t the menu, it was the photo. Their green curry looked… radioactive. Bright, artificial, almost neon. It felt wrong. We had a short debate about whether it was just bad lighting or actually the food, but the moment passed. We didn’t order. And just like that, they lost a sale.
 Not because of the taste.
 Not because of price.
 But because of one bad photo.

Problem 1: Poor Photos Break Trust

In a region where people are spoiled for choice, low-effort photography feels lazy — and consumers assume the food will be too. According to Deliveroo MENA, menus with poor quality photos result in 38% lower click-through rates.
Solution:
 Use natural lighting, shoot fresh dishes, and always style the plate. Avoid overhead fluorescent lighting and low-res images taken on old phones.

Problem 2: Bad Photos Don’t Just Look Unappetising, They Send the Wrong Message

Unappetizing colors, harsh shadows, greasy close-ups, they all send the same signal: “we don’t care.” And if a customer feels that visually, why would they trust the taste?
Solution:
 Hire food photographers who understand plating and color balance. If DIYing, invest in proper editing apps, lighting, and props. Even simple garnishes or steam overlays can add depth and appeal.

Problem 3: Platforms Penalize Poor Visuals
Food delivery platforms in the UAE prioritize listings that perform well. If users keep skipping your menu, algorithms push your listing lower. That means less visibility, fewer orders, and less reach no matter how good your food is.
Solution:
 Refresh your menu photos regularly. Track which dishes underperform, and consider reshooting them. Test carousel formats and motion (like short GIFs or videos) where platforms allow.

The Takeaway
Bad food photos are more than just unappealing, they’re expensive. In a market like UAE, where customers are constantly choosing between multiple options, visuals are everything. They’re your first impression, your brand promise, and your silent salesperson.

If you’re losing orders and can’t figure out why, start by looking at your photos. Really look. Are they making you hungry?

Want help making your food look as good as it tastes?

kimberly@social-savoir.com

+971 52 994 0577


IG: @socialsavoir_fnb