It’s Not Just Taste: How All Your Senses Shape a Memorable MeaL

By Chantel Mackay, Executive Chef & Owner, Sunflower Catering - February 2025

When most people think about great food, they think about taste. Sweet, salty, savoury, sour, umami. But if you've ever found yourself remembering the smell of roasted garlic or the sound of clinking glasses long after an event ends, you're already tuned in to something deeper: food is a full-body experience.

As a caterer, my job goes beyond flavour profiles. I craft meals that evoke emotion, tell a story, and support the overall energy of your event. Here’s how each of your senses plays a role in creating a meal that lingers in memory:

Sight
We eat with our eyes first. The visual presentation of food sets the tone before a single bite is taken. A bright pop of microgreens, the glossy sheen of a reduction sauce, or the rustic charm of a wood-planked grazing table all impact how we experience flavour. It’s not just about looking pretty—it’s about visual storytelling.

Smell
Scent is powerful. It triggers memory faster than any other sense. That first waft of fresh herbs or slow-braised beef can emotionally transport a guest to another place or time. At events, I often hear someone say, "Oh, that smell reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen," and suddenly, the meal means more than just nutrition.

Sound
Sizzling pans, the pop of a cork, laughter in the background. These ambient sounds become part of the experience. When food is presented live or served family-style, the soundscape can make the event feel alive and immersive.

Touch
Texture matters. The crunch of a crostini, the silkiness of a whipped mousse, or the comforting weight of a warm bowl in your hands adds dimension to the dish. In catering, this is where attention to detail shines.

Taste
Finally, the star of the show. A successful menu considers balance: acid and richness, crunch and cream, spice and sweetness. But what most people don’t realize is that taste is amplified by every other sense coming into play.

Final Thoughts:
Food has the power to comfort, connect, and communicate. When you plan your next event, think beyond the menu items. Think about how you want people to feel. What do you want them to remember?

Because a truly memorable meal isn’t just tasted—it’s felt, seen, heard, and shared.