Would you believe that the display/arrangement of Takoyaki below was not actually the real thing?
Japanese food has always piqued my interest and I’ve always enjoyed trying the endless variety of options that the culture curates through its love and passion for all things culinary.
So of course, during a recent trip to Japan, I took advantage of this interest and enjoyment of Japanese food by trying whatever I possibly could during our explorations. Many new favorites were established and I owe that in fair part to the incredible food samples/models that were on display in front of countless restaurants and eateries. One of the most commonalities I noticed during my time was the abundance of food sample/model usage. Even other Local Guides such as @YasumiKikuchi have shared details about them through his Connect posts. And of course, when you’re exploring and are taking in the sights, it’s only right that it includes food! Often times, if there was not a particular option in mind, we often used the food samples/models as guides into the type of offerings by restaurants and portion sizes, ultimately helping us make a decision on where to eat.
When visiting Osaka after the feedback sessions, I made the journey to the Tempozan Market Place, as part of the day’s activities near Tempozan Park. We came across Morino Sample and knew we had to drop in. To see is to believe, and the large collection of food samples/models will leave you gasping audibly from how lifelike they are.
I had a general idea of what to expect from this store when I walked in as we had seen a few similar food sample/model items at other stores, but to be at a store/location where they’re carefully crafted to this extent was quite the treat (literally). No matter the type of food - and I mean anything from a chicken wing to onigiri to apple slices - they seem to have thought of it. They’ve also thought well about the type of items, as many were well-disguised behind their foods and served purposes such as USB drives or card holders.
According to the store’s website, the artsy foods follow a production process that includes mold making, molding, painting and coloring, and the final “plating” which is finalizing the food’s display. Even more intriguing, they offer a “production” experience in which classes are held for those interested in making their own culinary art pieces, including curry rice plates, Takoyaki, ramen, and sweets.
While we didn’t have time to partake in this (reservations generally required for the experience and it is held on certain days), it was enjoyable seeing a store so unique and watching others visiting enjoy the wonderful displays of something we know is common across all cultures: food 
!
Feel free to check out my review for Morino Sample and let me know what you think about these food samples/models and if they are used frequently where you live? Thanks for reading!
] #04 2 International meet-ups Hanami Picnic 
Therefore, by making models, food samples were developed to make it easier to visually understand what kind of food it is. 
. And appreciate you providing the background behind these samples as well and how they became popular!