When did “aesthetic” start mattering more than “authentic”?
The problem with today’s food scene is that everyone’s feeding the algorithm, not the people.

We’ve reached a point where cafés and restos aren’t just crafting meals anymore — they’re curating moments for the feed. The latte art must swirl perfectly, the plate must pop under good lighting, and the captions must sound poetic enough to trend. But here’s the question… are we still tasting the food, or just performing that we did?

Social media gave every diner a voice, and every creator a platform. That’s beautiful in theory until honesty gets replaced by engagement. We see glowing five-star reviews, raving posts, and choreographed reactions… but not always the truth. A viral post even pointed this out recently — vloggers hyping up food that’s, well, not even “worth the calories.”

And we get it. It’s hard to balance kindness and candor. But maybe we need to revisit what reviewing was truly for: to inform, not to impress; to connect, not to conform.

That’s why dining with Michael Ho the other week felt so refreshing. He describes himself, “a homebased craftsman who is passionate in making a dream lived; traveler and foodie by heart.” And it shows. With extensive domestic and international travel under his belt, his palate is impressively diverse, and his perspective goes beyond flavor. It’s about experience, culture, and craft.

During our recent food trip, instead of just saying, “Lami kaayo!” and moving on, Michael offered insightful, constructive feedback — the kind that benefits both sides. For the diner, it’s clarity. For the business owner, it’s growth. Honest feedback like this isn’t meant to destroy, but to refine, uplift, and guide improvement.

Maybe that’s what our local food culture needs now… less “for content” and more “for connection.” Let’s bring back reviews that respect the craft without romanticizing mediocrity. Let’s highlight the people behind the food — their effort, their story, their art without losing sight of truth.

Because at the end of the day, the most memorable meals aren’t the ones that trend online.

They’re the ones that feed both the body and the soul.

Great food deserves thoughtful conversation. If your café or resto wants to share its story authentically, we’d love to experience it — and celebrate it together. Let’s taste, reflect, and honor the craft.