Sep 19 2024.
views 31How do our food experts cook and eat? This week, content creator for food, fashion & travel, Yohani of @yohani_hewage takes our Q&A!
How did you start to create content? From a young age, I developed a passion for food photography, often spending my school days capturing images of delicious dishes, and vibrant locations, and exploring the interplay of colours and angles. My love for finding the perfect shot grew naturally, driven by a desire to frame every element just right. It was a close friend who first saw my potential and encouraged me to turn this passion into content creation.
What was your first food review? Getting that first review… it wasn't easy. Even though I have a lot of work now, I started by reviewing places for free, focusing on the quality of food and the ambience of restaurants. It took me a full year to get my first paid review, which was also done without charge. The first review I got was from Super Food Cafe in Colombo.
Your favourite childhood meal? Egg katta sambol with roast paan was my absolute favourite childhood dish, a meal that holds a special place in my heart. It's a bit of a sensitive memory for me, so I'll just leave it at that.
If you could have one dish from one restaurant forever? For me, the perfect meal would be a steak at Avenue, my absolute favourite. As for dessert, nothing beats the Tres Leches at Butter Boutique; it’s simply the best. A meal someone can make to impress you? Milk rice (Kiri Bath) with chicken curry might seem simple, but if someone can prepare it exceptionally well, I would be thoroughly impressed.
A country you’d like to visit just for the food? China and Thailand are my favourites. I love Asian foods, but these two countries really stand out for me.
Eat with your eyes or think with your stomach – which one wins? My pick would be to think with your stomach. I believe it's essential to consider health alongside aesthetics when evaluating a dish. While a meal may look appealing, we should prioritize what we put into our bodies. Health should always be a top concern, so it's important to thoughtfully consider the nutritional aspects of what we consume.
A lot of people think content creators don’t give their honest reviews – how do you stay authentic to your followers? Staying authentic with my followers is crucial, and I make it a point never to compromise on honesty. When I visit restaurants for reviews, I only post dishes that genuinely resonate with me, even if the restaurant requests otherwise. I won’t review any brand’s products or foods dishonestly. I also work closely with brands, offering feedback to help them improve their offerings. My followers can tell when I like something because my enthusiasm shines through in my descriptions and photos. If a dish doesn’t meet my standards, I simply won’t feature it— ensuring that what I share is always genuine and true to my experience.
What does it take for a restaurant to get a 5/5 from you? To earn a 5/5 rating from me, a restaurant must excel in several areas:
A country you’d like to visit just for the food? China and Thailand are my favourites. I love Asian foods, but these two countries really stand out for me.
What’s the key to doing food content right? The key to doing food content right lies in capturing authentic, detailed shots that tell the story of each dish. My speciality is in detailed photos that highlight the textures, colours, and essence of the food. I focus on creating genuine, unfiltered images and pairing them with honest, thoughtful reviews. For me, it's all about showcasing the true experience of the meal, giving my followers a real sense of what to expect.
A meal someone can make to impress you? Milk rice (Kiri Bath) with chicken curry might seem simple, but if someone can prepare it exceptionally well, I would be thoroughly impressed.
Your favourite part about being a food blogger? Experiencing new foods, tastes, traditions, and locations while meeting interesting people. I also love exploring my creativity through food blogging and reviews. Personally, I find great fulfilment in helping brands and delivering my best work for them, which is another aspect I deeply appreciate about being a food blogger.
Your pet peeves or hard-no when you are reviewing restaurants? I’ve been food blogging and reviewing for nearly 9 years. When I started, the influencers I worked with were genuine and focused on authenticity rather than just gaining followers. However, the landscape has shifted toward prioritizing follower counts and online reach, which doesn’t align with my values. Many now focus more on self-promotion than on the brands or products they collaborate with. I believe the primary goal should be to benefit the brands by promoting their products effectively, rather than highlighting the influencer’s personal recognition. If an influencer chooses to feature themselves in a review, it should be done in a way that enhances authenticity, showing that they genuinely visited the restaurant or location and experienced it first-hand. Staying true to a specific theme, remaining authentic, and avoiding imitation is key. Food reviews should centre on the food itself, rather than personal branding.
You’ve been creating food content for over 9 years now - what’s improved since you started? Since starting food content creation, my approach has evolved— I’ve become more detail-oriented with presentation, lighting, and the overall vibe. My tastes have grown more adventurous, appreciating diverse cuisines and flavours. Initially, I focused on taste and appearance, but now I value the entire dining experience, from ambience and service to the story behind each dish.
The most exotic food you’ve eaten? Chicken feet in Thailand! The taste and texture are quite unique which was crispy on the outside with a rich, savoury flavour. The skin has a slightly chewy texture, and the overall experience is a mix of umami and subtle spices, making it an intriguing and memorable dish.
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