Food and music both have the power to intensify an experience. The taste of a madeleine dipped in tea famously brought back a childhood memory for the narrator in Marcel Proust’s Search of Lost Time – an experience now often called the ‘Proust effect’. With that in mind, it’s important for restaurants to get their food and music pairings right, whether they’re a live performance restaurant or simply compiling a playlist. Here, we delve into the link between food and music and suggest some of the best genres for different cuisines.
The link between food and music
Research shows that food and music go hand in hand. A 2009 study on the relationship between basic tastes and the pitch of sounds showed that high-pitched sounds enhance the flavour perception of sweet and sour attributes, while low-pitched sounds enhance the perception of bitter and salty attributes. Later research suggested that the taste of cinder toffee was perceived differently depending on the soundtrack that the participants heard as they were eating it. It’s clear, then, that music choice is important in both a live music restaurant setting and in venues where a playlist is curated to complement the dining experience. Let’s look at which genres are best for which cuisines.
Which genres to pair with different cuisines
Fine dining: Classical music is often associated with affluence, and various studies have shown that it influences purchasing behaviours and can make diners perceive their wine or food selections as more high-end. Classical music has also been shown to increase food enjoyment. Fine dining restaurants are therefore the best places to showcase classical, jazz and instrumental music.
Ethnic cuisine: A 2020 study found that diners perceived restaurants serving cuisines such as Indian, Spanish or Japanese as more authentic when they played music that matched the ethnicity of the food. This perceived authenticity had a significant impact on customers’ overall satisfaction with their meal. So if you’re serving Indian food, for example, traditional Indian music is most likely to enhance your patrons’ experience.
Dessert restaurants: If your venue specialises in desserts and sweet treats, upbeat pop or pop-rock with prominent high-pitched vocals can enhance the perception of sweetness in your dishes.
Coffee shops: If you’re primarily serving tea and coffee, aim for slower tempo songs with low-pitched vocals to bring out the bitter flavours and encourage patrons to linger over their beverages.
Fast food: Music with an upbeat tempo played loudly is perfect for a fast food restaurant. A 2018 study showed that high volume and upbeat tempos tend to increase excitement levels, leading to food choices that are higher in sugar or salt. Faster, louder music also makes patrons eat more and eat faster, which suits the nature of these restaurants.
Pair food and music at Studio Five
As a live band restaurant, Studio Five showcases a range of acts that provide the perfect musical accompaniment to your meal. From jazz to RnB to country, your dining experience will be enhanced by the music of talented artists, making for a night to remember. Reserve your table with us today.
