About Fake Food

About Fake Food

History

Fake food dates back to the time of the Pharaohs of Egypt and perhaps before. When a King or Pharaoh died, they were often buried with everything they needed for their journey to the next world. Foods were preserved and laid to rest with them in their tomb. Modern times saw increased use of fake food. During the early Shōwa period, following Japan’s surrender ending World War II, Americans and Europeans traveled to Japan to help with the rebuilding efforts. Foreign travelers had difficulties reading Japanese menus, so Japanese artisans quickly developed plates of fake foods for restaurants that made it easy for foreigners to order something that looked good.

Modern Use

Fake foods are used in many ways, such as props for backgrounds in movies, television shows, theatrical plays, television commercials, print ads and trade shows. Fake foods are also used to display lifelike replicas of real foods for restaurants, grocery chains, museums, banquet halls, casino buffets, cruise ships and in many other instances in which real foods can not be displayed. The plastic replicas are much more expensive than the food they imitate, but can last indefinitely.

Manufacturing Process

Today’s manufacturing technologies and high quality materials and approximately 95% of all fake food is still handcrafted. Artisans and highly trained craftsmen make realistic fake food, often painting them by hand to create a realistic look and feel.