Plastic Food Models

Why Use Plastic Food Models For Display?

2011-02-23T11:00:00.000+08:00

• When cooked food are put on display, they will turn bad with time and will invite flies / ants. Replacing cooked food with plastic food models for display purposes will eliminate the problem of food wastage. Food models retain the actual food colour and texture for a long time.

• Money and labour can be saved, food wastage can be avoided.

• Food models can be displayed at the entrance of restaurants, creating 3D visual food menus with strong impact. Such visual impact will whet the appetite of customers.

• Food models allow easier ordering of food at restaurants / eating places. Tourists who are not familiar with local food will understand quickly once they see the realistic food models.

• Food models can be used for special food promotions at restaurants, hotels and food exhibitions, as well as for nutrition and health education at hospitals, polyclinics and schools.

• Our plastic food models are made of high-quality polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and will have a long lifespan if not put under direct sunlight or artificial heat. Dust can be removed by a wet cloth or rinsing with water.

Actual Size Plastic Model Displays – Asian Food & Beverage

2011-01-03T09:00:00.003+08:00

Customised Products

When requesting for quotation, kindly state plastic model order number (eg. PDS-AF1-AS001) and quantity per model.

ASIAN FOOD

Actual size food model display –
Maharashtra Indian Set Meal. (Customised)

Actual size food model display –
Borbie Cheese Potato Set Meal. (5 Kinds - Customised)

How Customers Used Our Plastic Food Models

2010-11-03T11:00:00.002+08:00

Singapore Philatelic Museum "Colours Of Heritage" Bus.

National Heritage Board's Heritage On The Move

"Festivals Of Singapore: Lunar New Year" Exhibition

@ Libraries Islandwide.

Changi Aviation Gallery @ Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3.

Gong Cha Cold Drinks Stall @ Raffles City Shopping Mall in Singapore.

Udders Ice Cream Novena Outlet @ Goldhill Square in Singapore.

Zen Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar in Sydney Australia.

Jewish Short-Film Festival 2010 Gala Screening
in Melbourne Australia.

Miniature Food Models – Handphone Straps

2010-08-16T18:07:00.000+08:00

Ready-Made Products

• Japanese Food (Katsudon, Chashu Ramen, Shabu Shabu)

When requesting for quotation, kindly state food model order number (eg. PDS-JF1-HS001) and quantity per model.

JAPANESE FOOD

HANDMADE & HANDPAINTED

FINELY-DETAILED & PREMIUM QUALITY
Miniature food model handphone strap –
Japanese Katsudon. (PDS-JF1-HS001)
Approximate size: 30mm diameter, 12mm height

HANDMADE & HANDPAINTED
FINELY-DETAILED & PREMIUM QUALITY
Miniature food model handphone strap –
Japanese Chashu Ramen. (PDS-JF2-HS001)
Approximate size: 30mm diameter, 12mm height

HANDMADE & HANDPAINTED
FINELY-DETAILED & PREMIUM QUALITY
Miniature food model handphone strap –
Japanese Shabu Shabu. (PDS-JF3-HS001)
Approximate size: 30mm diameter, 18mm height

Actual Size Food Model Displays – Food Guide Pyramid

2010-03-05T10:33:00.004+08:00

Customised Products

When requesting for quotation, kindly state food model order number (eg. PDS-FGP1-AS001) and quantity per model.

Actual size food model display –

Raw Sliced Carp Fish. (PDS-FGP5-AS001)

Raw Chicken Wing. (PDS-FGP1-AS001)

Raw Sliced Pork. (PDS-FGP2-AS001)

Actual size food model display –

Chinese Cabbage. (PDS-FGP6-AS001)

Bitter Gourd. (PDS-FGP6-AS002)

Actual size food model display –

Raw Sliced Broccoli. (PDS-FGP7-AS002)

Cooked Baby Bak Choy. (PDS-FGP7-AS001)

Actual size food model display –

Raw Chinese Leeks.

Actual size food model display –

Unpeeled Whole Potato. (PDS-FGP8-AS001)

Actual size food model display –

Plain Cooked Rice. (PDS-FGP9-AS001)

Actual size food model display –

Uncooked Oats. (PDS-FGP9-AS002)

Actual size food model display –

Chinese Yellow Noodles. (PDS-FGP10-AS001)

Actual size food model display –

Rice Vermicelli.

Actual size food model display –

Soft Tofu. (PDS-FGP11-AS001)

Actual size food model display –

Beancurd Sticks.

Actual size food model display –

Sandwich Bread Roll. (PDS-FGP12-AS001)

Actual size food model display –

White Bread Slice. (PDS-FGP12-AS002)

Actual size food model display –

Cream Cracker Biscuit. (PDS-FGP13-AS001)

Actual size food model display –

Soyabean Milk In Glass Cup.

Donut Decorations

2009-05-14T17:00:00.015+08:00

Our series of squeezable Donuts are decorated with unique and attractive designs. Each of them is carefully handpainted with vibrant colours and exciting patterns, using long-lasting glossy paints. All Donuts are made of polyurethane foam and have a strap guard for hanging and display purposes.

When requesting for quotation, kindly state Donut Decorations order number (eg. PDS-DD-AS001) and quantity per kind.

Donut Decorations 1-1 (PDS-DD1-AS001)
Approximate size: 80mm diameter, 35mm height

Donut Decorations 1-2 (PDS-DD1-AS002)
Approximate size: 80mm diameter, 35mm height

Donut Decorations 1-3 (PDS-DD1-AS003)
Approximate size: 80mm diameter, 35mm height

Donut Decorations 1-4 (PDS-DD1-AS004)
Approximate size: 80mm diameter, 35mm height

Donut Decorations 1-5 (PDS-DD1-AS005)
Approximate size: 80mm diameter, 35mm height

Donut Decorations 1-6 (PDS-DD1-AS006)
Approximate size: 80mm diameter, 35mm height

Donut Decorations 2-1 (PDS-DD2-AS001)
Approximate size: 80mm diameter, 35mm height

Donut Decorations 3-1 (PDS-DD3-AS001)
Approximate size: 80mm diameter, 35mm height

Emoticon Buns

2009-04-20T10:00:00.012+08:00

Our range of squeezable Emoticon Buns come in various expressions to suit every mood and personality. Although they cannot be eaten, they look and smell like freshly baked buns. All Emoticon Buns are made of polyurethane foam and have a strap guard for hanging and display purposes.

When requesting for quotation, kindly state Emoticon Bun order number (eg. PDS-EB1-AS001) and quantity per kind.

Emoticon Bun – Anguish. (PDS-EB1-AS001)
Approximate size: 95mm diameter, 45mm height

Emoticon Bun – Contempt. (PDS-EB1-AS002)
Approximate size: 95mm diameter, 45mm height

Emoticon Bun – Sunny. (PDS-EB1-AS003)
Approximate size: 95mm diameter, 45mm height

Emoticon Bun – Love. (PDS-EB1-AS004)
Approximate size: 95mm diameter, 45mm height

Emoticon Bun – Seduction. (PDS-EB1-AS005)
Approximate size: 95mm diameter, 45mm height

Emoticon Bun – Silence. (PDS-EB1-AS006)
Approximate size: 95mm diameter, 45mm height

Emoticon Bun – Confusion. (PDS-EB1-AS007)
Approximate size: 95mm diameter, 45mm height

Emoticon Bun – Delight. (PDS-EB2-AS001)
Approximate size: 95mm diameter, 45mm height

Emoticon Bun – Jubilation. (PDS-EB2-AS002)
Approximate size: 95mm diameter, 45mm height

Emoticon Bun – Cheeky. (PDS-EB2-AS003)
Approximate size: 95mm diameter, 45mm height

Emoticon Bun – Infatuation. (PDS-EB2-AS004)
Approximate size: 95mm diameter, 45mm height

Emoticon Bun - Smiley. (PDS-EB2-AS005)
Approximate size: 95mm diameter, 45mm height

Emoticon Bun – Giggle. (PDS-EB2-AS006)
Approximate size: 95mm diameter, 45mm height

Actual Size Food Model Displays – Singapore Food & Beverage

2008-12-11T10:00:00.033+08:00

Customised Products

• Singapore Chinese Food – Hainanese Chicken Rice, Wontons/Charsiew Noodle With Soup
• Singapore Malay Food – Satay With Gravy
• Singapore Indian Food – Roti Prata With Curry
• Singapore Peranakan Food – Singapore Laksa
• Singapore Pastries & Snacks – Bread Toast, Curry Puff, Pineapple Tarts
• Singapore Cold & Hot Desserts – Ice Kachang, Black Coffee

When requesting for quotation, kindly state food model order number (eg. PDS-SP1-AS001) and quantity per model.

SINGAPORE FOOD

Actual size food model display –

Hainanese Chicken Rice. (PDS-SF1-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
Satay (Beef & Chicken) With Gravy. (PDS-SF2-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
Wontons/Charsiew Noodle With Soup.
(PDS-SF1-AS002)

Actual size food model display –
Roti Prata With Curry. (PDS-SF3-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
Singapore Laksa. (PDS-SF4-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
Bread Toast. (PDS-SF5-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
Malay BBQ Meat [Chicken/Beef] "Dendeng".
(Customised)

Actual size food model display –
Malay BBQ Prawns. (Customised)

Actual size food model display –
Malay BBQ Halved Corn. (Customised)

SINGAPORE PASTRIES

Actual size food model display -
Curry Puff (PDS-SP1-AS001)

Actual size Pineapple Tart fridge magnet
(PDS-SP1-MN001)

Actual size Pineapple Tart handphone strap
(PDS-SP1-HS001)

Actual size Pineapple Tart keychain
(PDS-SP1-KC001)

SINGAPORE DESSERTS & DRINKS

Actual size food model display –
Black Coffee In Vintage Porcelein Cup With Saucer.
(PDS-SD1-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
Ice Kachang. (PDS-SD2-AS001)

Actual Size Food Model Displays – Fruits & Vegetables

2008-09-12T11:00:00.055+08:00

Customised Products

FRUITS

Presently we have a total of 15 kinds of fruits in our product list. They are:

• Bananas – PDS-FR-AS001 (Comb of 5 Bananas)
• Coconut – PDS-FR-AS002
• Dried Longan – PDS-FR-AS003 (10 Longans without stalk)
• Durian – PDS-FR-AS004
• Guava – PDS-FR-AS005
• Jackfruit – PDS-FR-AS006
• Lychee – PDS-FR-AS007 (5 Lychees without stalk)
• Mango – PDS-FR-AS008
• Mangosteen – PDS-FR-AS009
• Papaya – PDS-FR-AS010
• Persimmon – PDS-FR-AS011
• Pineapple – PDS-FR-AS012
• Rambutan – PDS-FR-AS013
• Watermelon – PDS-FR-AS014
• Lime – PDS-FR-AS015 (Types 1 & 2 – Whole & Halved)

When requesting for quotation, kindly state food model order number (eg. PDS-FR-AS001) and quantity per model. Feel free to contact us if you wish to customise other fruits not found in the abovementioned product list.

Actual size food model display –

Comb Of 5 Bananas (PDS-FR-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
Durian (PDS-FR-AS004)

Actual size food model display –
Pineapple (PDS-FR-AS012)

Actual size food model display –
Whole Lime Type 1 (PDS-FR-AS015a1) &
Halved Lime Type 1 (PDS-FR-AS015a2)

Actual size food model display –
Whole Lime Type 2 (PDS-FR-AS015b1) &
Halved Lime Type 2 (PDS-FR-AS015b2)

VEGETABLES

Presently we have a total of 15 kinds of vegetables in our product list. They are:

• Bitter Gourd – PDS-VG-AS001

• Brocolli – PDS-VG-AS002

• Carrot – PDS-VG-AS003

• Cauliflower – PDS-VG-AS004

• Chinese Cabbage – PDS-VG-AS005

• Bok Choy– PDS-VG-AS006

• Corriander – PDS-VG-AS007

• Cucumber – PDS-VG-AS008

• Garlic – PDS-VG-AS009 (Whole & Cloves)

• Ginger – PDS-VG-AS010

• Green Pepper – PDS-VG-AS011

• Onion – PDS-VG-AS012 (Whole & Halved)

• Red Chilli – PDS-VG-AS013

• Spring Onion – PDS-VG-AS014

• Tomato – PDS-VG-AS015

When requesting for quotation, kindly state food model order number (eg. PDS-VG-AS001) and quantity per model. Feel free to contact us if you wish to customise other vegetables not found in the abovementioned product list.

Actual size food model display –
Bitter Gourd (PDS-VG-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
Carrot (PDS-VG-AS003)

Actual size food model display –
Chinese Cabbage (PDS-VG-AS005)

Actual size food model display –
Bok Choy (PDS-VG-AS006)

Actual size food model display –
Whole Garlic Unpeeled (PDS-VG-AS009a),
3 Garlic Cloves Unpeeled (PDS-VG-AS009b) &

2 Garlic Cloves Peeled (PDS-VG-AS009c)

Actual size food model display –
Whole Unpeeled Ginger (PDS-VG-AS010)

Actual size food model display –
Whole Onion Unpeeled (PDS-VG-AS012a) &
Halved Onion Peeled (PDS-VG-AS012b)

Actual size food model display –
Tomato (PDS-VG-AS015)

Actual Size Plastic Model Displays –Western Food & Beverage

2008-06-04T13:00:00.041+08:00

Customised Products

When requesting for quotation, kindly state plastic model order number (eg. PDS-WF1-AS001) and quantity per model.

WESTERN FOOD

Actual size food model display –
Seafood Spaghetti. (PDS-WF1-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
Pasta With Sauteed Chicken In Spaghetti Sauce.
(PDS-WF1-AS002)

Actual size food model display –
Western Breakfast Set. (PDS-WF2-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
Beef Sirloin Steak On Hotplate.
(PDS-WF3-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
Smoked Salmon & Ham Set.
(PDS-WF4-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
Grilled Fish With Ratatouille Set.
(PDS-WF5-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
Prawn & Scallop Salad Bowl.
(PDS-WF6-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
Deep-fry Fish Fillet. (Customised)

Actual size food model display –
Raw Whole Chicken. (PDS-WF7-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
Grilled Whole Chicken. (PDS-WF7-AS002)

Actual size food model display –
BBQ Chicken Wing. (PDS-WF7-AS003)

Actual size food model display –
Grilled Chicken Wing With Sesame Seeds.
(PDS-WF7-AS004)

Actual size food model display –
Heart-Shaped Matza Ball With Carrots Soup.
(Customised)

WESTERN PASTRIES

Actual size pastry model display –
Egg Tart. (PDS-WP1-AS001)

Actual size pastry model display –
French Apple Turnover. (PDS-WP1-AS002)

Actual size pastry model display –
French Croissant. (PDS-WP1-AS003)

Actual size pastry model display –
French Feuillete. (PDS-WP1-AS004)

Actual size pastry model display –
Chocolate Chip Cookie. (PDS-WP2-AS001)

Actual size pastry model display –
Fruity Muffin. (PDS-WP3-AS001)

Actual size pastry model display –
Sliced Black Forest Cake.
(PDS-WP3-AS002)

Actual size pastry model display –

Assorted Cream Puffs. (Customised)

Actual size pastry model display –
Strawberry Ice Cream With Sliced Bananas
In Waffle Basket. (Customised)

Actual size pastry model display –
Waffle. (Customised)

WESTERN DESSERTS & DRINKS

Actual size dessert & drink model display –
Strawberry Ice Cream.
(PDS-WD1-AS001)

Actual size dessert & drink model display –
Chocolate/Mango Sorbet/Cookies 'n' Cream Ice Cream.
(Customised)

Actual size dessert & drink model display –
Lemon Cocktail Float. (PDS-WD2-AS001)

Actual size dessert & drink model display –
Blue Cocktail. (PDS-WD3-AS001)

Actual size dessert & drink model display –
Coca-Cola In Plastic Cup. (PDS-WD3-AS002)

Actual size dessert & drink model display –
Coca-Cola In Paper Cup. (PDS-WD3-AS003)

Actual size dessert & drink model display –
Tea In Plastic Cup. (PDS-WD4-AS001)

Actual Size Plastic Model Displays – Japanese Food & Beverage

2008-06-04T12:45:00.041+08:00

Customised Products

When requesting for quotation, kindly state plastic model order number (eg. PDS-JF1-AS001) and quantity per model.

JAPANESE FOOD

Actual size food model display –
Sashimi Bento Set. (PDS-JF10-AS003)

Actual size food model display –
Teriyaki Chicken Bento Set. (PDS-JF10-AS004)

Actual size food model display –
Charsiew Ramen. (PDS-JF12-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
Miso Soup. (PDS-JF14-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
Gyoza. (PDS-JF15-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
Fried Spring Rolls. (PDS-JF15-AS002)

Actual size food model display –
Yakiniku Beef Rice. (PDS-JF9-AS003)

Actual size food model display –
Plain Rice With Black Sesame Seed. (PDS-JF9-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
1. Sake [Salmon] Sushi (PDS-JF1-AS001)
2. Maguro [Tuna] Sushi (PDS-JF1-AS002)

Actual size food model display –
3. Hirame [Flounder] Sushi (PDS-JF1-AS003)
4. Tai [Sea Bream] Sushi (PDS-JF1-AS004)
5. Tako [Octopus] Sushi (PDS-JF1-AS005)
6. Gari [Pickled Ginger] (PDS-JF8-AS001)
7. Wasabi [Japanese Horse Radish] (PDS-JF8-AS002)

Actual size food model display –
8. Ebi [Shrimp] Sushi (PDS-JF1-AS006)
9. Unagi [Eel] Sushi (PDS-JF1-AS007)
10. Hokkigai [Surf Clam] Sushi (PDS-JF1-AS008)

Actual size food model display –
11. Tamago [Egg] Sushi (PDS-JF1-AS009)
12. Katsuo [Skipjack Tuna] Sushi (PDS-JF1-AS010)
13. Toro [Tuna Belly] Sushi (PDS-JF1-AS011)

Actual size food model display –
14. Saba [Mackerel] Sushi (PDS-JF1-AS012)
15. Sayori [Halfbeak] Sushi (PDS-JF1-AS013)

Actual size food model display –
16. Kajiki [Swordfish] Sushi (PDS-JF1-AS014)
17. Hotate [Scallop] Sushi (PDS-JF1-AS015)
18. Ika [Squid] Sushi (PDS-JF1-AS016)

Actual size food model display –
19. Ama Ebi [Sweet Shrimp] Sushi (PDS-JF1-AS017)
20. Kanikama [Crabstick] Sushi (PDS-JF1-AS018)

Actual size food model display –
21. Uni [Sea Urchin] Gunkan (PDS-JF2-AS001)
22. Ikura [Salmon Roe] Gunkan (PDS-JF2-AS002)
23. Tobiko [Flying Fish Roe] Gunkan (PDS-JF2-AS003)

Actual size food model display –
24. Chuka Wakame [Seaweed Salad] Gunkan (PDS-JF2-AS004)
25. Kanikama [Crabstick] Salad Gunkan (PDS-JF2-AS005)
26. Corn Salad Gunkan (PDS-JF2-AS006)

Actual size food model display –
27. Kappa [Cucumber] Makizushi (PDS-JF3-AS001)
28. Tekka [Raw Tuna] Makizushi (PDS-JF3-AS002)
29. Shinko [Pickled Radish] Makizushi (PDS-JF3-AS003)
30. Futomaki (PDS-JF3-AS006)
31. Inari [Tofu Skin] Sushi (PDS-JF3-AS009)

Actual size food model display –
32. Kanikama [Crabstick] Makizushi (PDS-JF3-AS004)
33. Sake [Raw Salmon] Makizushi (PDS-JF3-AS005)

Actual size food model display –
Avocado Crabstick Makizushi (PDS-JF3-AS007)

Actual size food model display –

Avocado Ham Makizushi (PDS-JF3-AS008)

Actual size food model display –

1. Ikura [Salmon Roe] Temaki (PDS-JF4-AS001)
2. Uni [Sea Urchin] Temaki (PDS-JF4-AS002)

Actual size food model display –
3. Sake [Raw Salmon] Temaki (PDS-JF4-AS003)
4. Kanikama [Crabstick] Temaki (PDS-JF4-AS004)
5. Tuna Salad Temaki (PDS-JF4-AS005)

Actual size food model display –
Ebi [Shrimp] Tempura (PDS-JF5-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
Yakizakana [Grilled Mackerel Fish] (PDS-JF16-AS002)

Actual size food model display –
Yakitori (PDS-JF17-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
Okonomiyaki (PDS-JF20-AS001)

JAPANESE DESSERTS & DRINKS

Actual size food model display –
1. Green Tea Ice Cream (PDS-JD1-AS001)
2. Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream (PDS-JD1-AS002)

Actual size food model display –
Banana Hazelnut Crepe (PDS-JD2-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
Banana Strawberry Crepe (PDS-JD2-AS002)

Actual Size Plastic Model Displays – Chinese Food & Beverage

2008-06-04T12:30:00.024+08:00

Customised Products

When requesting for quotation, kindly state plastic model order number (eg. PDS-CF1-AS001) and quantity per model.

CHINESE FOOD

Actual size food model display –
Chinese Steamboat Set. (PDS-CF1-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
Chinese Shrimp Dumplings “Har Gao”.
(PDS-CF2-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
Chinese Pork Buns “Charsiew Bao”.
(PDS-CF2-AS002)

Actual size food model display –
Chinese Steamed Pork Dumplings “Siew Mai”.
(PDS-CF2-AS003)

Actual size food model display –
Chinese Steamed Pork Ribs With
Black Beans “Pai Guat”.
(PDS-CF2-AS004)

Actual size food model display –
Chinese Braised Chicken Feet “Feng Zhao”.
(PDS-CF2-AS005)

Actual size food model display –
Steamed Chinese Dumplings “Jiao Zi”.

Actual size food model display –
Chinese Fried Rice. (PDS-CF3-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
Stir-Fried Flat Rice Noodles With Seafood.
(PDS-CF4-AS001)

Actual size food model display –
Stir-Fried Mixed Vegetables With Chicken.
(PDS-CF5-AS001)

CHINESE DESSERTS & DRINKS

Actual size dessert & drink model display –
Gong Cha Assorted Cold Drinks.
(Customised)

How To Order Customised Plastic Food Models

2008-06-02T11:00:00.018+08:00

STEP ONE
To understand the following from the customer:
• Kind of food or beverage.
• Exact specifications and details (dimensions, quantity, colours, food ingredients, cooking method, etc).
• Eventual location for display and usage of kitchenware.

Clear and sharp pictures of food (various angles and close-ups) and/or actual food products/raw ingredients are required to begin mould production. The aim is to produce the plastic food models as detailed and realistic as possible. As all models are handmade, no two models look identical.

STEP TWO
To submit quotation to the customer, based on the following:
• Dimension of plastic food model.
• Quantity of plastic food model.
• Complexity of food/beverage and amount of ingredients to be produced.
• Inclusion of kitchenware if any (plates, bowls, cups, forks, spoons, etc).
• Shipping/handling fee.
• Other special requirements.

STEP THREE
To begin mould production of the plastic food model AFTER the following:
• Received written approval of the official quotation.
• Received 50% downpayment of the total cost, excluding shipping/handling fee.

For Singapore customers, method of payment is by crossed cheque (made payable to “Phil Design Studio”) or interbank GIRO (DBS/POSB Bank). For customers outside of Singapore, method of payment is by interbank telegraphic transfer (TT), Western Union or Paypal.

STEP FOUR
Mould production and one plastic food model prototype can be produced between 10 to 18 working days. Confirmation of the exact production time can only be made after understanding the type of food, its complexity and the amount of ingredients to be produced.

Photos of the plastic food model prototype will be sent to customer for approval, before lacquering, mass production and delivery. Any minor or major amendments will be addressed.

Please note that the plastic food model prototype in photos (with or without kitchenware) will be WITHOUT lacquering. Once the prototype has been approved and lacquering completed, no further amendments will be entertained. Photos of the prototype with lacquer will be sent to customer for recording purpose only.

STEP FIVE
To deliver the completed plastic food model/s (prototype or mass produced) AFTER the following:
• Received written approval of the completed food model/s.
• Received 50% balance payment of the total cost, plus shipping/handling fee.

For Singapore customers, method of payment is by crossed cheque (made payable to “Phil Design Studio”) or interbank GIRO (DBS/POSB Bank). For customers outside of Singapore, method of payment is by interbank telegraphic transfer (TT), Western Union or Paypal.

Damaged or incorrect delivered goods will be replaced, at no additional charges. Replacement will only be considered if put in writing and received within 7 working days from date of delivery. Phil Design Studio is not responsible for any damage due to accident, misuse, abuse or negliance.

How Food Models Are Made

2008-06-02T10:30:00.018+08:00

The article and photos are courtesy of The Tokyo Reporter.

Image is entirely everything.

Fumiyoshi Nagao raises the cooked fish by the fin and lets it flop back down on the dinner plate, causing the shredded daikon radish and other garnishes to jiggle just a bit. Slices of various sashimi, in sets of four, fill out the rest of the plate.

"Maybe it has to be a little higher," the 54-year-old supposes, grabbing the fish's dorsal fin and tilting it upward. "Or maybe the daikon has to be moved slightly. The image of the dish is often a problem. The customer always wants it to look like the original - or even better". Though it might seem like it, a cooking lesson this is not.

The fish is actually made of plastic - vinyl chloride, to be exact - and the location is not an eatery of any kind but rather a tiny shop in Otsuka, Tokyo. Nagao's company, Nagao Shoken, creates the plastic food models often seen lined up on shelves in dusty glass cabinets at entrances to restaurants in Japan.

Even with his work resembling food, his shop is quite different from a kitchen: rubbery silicon molds lie in pyramids off to the side; dozens of dish soap bottles sit covered in layers of multi-colored goop; brushes, cans of paint labeled with names of vegetables, and jars of chemicals cover nearly every square centimeter of the tops of the shop's two central tables.

Nagao is, as he says, "a replica craftsman." His work is intended to remove doubt about a dish's quality from the diner's mind and lure him into a purchase from his client, the establishment itself. "When we as customers go to restaurants it is easy for us to see what we will get with the models," he explains, his pants and shirt covered in small paint drips. "Otherwise, we would just be guessing from the menu."

It is a Japanese process that has been perfected over the past ninety years, with the end products becoming an expected element in the dining experience. From soup to nut, the creation of the models is surprisingly easy and fast.

Nagao's clients send him the original menu items they need replicated along with photos. Silicon is poured around each item within the dish - say, a hamburger patty or a slice of fish - in a saucepan atop a stove burner. The silicon solidifies into a mold in the shape of the original food.

Liquid vinyl, in whatever color is necessary, is then poured into the empty mold. The mold is set in an oven where the vinyl will harden for between ten and 30 minutes. An air gun is used to pop the vinyl chunks loose.

The devil of this work is in the details. "After making a mold in silicon, getting the appropriate detail in the vinyl model is difficult," says Nagao. "For example, the spines in the fin of a fish."

Any excess vinyl buildup is trimmed off with scissors. Oil-based paints in tubes and jars add details with the photos working as guides. Airbrushes are used to provide consistency in the paint and ensure a natural look.

The menu item is then assembled from the various vinyl pieces. For the aforementioned fish, the individual parts - the fins, tail, body, and head - are carefully placed among the vinyl stock items Nagao has in bags in his shop; in this case, they are shredded daikon, other leafy garnishes, and pieces of sashimi. A similar procedure is performed for a hamburger bun, patty, and side of fries. The entire process takes only a few hours.

Non-solid items, such as pork ramen or glasses of frothy beer, bypass the mold stage. For ramen, it is a matter of mixing a number the stock on hand. Vinyl noodles, vinyl roast pork (chashu), and vinyl onions (negi) are blended in a shallow dish of vinyl broth that is colored to match the ramen soup base needed, perhaps shoyu (soy) or tonkotsu (boiled pork bones). After leaving the oven, the final product, which is about an inch thick, is removed from the dish and set into a regular ramen bowl.

Nagao's customers are very finicky. As he works, he always pays attention to how light coming through the glass display will affect the color of his products. As well, he ensures that his stock items come in unending variety. The fake roast pork pieces, for example, even have the fat marbled in different locations. The menu items are all made-to-order so repeat use of the molds is not certain, though it does happen. "Last week a movie theater chain wanted more than 100 hot dogs," Nagao explains.

The volume of work varies each week. It is dependent on the complexity of exactly what has been ordered. But Nagao guesses he might put together between one hundred and 200 menu items each week.

The cost varies considerably. The aforementioned plate of fish will run 28,000 yen. A single sushi piece fetches 800 yen, though that of ebi (shrimp) is a tad more (1,000 yen). Ceramic serving plates or wood platters are extra. Nagao and his staff of a half-dozen create an environment similar to that of an art class in the one-room shop, which is really the first floor of Nagao's home.

"There's no balance," an exasperated Nagao says, squeezing faux whipped cream out of a tube onto a dish of phony ice cream. Meanwhile, his son, who one day may take over the operation, releases bursts of air from an air gun to loosen fake melon pieces from their mold. The lingering smell of paint and chemicals is a constant.

Takizo Iwasaki is credited with creating the first food sample early last century. Initially inspired by the shapes formed by candle wax dripping on a tatami mat, he subsequently molded a wax rice omelet in Gifu Prefecture in 1917. In 1932, he founded the company today known as Iwasaki Co. - the present phony food Godzilla, commanding over fifty percent of the market.

Since those early beginnings, the technology has changed. Up until the mid-'80s, paraffin was used instead of vinyl. When exposed to sunlight or high temperatures, paraffin can become brittle and have its colors fade. Vinyl chloride is said to be nearly eternal. Nagao still has blocks of yellow and white paraffin in his shop but their use today is merely as conversation pieces.

Nagao got his start in the late '60s when he became involved in the family business. For about six years he learned the technique for making the silicon molds. He then spent the next five years perfecting how to assemble the paraffin pieces and apply the finishing touches. Nagao Shoken was later established in 1980 with Nagao as chief proprietor.

Izakayas, supermarkets, and restaurants all across Japan are his primary customers, though he has filled orders for sushi restaurants in Australia. Perhaps his most interesting charge was a department store that requested he create synthetic worms for a before-and-after display exhibiting the effectiveness of an insecticide. Tourists can find his miniature pudding bowls and slices of pizza dangling from the end of mobile phone straps (for 800 yen) when visiting souvenir shops at Narita Airport.

Nagao's three decades in the business has not changed the way he views real food. But he will admit that he does more than casually look at the models when he is dining out.

"I often wonder if chef can make the dish look as good as the model in the window," he says.

The Origins Of Food Models

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The Japanese started the practice of using food models (食品サンプル shokuhin sanpuru) to present menus offered at the restaurants. The food models displayed outside of restaurant showcases not only attract customers, they also advertise food menus and whet appetites. They are all handcrafted to the finest detail, and can sometimes look more delicious than what are served on the plate. It is common to see hungry customers moving from one restaurant showcase to another, trying to decide which food model looks the most delicious.

During the Meiji era at the end of the 19th century, Japanese restaurant customers were often confused by the unfamiliar new Western cuisines flooding into Japan. Even with Japanese translations of the menus offered, most customers had no idea what they were ordering. To help, many restaurants used expensive and space-consuming methods of preparing food samples for their customers to see and order. Some restaurants provided detailed drawings or photos to reduce costs. But such one-dimensional presentations just did not whet appetites. Very little change was made from Meiji to Taisho and then Showa era.

The creator of the first food model was an entrepreneur from Gifu prefecture, Takizo Iwasaki. Eager to find his niche in the business world, he left Gifu for Osaka in search of his fortune in 1926 (first year of Showa era). Life was tough for Iwasaki in Osaka until one day, probably while eating rice omelette in a crowded lunch shop, he came up with the idea of food models. He recalled the wax human body on display at many Japanese apothecaries, plus the wax models of fruits and vegetables used in schools to teach nutrition. He believed he could apply such wax modelling to food.

Initially inspired by the shapes formed by candle wax dripping on a tatami mat, Iwasaki finally perfected a wax model of a rice omelette after days of trial and error. Other food models were made in his cramped Osaka apartment. To his joy, many food shops bought his wax food models. The food model concept was an overnight hit. In 1932, Iwasaki founded his company Iwasaki Be-I. Over the past decades, the company faced many industry competitors across Japan. But Iwasaki-Be-I remains the biggest producer of plastic food models to this day, commanding over 50% of the market share.

Company's Objectives & Aims

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• To reach out to our present customers in the retail / food & beverage industries and help them to boost their retail / restaurant presence, save labour and avoid food wastage.

• To reach out to new customers and food model collectors.

• To provide good service to customers every time, and working with them in an open and collaborative manner.

• To produce and sell high-quality and realistic plastic food models of both Asian and Western cuisines.

• To produce and sell customised actual size and miniature plastic food models of new cuisines, especially food & beverages from Singapore.

• To sell ready-made actual size plastic food models of various cuisines like Japanese Sushi, Chinese Dim Sum, Italian Spaghetti and so on.

• To sell ready-made miniature plastic food models of various cuisines, in the form of handphone straps, fridge magnets, keychains and other gift items.

• To promote Singapore Food Culture to Singaporeans and Foreigners using plastic food models.