What is a dish and how do you manage it?
A dish is a finished plate or product, ready to serve, with a detailed recipe that includes ingredients and steps. In tspoonlab, dynamic recipe costings automatically update costs based on purchases, and can integrate recipes (intermediate preparations). This lets you calculate prices, optimize production and manage resources efficiently.
How to create a dish?
In the following video, we show you step by step how to create a dish in tspoonlab, from defining the recipe to managing it efficiently. You can also follow our guide in this same article.
What is the difference between a dish and a recipe?
A dish is the finished plate or product, ready to be served to customers, and includes all the ingredients and processes needed for its complete preparation. A recipe (intermediate preparation), on the other hand, is a component prepared in advance that is used as part of a dish. It is not served directly to customers; instead, it is integrated into dishes to complete the plate.
Step-by-step guide to create a dish
Access the dishes tab
To access the Dishes tab in tspoonlab, first go to the "Offer" tab, in the top-left corner of the screen. When you select it, a bar appears just below.
Click "Dishes": the button is in the fourth position from the left. This takes you directly to the section where you can manage and review all the dishes that make up your gastronomic offer on the platform.
Open the dish record
Find and click the three dots next to the tspoonlab search bar. A dropdown menu opens. In the menu, select "New dish".
This opens the blank dish record: a form where you must enter all the relevant information for the recipe you are creating.
Complete the dish record
When creating a new dish, it is important to complete the fields you need. Not all fields are mandatory, so you can fill in only those relevant to your business. The fields are:
Dish name (*): enter the exact name of the dish, for example, "Tuna Poke".
Alternative name: if the dish has an alternative name, enter it here.
Quantity (*): define the number of portions the final recipe yields. Usually this value is "1". However, if you need to specify conversions, such as "1 portion = 150 g", you can do it here. You can also set the Unit of measure. We recommend terms like "pax", "portion" or "unit" for clarity.
Family (*): select the family the dish belongs to. If the right category does not exist, you can create a new one.
VAT: if the dish is subject to tax, remember to add the corresponding value-added tax (VAT).
Storage: if needed, provide details about the dish's storage, such as the method (Fridge, Freezer, Room temperature or Hot) and the Storage temperature.
Expiry: enter the expiry date if relevant for the dish.
Prepare "X" days in advance: indicate how many days ahead the dish should be prepared if you use the production-planning tool.
Quantity per partial production: if relevant to your production needs, you can specify the quantity for partial productions.
Store: select the store the dish belongs to.
Minimum and maximum stock: set these values if you want tighter inventory control.
Station: indicate which station the dish belongs to, if applicable.
Do not include on the label: tick the box if you do not want the dish to appear on the label.
Barcode and product code: add these if you need them for more precise management.
Once you have completed these fields, click "Accept" to save this basic information.
📢 Warning: Mandatory fields are marked with (*).
Once you have completed these fields, click "Accept" to save this basic information.
Add the dish composition
To add the ingredients and their quantities to a dish in tspoonlab, select "Edit details" again from the three dots above the ingredients box.
Click "Products" to start adding ingredients. Here, ingredients can be classified into four categories:
Products: tspoonlab understands "Product" as unprocessed raw materials.
Materials: in tspoonlab, materials are non-edible kitchen items, such as baking paper, napkins or a takeaway cup.
Recipes: in tspoonlab we call "Recipes" the prior preparations and mise en place made in the kitchen.
Other costs: tspoonlab classifies as "Other costs" additional expenses such as transport or staff costs.
In the "Dish composition" section, enter each ingredient with its quantity. For example:
Cooked rice: 130 g
Tuna: 50 g
Cucumber: 20 g
Avocado: 30 g
If an ingredient does not appear in the existing list, you can create it and assign it the corresponding family clicking "Create new".
📌 Note: If your dish requires specific cuts and breakdowns, see the "Cuts and Breakdowns" article for more on how to configure them correctly.
Add images and description
Images: Remember to add an image of the dish in the "Photo" section, found in the three dots on the right.
Preparation or step by step: you can describe the recipe simply or use a step by step if the recipe needs different stages with specific times.
By following these steps, you will have created a complete, well-documented dish in tspoonlab, ready to use in your daily planning and production.
📌 Note: Remember you can edit this record again at any time if you need to make changes or adjustments.
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