Not Just Entertainment, Professor Of Psychology Reveals 5 Reasons Restaurants Need Music

Restaurant (Photo: Freepik/KamranAymen)

JAKARTA - Have you ever entered a quiet restaurant without music and experienced awkward feelings? It turns out that it's not just feelings, there are psychological reasons why music is important in restaurants.

This was confirmed by many studies, including those put forward by psychology professors who studied the relationship between the senses, atmosphere, and eating experience.

Here are 5 reasons why music needs to be played in a restaurant according to the psychology professor, as reported by the Medium.com page.

1. Music Forms Atmosphere And Emotions

According to Professor Charles Spence of the University of Oxford, our brains not only taste food through the tongue.

"Food experience is multi-sensorial," said Spance.

This means that the atmosphere, lighting, and of course music also affect the taste we feel. Soft music can make you feel relaxed, while fast music can energize. Restaurants usually adjust music to meal hours. Slow music for romantic dinners and upbeat for relaxing and busy lunches.

2. Music Can Change Flavor Perceptions

Research in the field of gastrophysics shows that certain music can make food taste sweeter, salty, or even bitter. For example, high and bright tones tend to make people think the taste of food is sweeter, while low and heavy tones can give the impression of taste more bitter or bitter.

"If you want a dessert to taste sweeter without adding sugar, play high and cheerful music," Spence said.

3. Adjust the Food Speed

Music can also regulate the tempo of eating. Fast songs make people eat faster and tend to order more drinks, while slow songs encourage people to eat slowly, enjoy food, and spend longer time at the table. No wonder fine dining restaurants choose slow music, while fast food cafes choose energetic music.

4. Reduce Uncomfortable Noise

Without music, spoon sounds, plates, and other people's conversations can feel too prominent. Background music helps cover these voices, so the atmosphere feels more comfortable.

"To be completely silent in public spaces can make people feel intimidated or awkward," said Spence.

5. Build Restaurant Identity

Music is part of the branding restaurant. Italian restaurants may choose classic Italian songs, modern cafes choose lo-fi beats, while steakhouse restaurants can choose country or jazz music. Music helps customers remember the place and create a consistent impression.