We visited tattoo artist Avihoo Ben Gida's studio with one question in mind: why are so many people choosing to ink images of food onto their bodies? Inside the spacious, open studio, several tattoo artists were at work, each with a distinctive artistic style. The buzz of tattoo machines filled the air as clients and artists collaborated to design custom sketches down to the finest detail.
Ben Gida was in the middle of a complex session but paused to share some stories behind the trend. "I've met people who tattooed everything — from colorful ice cream cones to a slice of cheese-dripping pizza," he said. "There’s something humorous about it, but also deeply personal."
In the past, tattoos often carried clear meanings — simple symbols conveying messages or social belonging. Over the years, tattoos evolved into a medium for personal expression. Today, a tattoo is a piece of art that tells a unique story — a memory, a feeling, a statement or even a daily passion — offering insight into who we are and what matters to us.
But how did food become such a central inspiration in the tattoo world? And what drives people to immortalize it on their skin? From trendy dishes to especially creative designs, we set out to discover how food made its leap from plate to body art.
How do you explain this phenomenon?
"The reason could be a memory, a taste or a childhood smell they want to preserve," said Ben Gida. "Or maybe they just lost a bet — you can never really know."
What’s the most popular food tattoo at your studio?
"We’ve seen some recurring themes. One popular one is a bowl of ramen — sometimes with a twist, like a cat sitting inside the bowl. Once, someone even added an elephant. Also, surprisingly, a lot of chili pepper tattoos, which probably have a double meaning if you catch my drift."
What's the most bizarre food tattoo request you’ve ever received?
"A full McDonald’s meal — a hyper-realistic, detailed tattoo of a burger and fries, like an actual McDonald's ad. It's definitely not a typical choice, but it was fascinating to think about why he picked it. Honestly, I think he just really loves McDonald's."
Is there a food tattoo story that particularly stuck with you?
"In my wife’s family, there's a Friday night tradition — after dinner, her mother places a pot of hot artichokes on the table, and a mini battle breaks out over who gets to eat the best parts. One day, my wife asked me to tattoo an artichoke on her to preserve that cherished memory. Afterward, her sister and brother got the same tattoo, and eventually, the entire family had matching artichokes inked on their arms. It was a really special moment."
If you had to tattoo a food on yourself, what would it be?
"Everyone teases me because all I ever eat is schnitzel. It’s basically the only thing I eat. If I had to pick a food tattoo that truly represents me, it would definitely be schnitzel."
