Play with your food: The Delicious Art of Laleh Mohmedi

John Summers • Contributor

Mar 20, 2025 8:00 PM EDT

I absolutely adore Laleh Mohmedi's work. As someone who strives to make meals both nutritious and fun for my kids, I can't help but feel a twinge of envy at her incredible talent. My dishes, while tasty, look like... well, food. But Laleh? She transforms everyday ingredients into jaw-dropping art.

It all started about a decade ago when Laleh decided to jazz up her son Jacob's meals. What began as simple animal shapes quickly evolved into intricate replicas of beloved characters from Disney, Nickelodeon, and Sony. Imagine spending over 20 hours placing tens of thousands of rice grains to perfect Scar's face from The Lion King. That's dedication!

What's even more impressive is her commitment to keeping things natural. No food dyes or fondant here. Instead, she uses tea leaves for browns, activated charcoal for blacks, and even purple cabbage for blues. Her creations are not just visually stunning but also 100% real food.

Laleh's artistry has garnered her a massive following on social media, with over a million fans on Instagram and TikTok. She's collaborated with major studios and continues to inspire parents worldwide to see the creative potential in their kitchens.

While I might not have her artistic flair, I can't help but be inspired by Laleh's passion and creativity. Maybe it's time to dust off my own culinary skills and see what fun creations I can come up with for the kids.