Although there are certain restrictions on the preparation and heating of food on Shabbat, the Sages teach that these limitations do not impair the quality of the food, but on the contrary, they actually serve to enhance its taste.

Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi made a feast on Shabbat for the Roman emperor Antoninus. Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi brought before him cooked dishes that were cold. Antonius ate from them and they were very tasty for him. Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi made a feast for him during the week and brought before him hot cooked dishes. Antoninus said to him: Those cold dishes tasted better to me than these hot dishes. Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi said to him: These dishes lack one spice. Antoninus said to him: But is there anything lacking in the king’s pantry that I could not have supplied? Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi explained: These dishes are missing Shabbat; do you have Shabbat? (Bereshit Rabba 11)