bueno v bien

Question

Ok so

"Este hotel es bueno" = This hotel is good

"Este hotel está bien"= This hotel is alright

I get the distinction, but I saw another example

"Este plato está bien"= This dish is alright

"Este plato está bueno"= This dish is good

Why wouldn't you use "es" because a dish being good is an innate quality

Any advice?

Answer 1

"Bueno" there means tasty. With "estar" you would describe how the experience from your point of view.

"Bien" means well in general. It could refer to the appareance and/or the taste, or the price or anything else... that is good.

Answer 2

I think normally you'd use 'estar' if you're eating the particular dish at the time, as a judgement, or to compliment the chef.

("Mmm, la comida está buena/buenísima.")

but 'ser' to say generally that food is good.

("La comida es buena.")

I take it that that would also apply to a 'dish'.