In the photograph what I find appealing about is the dish is off center, following the rule of thirds horizontally. It is angled at a three quarter view, it allows us to view each ingredient and mostly see the rice. If it were overhead we would only see the shrimp and greens, Moreover, the dish has vibrant colors and the natural lighting coming from the top makes it appetizing. The wooden surface makes it modern and the detail of the green herb on the bottom left of the photograph makes it more vibrant. That the dish be presented neatly.
Off-center placement can make the photo much more dynamic.