The present invention involves the preparation of a starch-based food product coating containing a mixture of seasoning and liquid and dry ingredients that is applied on the product and subsequently dried to provide a smooth flavor coating on the exterior of the product. The coating comprises a mixture of water, at least one edible oil, at least one native starch, at least one seasoning and, optionally, edible protein and an emulsion stabilizer. The present invention further involves a process for preparing such a coating, comprising disbursing the starch in warm water, adding the edible oil to the starch and water mixture, preparing an oil-in-water emulsion from the mixture, adding at least one seasoning to the emulsion, and mixing the resulting composition at a low speed that ensures uniform distribution of solid particles within the composition while minimizing incorporation of air bubbles. The present invention further provides a process for preparing a coated food product, comprising applying to a food product a flavorful coating composition of the present invention and subjecting the resulting food product to a two-stage drying process.