They will start to return in about 48 hours or so. Smoking damages the nerve endings on taste buds. But some studies have shown those nerve endings can start to improve within 48 hours once you stop exposing them to cigarettes. And foods will start to taste better; especially sweet, bitter and salty foods as those are the losses most felt by smokers. And since smell and taste are directly linked your sense of smell will also improve at the same time.
