A buffet is a method of serving food that allows people to take whatever food they like. The buffet is perfect for those who want a variety of food options and have a healthy appetite. Whether you want to follow proper etiquette when eating buffets, learn how to make the most of this experience, or eat well while enjoying a meal, buffet eating is actually quite easy and often worth the money if you eat enough food.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Making the Most of the Buffet
Step 1. Wear loose clothing
It's a good idea to wear loose and comfortable clothes when you want to eat a buffet. Tight jeans or tight fitting clothes may make you uncomfortable when eating food. Choose clothes made of soft and stretchy materials, as much as possible avoid pants that use buttons.
Step 2. Choose expensive foods first
Start with expensive foods, such as grilled meats or shrimp. If you are a vegetarian, start with a gourmet dish or one that is complicated and difficult for you to make yourself. That way, what you get is worth what you pay for, maybe even more.
Step 3. Use a salad or soup bowl for dessert
Dessert plates are often small. You can pick up more desserts, such as ice cream, if you use a salad or soup bowl. If you don't want ice cream, use the main course plate to grab a piece of pie or cake. Don't do this if there's a law against it where you eat.
Step 4. Drink water the day before you go to the buffet
A hydrated body will make your stomach stretch, allowing you to eat more. However, don't drink too much water before leaving for the buffet because your stomach will feel full.
Step 5. Have a snack before the buffet
Being too hungry can make you eat very quickly when you start eating so you will feel full in no time. Have a light snack an hour before you leave. A handful of nuts, an apple, or yogurt can be good choices.
Step 6. Start with light meals
Don't eat pasta or starchy foods right away. Start with light meals so there is still room in your stomach. Start with a salad or shrimp as an appetizer before eating a heavier meal.
Step 7. Eat slowly
Eating too fast will make you full faster so you won't be able to eat as much food as you would like if you were eating slowly. Chew food slowly as you eat and inhale between bites. Wait a minute or two before taking the next meal.
Step 8. Avoid fizzy drinks
The gas it contains will make you feel fuller than water. If you like fizzy drinks, wait until you're about to finish the buffet.
Step 9. Avoid wasting food
Even if you wish to eat as much food as you can, try to only eat what you can handle. It is better to take small portions of food and go back and forth to pick up extra food than to throw food away. Remember, some restaurants that offer cheap buffet meals will ask you to pay for food that is not finished.
Method 2 of 3: Applying the Right Ethics
Step 1. Walk around before eating
Do not choose the first dish that looks tempting. It's a good idea to walk around the entire area to see what dishes are on offer. Keep in mind the food that looks like you want it the most.
Checking all the food served will help you eat foods you don't really like or eat too much of
Step 2. Get trays, plates and cutlery
You can't take food without a plate. To start, take a smaller plate for an appetizer. Remember, you can always take more if you still want to eat it.
Make sure the plate is clean before taking it. The condition of the plate must be free from food residue or fatty residue. If the plate is dirty, take another
Step 3. Watch the queue
There may be a queue in front of the dishes being offered. If you see several people standing in line and waiting, stand behind the last person. If you're not sure if it's a queue, ask one of the people waiting. There are buffets that are formal in nature, some are not. Look around you to see how people are behaving before you start taking food.
Step 4. Take the appetizer
Start the buffet with an appetizer. This can be a salad, soup, long bread, or whatever you like. Take small portions so you can still eat other dishes. Starting with an appetizer will also help you eat without rushing and set appropriate breaks.
If you don't want to start with an appetizer, you can just take the main course
Step 5. Choose a main course and a side dish
After finishing the appetizer, set the plate aside or place it in a dirty dish holder. Then, take a new plate on the tray. No need to pick up new cutlery. Take a main course and a side dish (several side dishes) that you like. For example, you can choose chicken breast with mashed potatoes.
Step 6. Take more of the same food
If you are still hungry, you can take the same food again. This practice is normal in buffets. Make sure you take a new plate every time you take a new dish. You can even take the same food three times if you are still hungry.
If you're at a non-paying buffet, such as at a party, consider other guests before you take your food a second or third time. Leave food for others who have not had the opportunity to take it
Step 7. Enjoy dessert
Check out all the dessert options before deciding. You can try something new, but also consider the dishes you usually like or don't like before taking them. For example, don't take pumpkin pie if you don't like dishes made from pumpkin. If you're having trouble making a choice, take small portions to sample several types of desserts.
Method 3 of 3: Eat Well at a Buffet
Step 1. Beware of dishes that have been served for too long
It's hard to know how long the food has been served, unless you ask the staff. However, there are ways to avoid eating foods that may have gone stale. Usually it is advisable not to eat dishes that are served in large containers. Food in large containers often has been served longer than other foods. Also, if you notice an unusual change in color, texture, or smell in your food, it's a good idea to choose a different dish.
- Notify staff if you feel any food is no longer fit to eat.
- When in doubt, you can also ask how long the food has been serving.
Step 2. Choose small portions
You may be tempted to grab a large portion of the appetizing-looking lasagna. However, avoid this. Take each food in small portions. It doesn't matter if you eat unhealthy foods that you usually avoid in small amounts. If you still want it, you can always pick it up again.
Step 3. Choose a dish that you will not cook yourself
Buffets often offer dishes such as bread and scrambled eggs. Even if it looks delicious, choose another dish that is healthier and you don't usually make your own so it will taste more special. For example, choose smoked salmon or grilled trout if you don't cook them often at home.
Step 4. Avoid eating foods that contain too much flour
It's okay to eat starchy foods, but these dishes are usually unhealthy and fill you up quickly. Starchy foods include potatoes, rice, and pasta. Take food like this in small portions.
Step 5. Don't eat too much
When eating a buffet, you may be tempted to take multiple meals as it is readily available there. Resist this urge! When you feel full, stop eating.
- Choose a seat that is not facing directly towards the food. This will help you fight the temptation to go back and forth for food!
- Don't use the tray. That way you can't take in a lot of food at once and avoid overeating.
Step 6. Choose frozen yogurt or fruit for dessert
If you decide to eat all you can, it's fine to sample a piece of cake or ice cream. However, if you want to stay healthy, choose a dessert that doesn't contain too many calories. Frozen yogurt or a bowl of fruit can be good choices.
Tips
- Don't eat while you're in line. Wait until you are seated at the table.
- Feel free to ask what ingredients are used to make the dish if you're not sure.
- Ask the staff for a “little piece” if you're not sure if you like it or not.
Warning
- Consider foods that can trigger allergies in yourself before eating a buffet. Keep in mind that some foods can be contaminated by other foods placed close together.
- Check the health rating of the restaurant has not eaten the buffet to make sure it is up to your desired standard.
