Everyone Loves a Buffet

Despite the delicious dishes at deal-worthy prices, nothing ruins a buffet like a rude customer. The worst part is this customer might not even realize the extent of their actions. Here's a list of tips to ensure you're never the one getting the side-eyed looks.

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1. Touching the Food

This is a no-brainer. Never touch the food! There are tongs and spoons there for a reason—and if you don't see one, simply ask a service person. Nothing grosses people out faster than icky fingers on the food.

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2. Hovering Over the Food

While not as bad as touching the food, hovering for extended periods can be pretty upsetting. Not only are you holding up the line, but you're also breathing all over the merchandise. If you need time to think over your choices, do it from afar.

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3. Returning Food

You might think this is a joke—but there are in fact people who will return their food after changing their minds. The rule of thumb is if you pick up a piece, it's yours. To avoid a sticky situation, take only as much as you need.

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4. Coughing Near the Food

You probably shouldn't be out and about if you're feeling under the weather—but hey, everyone has to eat. Just make sure you keep your germs to yourself, whether that means wearing a mask or keeping a distance when you cough.

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5. Reusing Plates

You're not doing anyone any favors by reusing your plates. It's more hygienic to opt for a fresh plate when going back for seconds. The service people prefer it this way, as it limits cross-contamination.

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6. Cutting in Line

Whether you're at a theme park or a buffet—some rules are set in stone. You might be in a rush, but everyone's time is valuable. Don't be selfish, and patiently wait your turn rather than cut in line.

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7. Too Much Food

Of course, you want to try everything. That lamb just came out and it looks so good! But be careful to pace yourself to avoid waddling around the restaurant with a piled-high plate. Too much food comes across as greedy and wasteful—it's better to finish your first plate then grab a second, third, or fourth round.

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8. Leaving Kids Unattended

A buffet is a great treat for the whole family, but make sure your kids don't disrupt the evening for others. A rowdy group of kids running around the place and messing with the food is a recipe for disaster. Never leave them unsupervised at the buffet line—you never know what they'll get up to.

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9. Standing Too Close

Buffets can get crowded quickly, but that's no reason to shove or stick to other people. Make sure to give everyone personal space to keep things from getting claustrophobic.

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10. Being Messy

Handle the food with care. This means don't dig around the tray for the best piece, or spill soup on the sides when you ladle it over. Accidents do happen, so if you make a mess, take the time to notify a service person or clean it up yourself.

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Now that we have covered the pitfalls of buffet dining, here are ten tips you should follow to ensure both you and the other diners have a great time.

1. Make a Game Plan

Planning is your best friend when it comes to a buffet. You can look at the menu online or do a bit of in-person reconnaissance. By deciding what you want ahead of time, you can quickly get in and get out.

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2. Pace Yourself

A great way to eliminate waste is to pace yourself. Get a few servings on your plate and finish them before the next round. You should be careful since overeating is all too easy at a buffet. Your wallet might thank you, but your stomach certainly won't.

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3. Go With the Flow

Instead of rushing and shoving, just follow the flow of the line. This way you can protect your personal space and move through the restaurant at the same pace as everyone else.

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4. Keep a Fresh Plate

Avoid making a mess and cross-contaminating utensils by bringing a fresh and clean plate every time. While you're at it, make sure to stick to one plate at a time. It may be tempting to take two, but this come across as greedy and will stall the line.

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5. Be Patient

Patience is key at a buffet, which means waiting until you're sitting at your table before diving in. Snacking in line is both unhygienic and a timewaster. Besides, wouldn't you be more comfortable eating away from the crowds?

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6. Follow Restaurant Rules

Many restaurants have their own rules. This could include separate queues or serving limits for specific dishes, as well as general rules about outside foods or dress codes. Be mindful of these rules, as you don't want the restaurant to kick you out.

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7. Be Courteous

Simply saying "please" and "thank you" goes a long way at a buffet. Treat the servers like real people and be respectful of your fellow queuers. Odds are they will treat you just as well.

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8. Accompany Your Kids

Take the time to teach your kids proper etiquette. Let them shadow you as you go around the queue and help them along as they stack their own plates. Not only will the other customers be grateful, but you'll also set a great example for your children.

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9. Finish Your Food

To avoid waste, make sure to finish everything on your plate before going back for seconds. If something is particularly unappetizing, you're free to toss it. However, if you find yourself too full to finish, it means you should start with a lighter plate next time.

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10. Practice Kindness

As long as you are thoughtful of others and kind with your intentions—you'll be just fine. Everyone is eager to enjoy the buffet, and taking their experience into consideration will ensure you have a better one yourself.

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