How to Enjoy a Hotel Buffet Like a Pro: Smart Tips for Food, Plating & Drinks
A buffet lets you freely enjoy as much of your favorite dishes as you like. While that freedom is exciting, it can also be a bit overwhelming. With so many dishes to choose from, how can you enjoy everything smartly and to the fullest? We asked the chefs at Keio Plaza Hotel’s ‘Super Buffet
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【Advised by】Keio Plaza Hotel’s 'Super Buffet
Table of Contents
First, Take a Look at All the Dishes!
When asked, “How should we enjoy a buffet?” the chef said, “I want guests to enjoy it as if they were creating their own course meal.”
First, check all the dishes lined up at the counter, and then imagine a course meal as you go through—starting with cold appetizers (salads), then warm appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. This is the smart way to enjoy a buffet.
Check the dishes and be mindful of the order in which you eat—this is the key to enjoying your meal. Even though the offerings change for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the categories like “appetizers” and “main dishes” remain the same, so the order can stay consistent.
The chef prepares every dish with the hope that guests will try them all. If you can, enjoy a wide variety—and don’t hesitate to go back for seconds of your favorites.
Chat with the Chef at the Live Kitchen
One thing to watch out for at a buffet is pacing. If you go overboard with appetizers, you won’t have room for the rest. For items like pasta served at the live kitchen, it’s a good idea to ask for a small portion.
Another charm of the live kitchen is chatting with the chefs. When getting roast beef, for instance, you can request your preferred thickness. Ask for recommended pairings or let the chef suggest something that complements what you already have on your plate.
Some chefs enjoy chatting with guests. Don’t worry about them being “too busy”—feel free to talk to them. It makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
The biggest appeal of the live kitchen is enjoying freshly made dishes. Be sure to eat them before they cool. If combining cold appetizers with warm dishes, limit the warm ones to one or two items so they can be enjoyed while still hot.
Plate Your Food with “Aesthetic Space” in Mind
One common concern with buffets is how to plate your food. It’s easy to overcrowd your plate and make it look messy. The key is to keep “aesthetic space” in mind. Leave some space between dishes to maintain balance and prevent the flavors from mixing.
You can always get a new plate, so there’s no need to pile it high. There’s no strict limit to how many items you can put on one plate, but three items on a small plate is a good guideline.
At the buffet table, it’s best to enjoy the food right after plating. Even when dining with others, build your own course and eat at your own pace for the best experience.
If sauce might spill over onto other items, you can ask for a separate small dish. Separating items like salt, sauce, and dressing onto different plates also helps keep the presentation neat.
Desserts served in small cups should be placed on the plate as is. Try centering the cup and surrounding it with cakes and other sweets. It’s okay to mix Japanese and Western desserts on one plate. Even seasoned chefs struggle with plating—don’t worry if you make a mistake. You can always try again!
Pair Your Drinks with the Food
Drinks, including alcoholic beverages, are another fun part of the buffet experience. Order your drink first, then go get your food. This way, your hot dish will arrive just as your drink is served.
At Keio Plaza Hotel’s “Super Buffet Glass Court,” you can enjoy a wide variety of drinks including wine, beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. For example, soft Camembert or blue cheese pairs nicely with red wine.
Try combining salty cheeses with nuts or dried fruits to create the perfect drink pairing. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations when choosing your drink.
Buffets are often enjoyed on special occasions. To fully savor the experience, keep in mind the order of dishes, how to pair them, and tips for beautiful presentation.
At the live kitchen, chefs serve freshly prepared dishes right before your eyes. This buffet-style restaurant offers a wide variety of cuisine, including warm appetizers, Asian noodles, roast beef, pasta crafted by Western-style chefs, tempura freshly fried by Japanese chefs, and desserts created by pâtissiers.
*The information is based on the time of reporting or creation, and may differ from the current situation.
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