Did you know that the buffet was once frowned upon in
the gastronomical world? In fact, it’s an evolution from an elegant
pre-dinner selection of the finest appetisers and tidbits known as
the Smorgasbord – invented by the Swedes – turned into a feast for
the gluttons. Thank you, America.
If you’re looking at your next buffet as a quest to
dominate and consume everything, this article is probably not for
you. At City Nomads, we’re all about experiences and walking (not
rolling) away truly satisfied. Here’s 10 tips on getting the
best of out what buffets have to offer.
What you wear matters. We don’t encourage you to pig
out but you are definitely going to eat a big meal, so skinny jeans
or LBDs aren’t going to help your cause. Find something you’re
comfortable with that has some wiggle room. Don’t forget about
footwear, it’s not a sushi train, the food won’t come to you.
Don’t allow less than two hours for your buffet. If you
only have two hours, find a nice restaurant that will be able to
give you a much better experience (check out our article
on having an awesome night out). There’s just way
too many amazing things you want to try and two hours just won’t
cut it.
You’ve been taken to your table, but don’t grab your
plate just yet. Scout out the buffet, check out the meats and
desserts and wonder with your eyes. Make a mental note of what you
want to try and what looks delicious. That way you can add it to
your game plan later. It’s important not to be tempted in the first
two minutes, stay strong!
edge –
Pan Pacific Singapore
This is the most important factor of your buffet
experience – planning out your meal and forming the best possible
eating experience. Here’s a quick, general order that would enhance
the buffet greatly: chilled raw seafood, sashimi and sushi; cured
meats, paté and charcuterie (stay away from cheese); small
appetisers (satay, cooked seafood); and then light dishes
(dumplings, grilled seafood, smoked meats).
From there, move on to the soups (if they are creamed
based,we recommend taking a smaller portion); heavy foods
(curries, stews and meats); and finally carbs (pasta, rice dishes,
noodles and bread). Still have space for more? Go back to your
favourites in any order you want!
Pro-tip: If you feel full at anytime, have a palate
cleanser like sorbet or cold lettuce salad with an acidic citrus
dressing (not a Caesar salad!)
Takes things really slowly, eat at a good pace, and
enjoy the company of your friends. Once you’ve finished your plate
you don’t need to go rush back into the battlefield. Chill
out, check Facebook, post a photo on Instagram. You want to enjoy
the buffet, not eat it all and be sent to the hospital after.
Oscar’s
– Conrad Centennial
Walk a lot, as much as you can. Do laps around the
seafood stand. If the queue is long for the steaks, go for a walk
and come back later. Grab smaller plates of everything so that you
walk back and forth more. This is the only meal you will ever
go to that offers a workout and a feast, embrace it.
Buffets are not challenges for the punter. They’re not
challenging you to eat all you can eat, but giving you the biggest
and best variety possible within walking distance. You won’t
be able to eat all the flavours, textures, and colours in one
seating, so don’t even try it.
Pasta, breads, and rice are your enemies. They’ll fill
you up and destroy any chance of exploring all the flavours. Stay
away from them, especially at the start of the meal. If you have
eaten everything you want to eat (before cheese and desserts) and
you’re still hungry, this is where you venture to the land of
carbs.
The
Kitchen Table – W Singapore Sentosa Cove
If you’re at a champagne brunch and want to drink three
bottles of bubbly by yourself, you’re better off buying three
bottles from a retail store and enjoying it at home. You only have
one stomach and it needs to be shared with the food. Here’s a
little secret: buffets love to sell you champagne as they take up a
lot of stomach space. So drink well, and drink to compliment your
meal.
The most scrumptious and colourful part of the buffet
is almost like a mini Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory! But wait,
there’s a science to enjoying the desserts too. The magic sequence
is fruits (fresh fruits first); jellies and ice (sorbets or
granitas, not ice cream); candy, chocolate, creams, and cakes
(tiramisu, tarts, triffles); ice Cream (finally!); and then hot
puddings (pancakes, bread and butter puddings, soufflé).
Many people have said, “No matter how much you eat, you
will always be able to eat cheese” and this is true. The best way
to tackle this section is to grab enough cheese, crackers and
condiments for the entire group and throw it in the middle. While
everyone is relaxing, finishing up their beverages and slowly
digesting, you can pick and graze at the central cheese plate.
Ash
& Elm – InterContinental Singapore
And that’s how to get the most out of your buffet.
Don’t go into one thinking you’ll be able to eat more than the
money you are paying for it. If that was the case for everyone,
buffets simply would not exist. Go into a buffet ready to explore a
combination of different cuisines and flavours, and you’ll have a
ball!
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