Last month, I dined out at two different buffet restaurants, spending $6 each. I had not eaten any paid meal at restaurants for many years, so this was quite a splurge for me. I always love a big feast and $6 seemed a low price to pay for a new all-you-can-eat experience.
While cheap, delicious, and healthy, eating just pinto beans, oatmeal, and peanut butter everyday was getting a bit monotonous. I felt that a low cost buffet is a efficient and fun way to add some variety and get additional nutrients for my diet.
I love buffets! There is something irresistible about all you can eat. No limit! Total freedom! I hate going to a restaurant, or anywhere for that matter, eat just a plate, and leave still feeling hungry. You turned on your digestive system and left it unfulfilled. It's like a tease. It would have been better not to eat anything at all.
Furthermore, you don't need to leave a tip at a buffet, unlike most restaurants where a tip is expected.
So, I ate at a Chinese buffet for $6 and an Italian buffet for $5.93. The former was a dismal, while the latter was heavenly, and I learned some valuable lessons along the way, which I will share with you below. My advice is a bit contrarian, because the goal here is to maximize the intake of nutrients, rather than the food items with the highest market prices, as many others might recommend, if you just do an online search about how to eat in a buffet.
Some rules about getting the most out of a buffet are universal. Here is a quick summary of these uncontroversial rules:
1. Do your research first. Look for the best buffet deals. Check the prices and menu online if available. Read online reviews, and look at posted pictures of the buffet offerings. A picture is worth a thousand words and can help you rule in or rule out a buffet.
