Hitting up the buffet train? Here’s how to get more bang for your buck – and no, it doesn’t involve overeating.
So, you’ve made plans to hit up one of the many sumptuous buffet spreads in Singapore. Woohoo! But what’s your game plan? If it only involves attacking the table and scarfing everything down, that’s a no-no. Here are some useful tips so you don’t commit the mistakes you’ve made previously and can eat your money’s worth. Let’s feast sensibly!
Eat smart, not hard: How to ace a buffet in Singapore
Don’t starve yourself before the meal
The biggest boo-boo everyone makes is skipping their meals prior to eating at the buffet. TBH, that’s actually not a good idea. Why? Because going on an empty stomach means you’re more likely to get full faster, even after eating so little. You’ll want to have something light and high in fibre before the main event. Cereal is a good example: it’s easy to digest and makes a great energy booster, which you’ll need.
Don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated too. Besides helping to process the food you’ve eaten, water also stretches the stomach – this means you have more room to down everything you’ve piled on your plate. However, don’t fill yourself up too much with water.
And if you’re really feeling up to it, go ahead and burn some calories before you eat at a buffet. Hit the gym or fit in some active time so that you’ll kickstart your metabolism and be ready to chow down later.
Dress to ingest
Now, we’re not one to tell you what you should be wearing, but for this occasion, your outfit truly matters. Put away the skinny jeans and other figure-hugging apparel because it’ll do you no favours at the buffet. Instead, opt for loose, comfortable clothing that gives you room to grow. Oh, and don’t forget about the footwear. You’ll be walking aplenty, so it’s best to don a pair of sensible shoes. Whatever you decide to wear, be mindful of the dress code too. Some places don’t allow shorts and slippers.
Feast with your eyes first
Welcome to the arena! While it may be tempting to immediately grab a plate and load up on all the dishes, we say stay calm and have a walk around the stations. Not all buffets are created equal, so have a good look at what’s being served and make a note of the things you want to sample. If you know which buffet place you’re heading to, it’s a good idea to know what’s on the menu so that you can prepare beforehand.
It’s time to fill your plate
Alright, foodie, you’re all set to pig out. What you want to do now is to take small portions of everything on offer. This gives you the chance to sample what’s being served and decide the ones you like best. From there, you can go back for seconds (and thirds). So don’t overfill your plate! Our recommendation? Go for dishes that you don’t eat on a regular basis, such as expensive meats and decadent seafood picks. Hold off the carbs until you’ve managed to cover the spread. You don’t want to get full too early.
What about drinks? We say avoid carbonated drinks like the plague and sip on good, plain ol’ water. You can also add a slice of lemon to your water for some flavour. Or go for peppermint tea, which aids digestion and reduces bloating.
Another thing to remember is that you should take things slowly. You’re not Zermatt Neo, and the buffet is not an eating contest. Eat at a good pace, and don’t forget to chew your food before swallowing. There’s no shame in taking your time. Need a break? Sit still for a moment and take a few deep breaths. You can also distract yourself by using your phone or partaking in conversations with your company. Just don’t fall asleep at the table.
Finally, polish off everything you’ve piled on your plate. It’s bad enough that our country is generating food waste, so you should play your part in being sustainable. Plus, some places charge extra for wasted food, and you don’t want to incur additional costs. If it’s something you took and ended up not liking, pass it off to someone who may enjoy it.
Capping off with desserts
Now we come to the most dangerous part of any buffet: the sweets section. Exercise self-restraint and check out what’s worth putting into your mouth. Did you know there’s a secret hack to enjoying buffet desserts too? You’ll want to start with fresh fruits first, before going for jellies, chocolates and pastries, ice cream, and hot stuff like pancakes and puddings. While you’re at it, be sure to hit up the cheese spread too, unless you’re lactose-intolerant.
And that’s how you get the most out of your buffet adventure. Bon appetite!
