A buffet can be a dream come true for food lovers, but not every dish is worth the risk. There are some foods that may be temperature-sensitive and lose their appeal under heat lamps. Then, there are those that pose safety or quality concerns. While not all buffets have these issues, it’s always advised to skip these 10.
Sushi
Sushi may seem like a luxury buffet item, but it’s best avoided. Raw fish sitting at room temperature for hours can harbor Salmonella. Additionally, buffet-grade sushi many a time lacks the freshness of a proper sushi restaurant. Instead, opt for cooked seafood or safer alternatives like shrimp cocktails.
Fried Chicken
Deep-fried chicken is tempting, but buffet versions are often refried or left under heat lamps for too long. This results in a greasy and soggy texture and lacks the crispiness it usually has. As a result, you might end up with a disappointing bite that’s neither fresh nor flavorful.
Pasta Dishes
Choose made-to-order pasta stations at a buffet where dishes are prepared fresh upon request rather than going for buffet pasta. It sits in warming trays for hours, becoming mushy and overcooked. Buffet pasta turns into a starchy mess, unlike freshly made pasta, which has a firm texture.
Seafood Salad
Seafood salad appears creamy and rich at first, but after hours at room temperature, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Over time, the mayonnaise base can spoil, and the seafood loses its freshness. A craving for seafood can best be satisfied with freshly grilled fish or some fresh shellfish.
Mashed Potatoes
You scoop up a spoonful of mashed potatoes, expecting creamy goodness, only to find a gluey, lukewarm disappointment. Roasted or baked potatoes are better side dishes to go for because many buffets use instant potatoes, which lack the rich and buttery flavor of freshly made ones.
Bread Rolls
Buffet bread rolls may look appealing but are often mass-produced and are dry and flavorless in taste. These bread items are typically leftovers from previous batches, reheated to appear fresh. Opt for a well-prepared pasta dish (as mentioned before) if you must have carbs, but avoid bread rolls.
Pre-Cut Fruit
While fruit is generally a healthy choice, pre-cut fruit at buffets carries risks. Exposure to air causes nutrient loss and browning, while shared serving utensils can introduce bacteria. Having that fake belief that you “ate healthy” at the buffet is not worth these risks.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are often left out for hours, which makes them a bacterial hazard. Mayonnaise-based filling spoils quickly, while the egg whites become rubbery over time. They carry a high risk of cross-contamination, and it is much safer to stick to freshly prepared appetizers.
Cheese Platter
Eating cheese that has been left exposed for hours at a buffet is not the best idea. It’s probably the WORST idea. Choose sealed cheese portions that maintain both quality and safety without the risks of a decorated cheese platter. Those soft cheeses can develop bacteria, while hard ones dry out.
Clam Chowder
Thick, creamy soups can be comforting, but buffet-style clam chowder sits there for hours. It completely loses its freshness. The dairy base can spoil quickly, making it a risky choice. Broths or freshly prepared soup options are better for you if you want to avoid foodborne illness. Which you probably do.
Leave a comment