Buffet etiquette for your vacation: You should know these no-gos

A buffet on vacation is like a little paradise: regional specialties, fresh fruit, steaming egg dishes, and sinfully delicious desserts – and seemingly unlimited. Many hotels advertise with the magical phrase "all you can eat," but this is often misunderstood.

Where plates bend, faux pas are often not far away. As soon as something is free, some people are triggered by a primal urge to grab – and good manners go by for the holidays. Added to this are hygiene pitfalls and an often underestimated aspect: respectful handling – not only of the food, but also of the people behind it.

To ensure your appearance at the buffet is a complete success, we'll show you the biggest no-gos - and how to do it better.

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An overflowing plate of scrambled eggs, croissants, and sausage rarely looks appetizing—more like greed than enjoyment. And much of it ends up in the trash if you ate too much at once or didn't like the taste. In times when sustainability is becoming increasingly important, food waste is particularly problematic. Besides, there's enough for everyone!

A good buffet is calculated so that everyone is fed – without stress. So: no reason for food envy or panicky hoarding.

Too many leftovers: Sustainable behavior at the buffet protects resources and ensures more enjoyment.

Source: IMAGO/Depositphotos

Here's how to do it better: Take your time and relax and go several times. Start with smaller portions, taste, and then get more. Sometimes restaurants have strict rules for refills, for example, no more than a quarter of the meal can be left over.

Even if it seems laborious, a fresh plate should be used for each new course. This is more hygienic and looks much more appetizing.

As tempting as it may be to bring a cheese sandwich to the beach, most hotels don't allow food wrapping. According to the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA), the food and drinks offered are intended for "on-site consumption," not to take away. Therefore, a sandwich in a napkin is considered a clear violation of the rules. Signs like "No taking food away" are common—and for good reason.

Tip: Just ask at reception – many hotels offer official packed lunches upon request.

Buffet meals are intended for consumption on site. Taking food away is against hotel policy.

Source: IMAGO/Westend61

For hygiene reasons, it is an absolute no-go to use your own spoon or fork directly at the buffet – this also applies to children.

Important: Special buffet cutlery is provided for the various dishes. Please use it.

Guests should only place food on their plates using the provided buffet cutlery.

Source: IMAGO/Westend61

And things can get even worse when people snack directly from the buffet! Some people grab a grape or a piece of bread "just to taste" – this is a major hygiene problem. Smelling food over open bowls is also very questionable from a hygiene perspective.

How to do it better: The same applies as in the above point: Only use the designated buffet cutlery and never touch anything with your fingers. If you're unsure what a dish is, it's better to ask rather than touch it.

Snacking directly at the buffet is considered unhygienic and is strictly prohibited by hotels.

Source: IMAGO/YAY Images

Small children, left unattended, whirl through the buffet with sticky fingers, playful curiosity, and a sense of security, not only endanger hygiene but can also cause chaos. Overturned bowls, incorrect cutlery, or dropped food are often the result.

Here's how: Accompany your child or children to the buffet and show them how to serve themselves properly. This is not only educational, but also encourages more consideration and hygiene.

Parents should accompany their children and explain buffet rules to them.

Source: Getty Images

Talking on the phone or holding a loud conversation in the middle of the buffet area disrupts other people's meals and creates a restless atmosphere. Another thing that's absolutely unacceptable is yelling from across the restaurant: "Honey, can you bring me another plate of pasta?"

Here's how to do it better: Put your cell phone on silent, save conversations for when you eat together at the table, postpone phone calls until later, and ask in advance if someone can bring you something.

A lovingly prepared buffet is undoubtedly an eye-catcher – and for many, a video or photo for Instagram, WhatsApp, etc. is simply part of the holiday experience. However, anyone who pushes their way into the middle of the queue with their phone or spends minutes filming the buffet will quickly attract annoyed glances – and disturb others while they're getting their food.

How to do it better: A freshly set-up buffet looks best anyway – so it's better to arrive early, when it's still quiet. Even more important: Ask the staff beforehand whether filming or taking photos is even permitted. Not every hotel or restaurant allows this. And: Never include other vacationers or service staff in your photo without permission – this is not only rude, but can also be legally problematic.

Photographing hotel buffets isn't always permitted. If you want to take photos, it's best to do so when no other guests are present. That's another reason why it's worth asking.

Source: IMAGO/viennaslide

Whether at breakfast or dinner, there's no competition at the buffet. Pushing ahead or pushing others aside creates a bad atmosphere.

How to do it better: Patience, consideration, and a smile are much more appropriate. If two people are aiming for the last spoonful of tiramisu, why not share or offer it charmingly? Good manners are always well received—perhaps even a holiday romance will result.

Patience and politeness at the buffet create a pleasant atmosphere.

Source: IMAGO/Depositphotos

If something goes wrong – like a splash of sauce or a spoon tipping over – you shouldn't just move on.

Here's how to do it right: Either quickly clean up the mess yourself or inform the staff. A clean buffet area is in everyone's interest, after all. And even if you might be embarrassed at first, it's better to take it easy than to sneak away quietly—the mishap usually doesn't go unnoticed anyway.

You see a table with used plates and think, "I'll make it easier for the staff" – but be careful! There might be someone else sitting there, just stopping by the buffet for a bit. And even if not, stacking plates or simply pushing them aside isn't a good idea, as that calls into question the staff's competence.

Here's a better way: Leave the table alone, wait for someone to sit down or for the wait staff to clear the table. They know what they're doing – and you'll avoid awkward misunderstandings.

Guests should not stack or simply leave used plates lying around. The service staff maintains order and should be respected.

Source: IMAGO/Dreamstime

Whether your coffee takes a long time to arrive or your plate is cleared earlier than requested, rude behavior toward service staff is an absolute no-no. Anyone who reacts rudely when rules like "Please don't take food with you" are explained, or who snidely retorts, "It was just an apple!" or even claims, "I paid for it," is outing themselves as an unwelcome vacationer.

This is how it's done right: Especially during peak season, staff are often working to their limits. Friendliness, a "thank you," or a polite "Could you please...?" make the difference between a valued tourist and an annoying nuisance. Those who behave like welcome guests will be treated like one.

Being friendly to hotel staff pays off, especially when it comes to food.

Source: IMAGO/Dreamstime

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