One of the first things that we noticed when we moved to Brazil, is the incredible amount of restaurants that only offer buffet, instead of a regular table service. No matter what part of this big country you visit, you will always find many buffets. It was odd at first, but we soon got used to it and started appreciating all its advantages.
First of all, there are 2 different operating methods :
→ Some of them offer a three-course meal at a fixed price per person. Once you have your ticket, you can chose any food from the buffet and even refill as much as you want. Usually a homemade limonade is included but if you feel like drinking another beverage, it will cost you extra.
→ meanwhile in other restaurants, you will pay according to what you put on you plate. You pick a plate at the entrance and fill it with any food you’d like, and then at the counter they will weigh your plate and charge you accordingly.
While in this second operating method, you pay beforehand, in the first one you pay as you leave, thanks to the ticket that indicates how many plates (i.e. number of people at your table) and when applicable the extra beverages that will be charged.
As a foreigner, you logically feel lost at first, and even if you chose to go to a buffet restaurant, you don’t always know exactly how they function, whether you will be charged before or after, and if kids will be charged the same amount or not…
Let’s be honest here : buffet are very interesting and affordable, especially when eating out with kids !
The first advantage of a buffet is that you don’t need to chose what you want to have for lunch today : you can have a little bit of everything if you feel like it ! Some chicken, a little beef, a few potatoes, some rice and a slice of lasagna, all sorts of fruits and vegetables, raw or cooked… As long as it fits on your plate, you can mix all of it. It is rather interesting when you don’t know the local dishes, you can taste them while having other options in case you don’t like it…
The second advantage is obviously less waste. Just as you can taste food in small quantities, you can also adapt the quantity to your appetite. Especially when it is a buffet « by weight », which is ideal for children who usually never eat up the plates they get served at a restaurant. At a buffet, they can select the food they feel like eating, and if they don’t feel very hungry, you can just serve a small portion and pay accordingly. What about buffets per person ? Well they mostly take children into account with a half price, a two-for-one or even a free meal under a certain age (which can be between 3 to 6 years old, depending on the restaurant). Like I said, the variety of rules makes it pretty confusing when you are not used to it, but just ask the waiters and you’ll see how advantageous it can be !
Last but not least, this system helps you eat healthy. Not that all they serve is healthy, no, but because you can always add the fruit and veggies you like, in the quantity you want. When the kids don’t feel like eating their greens, it’s easier to give them just one piece of brocoli, two slices of tomatoes, three pieces of carrots and take the opportunity to taste some beets… For instance, our eldest loves mixing up a little lasagna with a slice of mozzarella cheese, a few cherry tomatoes, yucca fries, brocoli and some beef or fish. Even if it’s not much, it’s a little of everything, and definitely better than the chicken nuggets/fries, hamburger/fries or ham/fries options you’ll find on most children menus of standard restaurants ! And since everyone has chosen what they want, they usually finish it all up.
Thanks to this buffet system, all the members of the family are happy, they’ve had good food, and for a very reasonable price. It is definitely a must-go !