The Japan Buffet Association celebrated 20 years of “Vikings” in Japan in 2018. To mark this momentous anniversary, we compiled a list of manners to create an enjoyable buffet experience for all.

The Imperial Hotel created the “Viking” buffet culture in Japan, and is now working together with many other hotels on ideas of how to make the buffet experience more enjoyable and delicious for everyone, as well as how to reduce food waste.

 

Basic Manners

We hope these manners create a positive experience for everyone. They’re all easy to follow and will make the buffet experience that much more enjoyable.

■ Only Take for Yourself

It’s difficult to know how much of what dish another person wants to eat, so only take for yourself. It’s likely that there will be wasted food if you take for other people.

■ Eat What You Take

Be careful to not waste food; eat what you take. Smorgasbord, the original buffet style, was a strict “only take what you can eat” policy as well. Food waste can lead to budget cuts, which makes it difficult to purchase high quality ingredients. We hope the buffet experience is continually enjoyable with only the top quality foods served.

■ Use the Buffet Appliances Courteously

Place the tongs and serving utensils back where it was and use the appliances with care. Keeping the appliances clean will keep the buffet moving smoothly and the dishes looking beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

■ Eat Moderately

Our slogan is “Eating just right is the most delicious.” Do not eat past your limit until you are completely stuffed. It’s unfortunate if you feel that you shouldn’t have eaten so much when you should feel great after a wonderful meal. Maybe don’t go back for that final plate. Eat until you are satisfied and create pleasant, delicious memories at the buffet.

■ Only Refill Cup When Finished

Only refill your drink when you have finished drinking. If you keep refilling your cup before you have finished, you might have leftovers or become full from the liquids that you can’t enjoy the main dishes.

 

Advanced Manners

Once the basic manners are mastered, move on to the advanced manners. These manners will further deepen appreciation for buffets and make the experience even more satisfying.

■ Take Little By Little

It may be a pain to get up each time, but try taking a little on your plate at a time. The chefs create elaborate dishes so it would be a waste for the flavors to mix. Absolutely go back for your favorite dish over and over again. If you take a little at a time, you can avoid over eating and get to try all the dishes.

■ Try a Little of Everything

Eat a little of everything. It’s most enjoyable when you can taste all the dishes at the buffet. You might find you like a dish you didn’t think you would, or add another favorite dish to your palate. Don’t only eat the same dish over again, but try new flavors and dishes to deepen your buffet experience.

■ Eat a Full-Course Meal

Eating in the order of Appetizer, Main Dish, and Dessert can make your experience more delightful. At buffets, you can even put together your own original full-course plan.