The Buffet Economics: How to Eat Big and Win
I love buffets. Always have. That thrill of piling my plate high? Unbeatable.
But I was clueless. Buffets were playing me. Somewhere along the way, thanks to my interest in human behavior, it all started making sense.
Buffets are a game. They’re rigged to win by the providers.
So I thought why don’t I share what I learned. The economics, the sneaky tricks, and how to outsmart the system. Are you ready to win at all-you-can-eat?
The Economics of ‘Endless’ Eats
Buffets seem like a dream. Pay once, eat forever. But they’re not charities, you know – ‘No Free Lunch’.
The average buffet in Bangladesh charges 1500-2500 BDT. You think you’re eating that much? Nope. They’re businesses. And they’re making bank.
Here’s how it works. The food on your plate—say, some chowmein, rice and chicken/beef curry, and some scoop of Thai soup—costs them maybe 500-700 BDT at max.
They’re not losing money. They’re banking on you not eating three times your ticket price. Most of us don’t.
On top of that, they buy in bulk. Cook in batches. Keep staff minimal. That saves them cash and generates profit.
The Buffet’s Sneaky Design Tricks
Every detail of the buffet is planned. From the layout to the plate size. And how is it done? Let me tell you.
The Carb Overload at Both Ends
The first thing you see when you walk in? Naan, pasta, rice, etc. Cheap and filling. You load up on rolls. Grabbing garlic naan like it’s the main event.
Big mistake. These starches are fluffy. They soak up sauces. Take up tons of room on your plate. And in your stomach.
Suddenly, no space for steaks or kebabs.
Tiny Plates and Silverware
Those plates? Ridiculously small. Not cute—strategic.
Smaller plates mean smaller hauls. You can’t stack much. You’re making more trips. Feeling full faster.
A study showed that bigger plates lead to 31% more food being eaten. Buffets know this. So they shrink everything.
Even the cutlery’s tiny. You are eating slower. Filling up on less.
Portion Control
Even when you are up for the premium stuff, they’ve got you. That guy at the carving station is the ultimate gatekeeper. He controls portions to save the expensive stuff. A thin slice of steak or a small portion of kabab is all he serves you at a time.
You feel awkward asking for more. Like you’re begging.
Meanwhile, the rice station is self-serve. Pile as much as you want. See the trick? They’re pushing you to the cheap carbs.
How to Outsmart the System
So you see buffets are sneaky. But you can be sneakier. Here’s how you can do it.
Prep Your Body
Want to eat like a champ? Prepare smart. Drink carbonated water an hour before. It spikes your hunger hormone called Ghrelin.
Skip heavy workouts. Intense exercise lowers Ghrelin. Just chill. Eat light earlier.
Scout the Scene
Don’t grab a plate yet. Walk the spread first. Spot the good stuff.
It helps you strategize your war plan.
Skip the Carbs
I repeat. SKIP THE CARBS! They are cheap.
Rather go for the pricey stuff first. These cost the buffet big bucks and you’re getting your money’s worth. Focus on proteins. You can’t get that at home.
Pace Yourself
Buffets aren’t a sprint. Take small bites. Eat slow. Let your stomach catch up. Try more dishes. Feel less stuffed. Sip water, not those sugary drinks.
Win the Mind Game
The carving station guy? He’s rationing. Two to three small pieces of kebab. A tiny little beef steak. You want more but feel judged.
Don’t back down. Grin. Ask for extra.
Stay Distracted
Weird trick: don’t focus on eating. Distracted eaters consume more. Chat with friends. Scroll your phone. Your brain won’t scream “full” as fast.
Congratulations! Now you know it all!
So the next time you hit a buffet, play to win.
