Is it possible to eat everything you could want at a buffet? You might be surprised to learn the answer is yes. As long as you follow these simple rules for buffet eating, you’ll be the master of the banquet hall.

How to Get the Most Out of a Buffet

1. Be Selective

The unwritten rule of buffets is if you take it, you eat it, but sometimes it’s difficult to choose when you have a banquet hall full of sumptuous offerings. Make sure you’re not only getting what you want, but wanting what you get. Start with small portions; if you love something, you can always go back for more. Try a mix of exotic dishes that you wouldn’t make at home as well as pricey favorites like prime rib and shrimp. Avoid loading up on starches such as macaroni and cheese, pasta, or mashed potatoes, which will make you feel heavy and too full to sample all the other dishes available in the banquet hall.

2. Stay Hydrated, But Skip the Soda

Endless sodas seem like a natural accompaniment to an all-you-can-eat buffet, but all that carbonation will fill you up and inhibit digestion. A better bet? Banquet halls usually provide tea or water with lemon, which will keep you hydrated and may give you the opportunity for another round at the buffet.

3. Take Your Time

Although some buffets have time limits, usually a couple of hours, you shouldn’t feel pressured to inhale everything in sight. You don’t want to make yourself sick, which will take the delight out of the occasion. Pace yourself and take breaks to give your stomach time to digest. You’ll look back on the experience positively if you’re pleasantly full at the end, not bursting at the seams.

Natsunoya Tea House has been a Honolulu, HI, tradition for almost 100 years. Whether you're looking for an affordable banquet hall or full-service catering, they will provide you with a meal you'll never forget. Don’t miss their lunch or dinner buffets, offering delicious traditional Japanese food. To make a reservation at their sushi bar or buffet, call (808) 595-4488, and visit the website to view their menus.