#buffet day

National Buffet Day

In the realm of dining, a vast spread awaits, a treasure trove of culinary delights where one can savor a multitude of flavors.

Everybody loves a buffet, so imagine having a whole day dedicated to one! National Buffet Day is about hosting or attending a buffet of epic proportions—enjoy a table spread with enough food to keep you full for a whole day, and interesting enough to make eating all day fun and exciting!

How to Celebrate National Buffet Day

The way to celebrate National Buffet Day depends on your location and preferences. Check out a few of these ideas to get started with the fun:

Enjoy a Buffet Restaurant

Those who live in the US are likely to be able to hop on over to a buffet restaurant in celebration of this day.

From pizza buffets like CiCi’s to old-home cooking at restaurants like Golden Corral, or even soup and salad places, there are many businesses that offer options for all-you-care-to-eat.

Grab the kids and check out one on National Buffet Day!

Visit Las Vegas

If you happen to be anywhere near Nevada, it would be an unforgettable experience to visit one of Las Vegas’ famous all-you-can-eat buffets.

The Carnival World Buffet offers more than 300 dishes (!) and more than 70 varieties of homemade pies, cakes, and pastries all made from scratch. For $24, you can get into Carnival World and stay all day, tasting the extremely wide variety of foods on offer all throughout it.

If you’re a fan of seafood, you could visit The Village Seafood Buffet, that features all of your seafood favorites such as lobster, snow crab legs, shrimp, freshly shucked oysters, sushi and many other mouthwatering seafood dishes.

Lago Buffet at Caesars Palace is another absolute must for anyone who truly loves food, especially in such enormous quantities.

Featuring fresh ingredients and many made-to-order specialties, the Lago Buffet offers a world-class selection of Asian fare, herb-roasted poultry and sauteed pasta.

Host a Buffet Party

If you’re not anywhere near Nevada, or crowded places are just not your thing, consider preparing your own buffet at home to celebrate National Buffet Day.

You can make anything you want, of course, but seeing as how the buffet has Swedish origins, why not try some Swedish or Scandinavian specialties?

Since the day takes place right after the New Year celebration, this is a great time to finish off what’s left of those charcuterie boards, desserts and other treats. Make it even more fun by inviting friends over and asking them to bring a few dishes as well, putting it all together to create a sort of pot luck buffet!

History of National Buffet Day

The buffet table has its origins in brännvinsbord—a type of schnapps made in 16th century Sweden. The smörgåsbord was a type of “meal” during which guests gathered for a pre-dinner drink and small talk.

The smörgåsbord buffet was often held in separate rooms for men and women before the dinner was served.

The Smörgåsbord became internationally known as “smorgasbord” at the 1939 New York World’s Fair exhibition when the Swedes taking part in the exhibition had to invent a new way of showcasing the best dishes of the Swedish cuisine to large numbers of visitors.

The term “buffet” itself originally referred to a type of French sideboard furniture where the food was served but became popular in the English-speaking world in the second half of the 20th century after the Swedes had popularized the smorgasbord in New York, probably because it was considerably easier to pronounce and remember.

National Buffet Day was founded to give a nod to the history of this style of serving, as well as to encourage the celebration and appreciation of it in modern times!

National Buffet Day FAQs

Did the concept of a buffet really start in Sweden?

Yes, but not in the way you might think! The buffet began as a “brännvinsbord” (schnapps table) in 16th-century Sweden, where hosts offered small bites with spirits before the main meal.

This evolved into the “smörgåsbord,” which officially debuted internationally at the 1939 New York World’s Fair.

The smörgåsbord introduced Americans to the buffet style, inspiring the later rise of all-you-can-eat buffets in places like Las Vegas casinos​.

Why did buffets become popular in American casinos?

Las Vegas casino owner Herb McDonald accidentally popularized buffets in the 1940s when he set out cold cuts for hungry gamblers late at night.

Guests loved the self-serve, round-the-clock dining.

McDonald’s “Buckaroo Buffet” concept encouraged guests to stay longer and spend more at the casino tables, making it a marketing hit despite often running at a loss​.

How is a Swedish smörgåsbord different from an American buffet?

A traditional Swedish smörgåsbord follows a strict order, starting with cold dishes like herring, then moving to hot dishes and finally dessert.

Diners typically use small plates for each round, and combining foods like Americans do (loading everything onto a single plate) is considered unusual.

Swedes value pacing and smaller portions, whereas American buffets tend to encourage large, varied servings​.

Are buffets common outside of the U.S. and Sweden?

Yes, buffets have various cultural adaptations worldwide. In China, “hot pot” restaurants offer an interactive buffet-style experience where diners cook ingredients in a shared pot.

Indian buffets often include a wide array of curries and traditional dishes, allowing guests to sample regional flavors.

Meanwhile, Brazilian churrascarias bring skewers of roasted meats directly to the table in a unique take on buffet dining​.

What’s the world’s largest buffet ever recorded?

The largest recorded buffet was set in 2017 in India, with 5,612 unique dishes served along a 2.5-mile spread.

Guinness World Records recognized the event, organized by a cooking institute to celebrate Indian culinary diversity.

Such massive buffets are rare due to logistics, but they offer a spectacular showcase of local cuisine and creativity​.

What unusual foods are sometimes found at buffets around the world?

Buffets can feature rare items like Icelandic hakarl (fermented shark) or Filipino balut (fertilized duck egg).

In Japan, seafood buffets may include delicacies like sea urchin and squid, while some Hawaiian buffets offer poke and poi.

These unique dishes provide diners with a chance to explore local culinary traditions in a single setting​.

Why are breakfast buffets popular in hotels?

The breakfast buffet tradition began in Europe in the 18th century, where breakfast served buffet-style was convenient for hotels with guests who woke at varying times.

Offering a range of options also minimized the need for large kitchen staff. This tradition remains, especially in mid-range hotels, where guests can enjoy a quick, varied breakfast before a busy day of travel or sightseeing​.

What’s a common buffet myth?

A common myth is that buffets intentionally use saltier foods to encourage diners to drink more.

While some buffets do offer salty dishes like chips or cured meats, this practice is largely incidental rather than a deliberate strategy.

In reality, buffets focus on keeping food visually appealing and varied to entice customers back for multiple helpings​.

Do buffets waste a lot of food?

Buffets are infamous for food waste, as diners tend to take more than they can eat.

Some buffets combat this by charging extra for uneaten food or setting portion limits, especially in countries like Japan and France.

Buffets also repurpose leftovers as soups, casseroles, or food for composting, aiming to minimize waste whenever possible​.

What are some fun buffet-themed events?

Themed buffets are popular worldwide, from seafood feasts in coastal resorts to medieval banquets at European castles.

In Hawaii, luau buffets serve traditional dishes alongside entertainment. Cruise lines often feature extravagant buffet nights with ice sculptures and themed foods.

These events add excitement to the dining experience, making buffets more than just a meal.

Buffet Day

Everybody loves a buffet, so imagine having a whole day dedicated to one! Buffet Day is about hosting or attending a buffet of epic proportions—enjoy a table spread with enough food to keep you full for a whole day, and interesting enough to make eating all day fun and exciting!

The History of Buffet Day

The buffet table has its origins in brännvinsbord—a type of schnapps made in 16th century Sweden. The smörgåsbord was a type of “meal” during which guests gathered for a pre-dinner drink and small talk. The smörgåsbord buffet was often held in separate rooms for men and women before the dinner was served. The Smörgåsbord became internationally known as “smorgasbord” at the 1939 New York World’s Fair exhibition when the Swedes taking part in the exhibition had to invent a new way of showcasing the best dishes of the Swedish cuisine to large numbers of visitors. The term “buffet” itself originally referred to a type of French sideboard furniture where the food was served but became popular in the English-speaking world in the second half of the 20th century after the Swedes had popularized the smorgasbord in New York, probably because it was considerably easier to pronounce and remember.

How to Celebrate Buffet Day

The way you celebrate Buffet Day depends on where you are and what your preferences are. If you happen to be anywhere near Nevada, it would be an unforgettable experience to visit one of Las Vegas’ famous all-you-can-eat buffets. The Carnival World Buffet offers more than 300 dishes (!) and more than 70 varieties of homemade pies, cakes, and pastries all made from scratch. For $24, you can get into Carnival World and stay all day, tasting the extremely wide variety of foods on offer all throughout it. If you’re a fan of seafood, you could visit The Village Seafood Buffet, that features all of your seafood favorites such as lobster, snow crab legs, shrimp, freshly shucked oysters, sushi and many other mouthwatering seafood dishes. Lago Buffet at Caesars Palace is another absolute must for anyone who truly loves food, especially in such enormous quantities. Featuring fresh ingredients and many made-to-order specialties, the Lago Buffet offers a world-class selection of Asian fare, herb-roasted poultry and sauteed pasta.

If you’re not anywhere near Nevada, or crowded places are just not your thing, consider preparing your own buffet at home to celebrate Buffet Day. You can make anything you want, of course, but seeing as how the buffet has Swedish origins, why not try some Swedish or Scandinavian specialties? Start buy seeking out a high-quality schnapps. Many different kinds of flavored schnapps are available today, and they range from exotic, summery flavors such as watermelon or coconut to root beer or others like it. The world over, cinnamon schnapps is perhaps the most popular kind of schnapps. However, if you’re wanting to keep your smorgasbord/buffet as traditional as possible, buy some Akvavit, a flavored spirit that has been produced in Scandinavia since the 15th century. Akvavit, like vodka, is distilled from either grain or potatoes. After distillation, it is flavored with herbs, spices, or fruit oil, with caraway, cardamom, cumin, anise, fennel, and lemon or orange peel being the most popular choices. Traditionally, different types of pickled herring are served with the drink.

Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget to celebrate Buffet Day!

Buffet Day

Everybody loves a buffet, so imagine having a whole day dedicated to one! Buffet Day is about hosting or attending a buffet of epic proportions—enjoy a table spread with enough food to keep you full for a whole day, and interesting enough to make eating all day fun and exciting!

The History of Buffet Day

The buffet table has its origins in brännvinsbord—a type of schnapps made in 16th century Sweden. The smörgåsbord was a type of “meal” during which guests gathered for a pre-dinner drink and small talk. The smörgåsbord buffet was often held in separate rooms for men and women before the dinner was served. The Smörgåsbord became internationally known as “smorgasbord” at the 1939 New York World’s Fair exhibition when the Swedes taking part in the exhibition had to invent a new way of showcasing the best dishes of the Swedish cuisine to large numbers of visitors. The term “buffet” itself originally referred to a type of French sideboard furniture where the food was served but became popular in the English-speaking world in the second half of the 20th century after the Swedes had popularized the smorgasbord in New York, probably because it was considerably easier to pronounce and remember.

How to Celebrate Buffet Day

The way you celebrate Buffet Day depends on where you are and what your preferences are. If you happen to be anywhere near Nevada, it would be an unforgettable experience to visit one of Las Vegas’ famous all-you-can-eat buffets. The Carnival World Buffet offers more than 300 dishes (!) and more than 70 varieties of homemade pies, cakes, and pastries all made from scratch. For $24, you can get into Carnival World and stay all day, tasting the extremely wide variety of foods on offer all throughout it. If you’re a fan of seafood, you could visit The Village Seafood Buffet, that features all of your seafood favorites such as lobster, snow crab legs, shrimp, freshly shucked oysters, sushi and many other mouthwatering seafood dishes. Lago Buffet at Caesars Palace is another absolute must for anyone who truly loves food, especially in such enormous quantities. Featuring fresh ingredients and many made-to-order specialties, the Lago Buffet offers a world-class selection of Asian fare, herb-roasted poultry and sauteed pasta.

If you’re not anywhere near Nevada, or crowded places are just not your thing, consider preparing your own buffet at home to celebrate Buffet Day. You can make anything you want, of course, but seeing as how the buffet has Swedish origins, why not try some Swedish or Scandinavian specialties? Start buy seeking out a high-quality schnapps. Many different kinds of flavored schnapps are available today, and they range from exotic, summery flavors such as watermelon or coconut to root beer or others like it. The world over, cinnamon schnapps is perhaps the most popular kind of schnapps. However, if you’re wanting to keep your smorgasbord/buffet as traditional as possible, buy some Akvavit, a flavored spirit that has been produced in Scandinavia since the 15th century. Akvavit, like vodka, is distilled from either grain or potatoes. After distillation, it is flavored with herbs, spices, or fruit oil, with caraway, cardamom, cumin, anise, fennel, and lemon or orange peel being the most popular choices. Traditionally, different types of pickled herring are served with the drink.

Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget to celebrate Buffet Day!

Buffet Day

Everybody loves a buffet, so imagine having a whole day dedicated to one! Buffet Day is about hosting or attending a buffet of epic proportions—enjoy a table spread with enough food to keep you full for a whole day, and interesting enough to make eating all day fun and exciting!

The History of Buffet Day

The buffet table has its origins in brännvinsbord—a type of schnapps made in 16th century Sweden. The smörgåsbord was a type of “meal” during which guests gathered for a pre-dinner drink and small talk. The smörgåsbord buffet was often held in separate rooms for men and women before the dinner was served. The Smörgåsbord became internationally known as “smorgasbord” at the 1939 New York World’s Fair exhibition when the Swedes taking part in the exhibition had to invent a new way of showcasing the best dishes of the Swedish cuisine to large numbers of visitors. The term “buffet” itself originally referred to a type of French sideboard furniture where the food was served but became popular in the English-speaking world in the second half of the 20th century after the Swedes had popularized the smorgasbord in New York, probably because it was considerably easier to pronounce and remember.

How to Celebrate Buffet Day

The way you celebrate Buffet Day depends on where you are and what your preferences are. If you happen to be anywhere near Nevada, it would be an unforgettable experience to visit one of Las Vegas’ famous all-you-can-eat buffets. The Carnival World Buffet offers more than 300 dishes (!) and more than 70 varieties of homemade pies, cakes, and pastries all made from scratch. For $24, you can get into Carnival World and stay all day, tasting the extremely wide variety of foods on offer all throughout it. If you’re a fan of seafood, you could visit The Village Seafood Buffet, that features all of your seafood favorites such as lobster, snow crab legs, shrimp, freshly shucked oysters, sushi and many other mouthwatering seafood dishes. Lago Buffet at Caesars Palace is another absolute must for anyone who truly loves food, especially in such enormous quantities. Featuring fresh ingredients and many made-to-order specialties, the Lago Buffet offers a world-class selection of Asian fare, herb-roasted poultry and sauteed pasta.

If you’re not anywhere near Nevada, or crowded places are just not your thing, consider preparing your own buffet at home to celebrate Buffet Day. You can make anything you want, of course, but seeing as how the buffet has Swedish origins, why not try some Swedish or Scandinavian specialties? Start buy seeking out a high-quality schnapps. Many different kinds of flavored schnapps are available today, and they range from exotic, summery flavors such as watermelon or coconut to root beer or others like it. The world over, cinnamon schnapps is perhaps the most popular kind of schnapps. However, if you’re wanting to keep your smorgasbord/buffet as traditional as possible, buy some Akvavit, a flavored spirit that has been produced in Scandinavia since the 15th century. Akvavit, like vodka, is distilled from either grain or potatoes. After distillation, it is flavored with herbs, spices, or fruit oil, with caraway, cardamom, cumin, anise, fennel, and lemon or orange peel being the most popular choices. Traditionally, different types of pickled herring are served with the drink.

Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget to celebrate Buffet Day!

#DYK: January 2nd is Buffet Day?