1 hr ago
Kolkata Foodies Question the Future of Buffet Dining
Buffets let people pay one price and eat many different foods.
In Kolkata, buffets became popular at hotels, parties and restaurants.
Some people now think they are less exciting because the menus often stay the same.
Others say the main dishes can taste bland or the food quality may be disappointing.
Health-conscious diners may not want to pay more than Rs 1,800 for food they cannot eat much of.
Cheap buffets can also make people worry about hygiene and quality.
Some diners avoid buffets because taking too much food can cause waste.
Buffets still work well for large family events and can remain attractive when the menu is unusual or the meal is mainly about spending time together.
Kolkata’s buffet culture grew through hotel brunches, corporate events, weddings and restaurant chains.
Foodies complain that many buffets repeat the same kebabs, desserts and bland main courses.
Health-conscious diners with smaller appetites increasingly question paying more than Rs 1,800 for unlimited food.
Cheaper buffets face concerns about food quality and hygiene, while large portions can create waste.
Buffets remain popular for family gatherings, socialising and distinctive menus, despite declining enthusiasm among some diners.
- Who
- Kolkata foodies, restaurant diners, event planners and families who eat at buffets.
- What
- Buffet dining in Kolkata appears to be losing some of its appeal, although it remains useful for gatherings and social occasions.
- Where
- Kolkata, including hotels, standalone buffet restaurants and venues such as The Westin.
- When
- The article describes current dining preferences and includes an event planner’s view of eating out in 2026.
- Why
- Repeated menus, dissatisfaction with some main courses, health-conscious eating, high prices, hygiene concerns and food waste are discouraging some diners; social convenience and unique menus continue to attract others.
Buffets Losing Their Appeal
Buffets Still Have Social Value
Value for money
Buffets Losing Their Appeal
Health-conscious diners with smaller appetites may not feel that expensive buffets are worthwhile, particularly when prices exceed Rs 1,800.
Buffets Still Have Social Value
The fixed-price, unlimited-food format remains appealing, especially when diners want variety or are organising a large gathering.
Food quality and menus
Buffets Losing Their Appeal
Some foodies say restaurants repeat the same dishes and serve bland or disappointing main courses, while cheaper venues raise hygiene concerns.
Buffets Still Have Social Value
A buffet with a unique menu can still draw crowds, suggesting that the format itself is not the problem when the food is distinctive.
Purpose of dining out
Buffets Losing Their Appeal
Some diners prefer à la carte meals because they eat less and want to avoid waste from taking more food than they can finish.
Buffets Still Have Social Value
Others view buffets as a way to spend time with family and friends, with convenience and relaxed pacing more important than eating large quantities.
Key facts
- Buffet origins in Kolkata
- The format became popular through hotel Sunday brunches and corporate events before spreading to weddings and standalone restaurant chains.
- Price concern
- Some diners question buffets priced above Rs 1,800 because they cannot eat as much as before.
- Menu complaint
- Foodies cited repetitive kebabs and desserts, bland gravies, watery sauces and disappointing meat quality.
- Health trend
- Interviewees said health awareness and smaller appetites have reduced interest in unlimited meals.
- Hygiene concern
- Recent safety raids increased concerns about quality and hygiene at cheaper buffets.
- Food waste
- One former buffet patron said diners often take more food than they can eat.
- Continuing appeal
- Buffets remain convenient for large gatherings and can attract customers when menus are distinctive.
Quotes
Nairit Datta Gupta
An event planner and food enthusiast
“Some restaurants that introduced the buffet format to the city have barely changed their menus in years. The same kebabs, and the same desserts sit on the counters. It is good for a one-time visit. Beyond that, I don't think I'll be interested in visiting.”
telegraphindia.com
“Even people in their 30s and 40s are health-conscious these days, and their appetites have decreased considerably. So, when people have to pay above Rs 1,800 for buffets, they would not want to go for it simply because they can't eat so much anymore.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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