What is a buffet?

Updated on 20/10/2026

A service where dishes are set out on a table or serving line and each guest helps themselves to what they want, in the amount they want.

A buffet is a style of food service where dishes are set out on a table or serving line and each guest helps themselves to what they want, in the amount they want. It can include starters, mains, sides, desserts and drinks.

What it is used for at a corporate event

It is an easy option for relaxed lunches, training days and company celebrations. It combines variety, a quick pace and good presentation, and suits medium-sized and large groups. Guests choose and go back for more, which helps cater for different tastes and diets.

Approximate quantities and duration

A buffet lunch lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. For 50 people, the industry benchmark comes to about 150 starter pieces, 5 kg of salad, 7.5 kg of main course, 6 kg of sides, 2 kg of bread, 50 individual desserts and 150 drinks. These figures come from the calculator in our price guide and are approximate only: the actual menu is adjusted to the timing and the profile of the group.

How it differs from other formats

Unlike a seated menu, dishes are not plated or served at the table: guests choose them at the buffet.
Unlike a standing lunch, there are tables and the dishes are more substantial.
Unlike a corporate lunch box, the self-service is shared, not individual.
A variation with live cooking is the live food station, the building block of live cooking.
Dessert can come from a dessert table instead of the buffet line.