Hotel Breakfast Buffet: Foods to Avoid and What’s Safe to Eat

You’ve arrived at the hotel, walked into the breakfast buffet, eyed the omelet, and couldn’t resist going back for seconds. Breakfast is often one of the highlights of a hotel stay, but it can come at a cost. Not everything on the buffet table is worth piling onto your plate, and it's wise to think twice before taking another bite of that cake.

A food safety expert recently explained that certain items are best avoided at hotel buffets, primarily due to the risk of contamination. People often use their hands instead of utensils, meaning the food may be touched before it even reaches your plate.

The website mashed.com, which includes fast food, chef recipes, and food reviews, listed several common buffet items that carry higher risks- especially when hygiene isn’t strictly enforced. These include not only scrambled eggs and pancakes but also several foods you might not expect.

Microbiologist Jay Tetro advises steering clear of spreads like jam, peanut butter, and other open condiments served in bowls. He clarified that sealed containers are generally safe, but when spreads are kept in communal open containers with spoons or serving tools, there’s a good chance someone’s fingers made contact. He also recommends avoiding mayonnaise and salad dressings, which can easily become breeding grounds for bacteria.

Foods to Avoid at Hotel Breakfast Buffets:

1. Fried potatoes

2. Fruit salad

3. Pancakes

4. Breakfast cereals (especially those accessible to kids)

5. Open spreads (jam, peanut butter, etc.)

6. Scrambled eggs (unless made fresh on the spot)

Safer Buffet Choices:

1. Smoked salmon

2. Quiche

3. Made-to-order omelets

4. Cheese

5. Whole fruits

6. Nuts

Final tip: Be cautious with anything served in an open bowl. If the butter or jam is served in sealed packaging, it’s much safer to eat- as long as it’s within its expiration date.