Where, how and when did the expression “buffet” appear? (7 photos)

A buffet is a buffet serving of food in which many different dishes are displayed at the same time so that everyone can put on their plate as much as they want and what they want.





This way of setting the table appeared a long time ago. When the ancestors of modern Swedes finally got to visit their relatives (and the roads, naturally, were not of great quality), the hosts treated them immediately, without waiting for the other guests. And they threw everything that had been stored for this occasion on the table: all kinds of salted, smoked and fried fish, vegetables, eggs, meat, cheese, fruits and more. In a word, everything that in the modern understanding is combined under the category of snacks.



This was followed by hot dishes - baked potatoes and meat dishes such as cutlets and meatballs. The treat was served on the table in huge bowls, and everyone took food to their own taste. This method of serving made it possible to quickly feed hungry travelers and did not interfere with communication. In Swedish, the meal was called smörgåsbord, from bord (table) and smörgås (sandwich).

As local aristocrats comprehended the gastronomic culture of other peoples and countries, the menu began to change. This was also facilitated by foreign chefs coming to the country. In the period from approximately the 14th to the 16th centuries, this method of serving acted as a kind of gastronomic prelude. In a specially equipped room for guests, a table was set with aperitifs and light snacks.





The name buffet has entered most European languages. Having satisfied their first hunger and spending time greeting and getting to know each other, the guests moved to the hall where tables were set for a traditional meal.



Gradually, the buffet principle began to be used in various countries in hotels, inns, and train stations. In our language, the expression “buffet” was fixed, most likely, after the stories of writers and travelers during the period of the late century before last - the beginning of the last century. This way of eating has spread throughout the world.



Buffet and Swedish cuisine are not at all equivalent to each other. Only the serving principle has been preserved, implying self-service. This makes the task much easier when you need to feed a large number of people, especially given limited time.



In terms of costs, a buffet is more profitable, since the food is prepared, as they say, in bulk. Portioning implies other expenses. Plus, the same ingredients are used for different dishes. But no one has canceled human physiology. And with very rare exceptions, you can roughly calculate how much food the average person - guest, lodger, passenger - will eat.



In Sweden itself, this table is called a sandwich table. But Swedes rarely resort to such serving, mainly on holidays like Christmas. But in honor of such events, the Swedes try to recreate a truly national, original atmosphere and prepare and serve herring, salmon, ham and meatballs on the festive table.

Do you like the buffet?