The Buffet is a versatile and popular dining format defined by choice and self-service:

 Extensive Variety: Buffets are celebrated for offering a large, diverse range of dishes, often covering multiple courses (appetizers, salads, main courses, and desserts) and sometimes different culinary styles (e.g., Chinese, Italian, Indian).

 Fixed-Price Dining: Guests typically pay a single, all-inclusive price for their meal, which allows them to return to the food line as often as they wish (all-you-can-eat), offering excellent value for those with large appetites.

 Self-Service Model: The defining feature is self-service, where guests personally select and plate their desired portions from the arranged chafing dishes, eliminating the need for traditional table service for the main course.

Presentation & Maintenance: Food is laid out attractively and kept at appropriate serving temperatures—hot dishes are maintained on heating elements (chafing dishes), and cold items are kept chilled on ice beds.