Albina Kholgova, president of the National Association of Experts in Business Etiquette, has outlined the most common mistakes guests make at hotel buffets. Speaking to news outlet 360.ru, Kholgova recommended that diners never return food from their personal plate back to a shared dish. She stated that this rule covers both hygiene and etiquette.
As an example, Kholgova noted that if a diner takes a small cutlet and then sees a larger one, they must keep the small cutlet rather than exchanging it. She also urged hotel guests not to enter restaurant areas in swimwear. She advised replacing swimwear with shorts, a shirt, or a dress, emphasizing that public dining venues enforce a dress code.
Buffet Hygiene and Perishable Foods
In addition, Kholgova warned guests not to touch food items with their hands, advising them to use dedicated utensils instead. She also cautioned diners against lingering at the serving line and blocking other guests.
The advice follows earlier guidance from travel expert Natalia Anstal, who previously recommended avoiding certain buffet items. Anstal warned that perishable products present the highest risk, highlighting salads prepared with sauces and yogurts as particularly dangerous.
