The dark side of Ramadan buffets

Ramadan is a time of abstinence, reflection and self-control. It is a time to be empathetic and understand the hardships of the disadvantaged. Yet, this month has become a time for overindulgence in food, thanks partly to numerous iftar offers and deals.

Yet do you, like many people, believe that feasting in these buffets never actually feel satisfying? Here are a few possible reasons why.

Quality control

Food served at buffets during Ramadan is usually cooked beforehand to accommodate swarms of people coming in. Expecting the food to be perfectly clean and fresh at a place where hundreds break their fast together is quite optimistic. Due to the heavy workload on restaurant staff during iftar, who need to break their fast as well, the food may sometimes be late, cold, or under or overcooked.

Food waste

These buffets are particularly irresponsible because of the large amounts of food that is wasted. People usually pile different items until every inch of their plate is covered, if not toppling over with food, but they are unlikely to finish much of it.

Feasting on these absurd amounts to the very last bite is in no way physically or spiritually healthy. If you are attending one of these buffets, make sure you have just the right amount on your plate. A solid tip? Do not overestimate your hunger on an empty stomach.

You may argue that you've eaten all 24 slices of pizza, but did you eat the crust? What about half the slice you left along with the crust just to go up the ridiculous ladder, mmhmm?

Value for money

Ramadan buffets aren't exactly the most reasonably priced at most places. Spending a fortune on food when you can hardly finish everything they are offering (you've probably tried and failed) is usually a waste of your money. Some people force more food down than they can, or should, in order to make it worth the price they paid.

Perhaps an alternative are the buy one get one offers. Then again, while you think you might be getting a good deal on the 100+ dishes on offer, remember that the food waste and lack of quality control are still on the menu.

Overeating

Fasting comes with a great deal of health benefits. However, not breaking your fast modestly can backfire, resulting in weight gain and more serious medical conditions.

From a health point of view, feasting defeats the purpose of fasting altogether, and goes against the spirit of Ramadan. Stuffing your mouth until you're riding on a food coma is not something to be proud of.

Given the consequences of stuffing yourselves in such buffets, you're better off cooking at home, ordering in iftar or even going out to eat and doing so in a rational and sensible manner with your loved ones. Sounds radical? I know.

Yet another friend has invited Shanum to an iftar buffet despite having passed out two days ago. Send peer pressure survival tips at shanumsarkar18@gmail.com