Most often we come across the term “buffet” in hotels. It is a buffet of several dishes that tourists can consume an unlimited amount of. However, not everyone knows how this type of food is associated with Sweden, and in most countries, people will not understand you at all if you ask them about the buffet.
Why is the table called buffet?
This method of serving was invented by the Swedes in antiquity. The fact is that on the road, because of the constant cold, the Swedes practically did not eat. Therefore, at stops or the end of the journey, they were very hungry. First of all, everyone was doing what he needed more: someone went to the table, someone took a shower, and someone slept. The receiving party understood this and did not immediately call the travelers to the table.
For guests, preparations were laid out in large bowls, among which were herring, fried meat or fish, vegetables, desserts, and drinks. As a result, everyone could approach these bowls at a convenient time and take the necessary portion of food. This method of filing quickly took root, as it was convenient for everyone. both for guests and for those who receive them.
Over time, European culture influenced traditions in Sweden, and then buffets began to be organized there, which they began to call “buffets” because of the piece of furniture on which the food was located. However, only appetizers were served in this format. the main meal was at the table.
In Ukraine, this name came, as linguists suggest, from the stories of travelers. They were in Sweden for some time and saw this tradition, so in Ukraine, the table began to be called “Swedish”. Most Western countries do not know about this term.
As they say in other countries
The buffet is called only in a few countries: Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Hungary, Croatia, and Lithuania. In other countries, if you ask about the buffet, you are unlikely to be understood, even though this type of food is common in Europe.
There is no such term in Western languages. It continues to be called “buffet”, as it did in the Middle Ages. Because in Russian the word “buffet” turned out to have a different meaning, the use of the term “buffet” has taken root.