What is a continental breakfast and how does it differ from a buffet

Very often, hotels can offer accommodation in rooms with a continental breakfast included in the price. It differs from the buffet in resorts both in the amount of food and the variety of the menu.

This is worth considering for guests who like large portions and a choice of dishes. Travel Wise will tell you about the features of a substantial meal.

Difference from the buffet

The main difference is the absence of hot dishes. Guests who are used to having fried eggs, soup, meat, and side dishes for breakfast will not find them on the table. A continental breakfast usually includes cheese and sausage cuts, vegetables, fruit, cereals, jam, bread, etc. Beverages include coffee, tea, water and juices.

In addition, the choice in hotels with a continental meal, the dishes are usually designed for the number of guests, so you cannot take food from the table to the room. Guests are not served, hotels adhere to the principle of self-service.

Why breakfast is called "continental"

In the nineteenth century, Europeans abandoned fatty and hearty breakfasts because the intellectuals who set the fashion didn't need much energy during the day. Large portions of meat and side dishes were replaced with light snacks. The trend caught on in all European countries except the UK.

The British continued to eat bacon, eggs, and beans for breakfast because of the cold climate. Their bodies spent more energy to keep warm, so without a hearty meal, the British felt tired.

Since a light breakfast became popular only on the continent, it was called continental breakfast.