What I eat depends on the nature of the particular buffet, but generally the benefit of a buffet is the variety, rather than just the quantity. I have explored many high-end buffets, and the food at the best of them is just excellent. I have completed two trip reports mainly on exploring the world's best buffets, and my journey continues. The best so far were Burj al Arab in Dubai, Intercontinental Hong Kong, and Cafe Too Hong Kong in the Shangri La. These are experiences not to be missed by anyone, and I would challenge any buffet-naysayer to try these out as I can't see anyone being disappointed in the least.

Here is the first buffet trip report.

Here is the second.

As you will see, some buffets can be very sophisticated in terms of environment and quality of dishes. Having gone to many of them now, I have trained myself to not over-do the quantities and usually average about four plates, and tend to only sample the desert selections. But at good restaurants, I never leave hungry anyhow, so those are "all you can eat", so to speak, as well...