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Can adults order a children's plate for themselves? Travelnews asked catering professionals. Picture: Adobe Stock

Can an adult order a children's meal for themselves?

Many restaurants offer separate dishes for children, primarily because the portions are smaller and cheaper than the original dishes. This can tempt adults who are not very hungry to order a children's plate. But is this even allowed?

Many restaurant guests have probably already experienced it: They sit down in a restaurant when they are not very hungry and look through the menu in search of a small dish that is not too expensive. Undoubtedly one of the children's menus catch their eye.  But then the following question arises: is an adult allowed to order a children's plate?

In essence, there is no universally applicable solution. As is often the case with matters in restaurants and hotels, the proper approach is less about adhering strictly to rules and regulations and more about practicing good manners and delivering exceptional customer service.Travelnews asked several Swiss catering professionals what they think about the situation - with some interesting findings.

A children’s plate is not preferred, but a small portion is welcome

For Maurus Ebneter, President of the Basel-Stadt Catering Association, the case is clear. He says: «Children's plates are intended exclusively for our younger guests.» According to Ebneter, the prices of children's menus are cross-subsidised «because we assume that the little ones are accompanied by adults who order full meals.»

Jeannine Meili, hostess at Restaurant zum Pflugstein in Erlenbach on Lake Zurich and Vice President of the Gastro City of Zurich Association agrees with Maurus Ebenter in principle. «The children's plates are served differently to the other dishes and are usually «simpler» as children have different consumer behaviour to adults.»

«We offer guests who aren't that hungry the option of ordering a small portion,» Meili continues. This is cheaper than the whole portion, but of course a little more expensive than the children's plate.

"We provide guests who may not have a big appetite with the choice of ordering a smaller portion," Meili explains. "It's more affordable than the full serving but, naturally, slightly pricier than the children's portion."

Maurus Ebneter, President of the Basel-Stadt Catering Association, also supports the fact that the restaurants offer their dishes in small portions. At the same time, he points out, «From a purely economic point of view, half portions can only be a quarter cheaper than the normal portion, because the service remains the same.»

Beat F. Hostettler is less strict than his colleagues in Basel and Zurich when it comes to adults asking for a children's plate. The President of Gastro Stadt Bern und Umgebung says, «I think it's legitimate for adults to order a children's plate for themselves.»

But of course everything has its limits. «If someone asks for a children's plate every time they visit a restaurant, that's going too far for me too.» In the rare case in which restaurateurs are confronted with this situation, Hostettler says they should take it with a sense of humour. He then says with a wink: «Please don't overeat today!»

(RSU)