Is it worth going to self-service cafes or is it a scam?

Self-service systems aren't a scam, just a different format with its own pros and cons. The key is to check what they're actually offering and at what price. If the cafe is honest, the prices are either lower than usual (since there's no wait staff), or roughly the same, but with the understanding that you're serving yourself. The problem comes up when the prices are the same as a full-service cafe, but you get less food or drinks, or they're cold. That's when it starts to look like a ripoff 😅

Before you go, check reviews and photos from real people - you'll immediately know whether to grab their pizza or soup. Usually self-service works well for quick bites (pastries, coffee, ready-made salads), but with hot food there's sometimes a catch. If the menu is all semi-prepared stuff they just heat up and it's not stated clearly - that's a red flag.

And one more thing: sometimes self-service is great for breakfast or when you're in a rush and don't want to wait for a server, and sometimes it's just not worth the hassle. Try it once if it's cheap and reviews are decent - chances are it'll be fine.

The main thing is to check reviews of the specific place beforehand and see what they actually offer! Because "self-service" can hide completely different concepts. It's one thing when it's an honest format with transparent prices and decent selection, another when you're paying for air and forced to assemble a plate from pathetic scraps of food.

There's a hidden pitfall that few people pay attention to - markup on components! For example, the main dish seems cheaper than usual, but when you start adding side dishes, sauce, vegetables - each element separately, and in the end it costs more than at a regular café. Plus some places deliberately undercharge the base offering to attract people, then upsell you on add-ons. Make sure to clarify whether the side dish, sauce, drink are included in the price - or if that's all extra.

If everything's transparent with prices and the food quality is decent - why not! Self-service itself isn't bad, it just requires more attention when picking a place. Read reviews, ask friends who've already been, and don't be lazy about asking the staff what's included in the price!

Have you actually checked the specific menu and prices at the place you're thinking about? Because self-service itself isn't a dealbreaker - it all depends on what they're actually cooking there and how much a meal costs. Tip: go in an hour or two after they open, when they haven't had time to put out the dried-up leftovers from the morning yet, but everything fresh is ready. And pay attention to the temperature of the containers - if a hot dish is only lukewarm, that's a good reason to question whether the place is being honest with you.