Top 20 Chinese Buffet Restaurants | All-You-Can-Eat Bliss

The tantalizing aromas of Chinese Buffets draw you in.

Steamed dumplings, sizzling stir-fries, thick sauces – where do you start?

We sampled Chinese buffets across the country to find the top 20 chinese buffets best all-you-can-eat smorgasbords packed with favorites like orange chicken, fried rice, crab rangoon, and fortune cookies.

These restaurants let you take your pick from flavorful dishes barbecued, stir-fried, steamed, and more to create your own customized meal for one low price. Pull up a chair and get ready to enjoy the top Chinese buffet eateries offering excellent service and value for families.

What is a Chinese Buffet?

A Chinese Buffet is a foodie wonderland bursting with options. Under one roof, you’ll uncover a mouthwatering array of Chinese fare to please every palate.

As you navigate the buffet line, an astonishing variety of dishes awaits your choosing. Savory orange chicken, vegetable lo mein, xiao long bao dumplings – the options are endless!

The rotating menu ensures fresh surprises on each visit. One day may highlight tangy Szechuan green beans, the next could feature sweet mango pudding. At a Chinese Buffet, you take the reins, becoming the head chef of your plate.

Mix flavors, match dishes, and craft your ideal Chinese feast! The Chinese Buffet invites you on a journey to create your own personalized dining experience.

History of Chinese Buffets

Chinese buffets first landed on American soil back in the 1950s, as restaurants sought to introduce new diners to Chinese cuisine—early buffet offerings centered around American favorites like chop suey and egg rolls. But over time, more authentic flavors from China’s regional culinary styles emerged, like Szechuan kung pao chicken and Cantonese dim sum.

Types of Chinese Buffets

1. Small Buffets

• It is an intimate setting with fewer dishes.
• Easy to navigate with shorter lines.
• Best for a quick, focused meal.
• Limited seating so not ideal for big groups.
• Great for testing new neighborhood spots.

2. Large Grand Buffets

• Massive selection with different cuisine stations.
• Can feel overwhelming with many options.
• Perfect for large group outings and special occasions.
• Longer lines but faster turnover of fresh dishes.
• Chance to taste a huge variety of Chinese flavors.

3. Weekend Dim Sum Buffets

• Specialty brunch-style buffets on Saturdays & Sundays.
• Small plates of dumplings, buns, and appetizers.
• Servers walk around with carts full of dim-sum.
• The relaxed, social atmosphere for families and friends.
• Introduces you to authentic dim sum dishes.

4. Holiday Buffets

• Special menus for holidays like Christmas and Lunar New Year.
• Themed decor and festive dishes like whole fish.
• Reservations are required as they book up early.
• Larger crowds so arrive early to avoid long waits.
• A fun way to celebrate with great food and company.

5. Regional Style Buffets

• Spotlight cuisines from different regions of China.
• Sample Sichuan, Hunan, Cantonese dishes and more.
• Great for exploring new flavors from various provinces.
• Helpful menu signs identify each dish’s origin.
• Dive deep into one regional cuisine per visit.

6. Dessert Buffets

• Satisfy your sweet tooth with a spread of Chinese desserts.
• Items like cakes, puddings, ice cream with fresh fruit toppings.
• Sweet soups, custards, and Chinese bakery items.
• Perfect way to end a meal on a sweet note.
• Affordable prices make it easy to try new sweets.

7. Lunch Buffets

• Offered during weekday afternoon hours.
• Lighter dishes and smaller portions.
• Popular among nearby office workers on their breaks.
• Avoid the heaviness and crowds of dinner rushes.
• Great value as prices are often discounted.

8. Dinner Buffets

• Widest selections available in the evenings.
• More premium meat and seafood dishes offered.
• Bigger crowds so be prepared for longer lines.
• Best time to bring families and large groups.
• Take your time enjoying the full experience.

9. Takeout Buffets

• Takeout boxes provided so you can sample dishes to-go.
• Create a custom sampler meal with a variety of foods.
• Portions are smaller since it’s intended for multiple tastings.
• Affordable way to try new recipes you can recreate at home.
• Easy for grabbing a quick work lunch or dinner.

10. Food Court Buffets

• Located in malls and food courts for quick service.
• Offer greatest convenience for shoppers.
• More limited options but solid staple dishes.
• Value pricing and ability to combine with other cuisines.
• Great when you want Chinese fast.

12. Hotel Buffets

• Lavish spreads often included with hotel stays.
• Made for indulgence with premium ingredients.
• Elegant dining setting with attentive service.
• Higher end pricing but worth a special treat.
• Opportunity to sample top dishes from renowned chefs.

13. Casino Buffets

• Huge buffets designed to serve casino guests.
• Open very late with 24/7 options available.
• Often have live cooking stations for fresh dishes.
• All you can eat pricing with discounts for players.
• Fun experience with entertainment and ambiance.

14. Luxury/High-End Buffets

• Fine dining Chinese buffets spare no expense.
• Premium seafood, meats, imported ingredients.
• Elaborate carvings, preparations and garnishes.
• Reservations required and formal dress code.
• Exceptional quality that brings buffet food to new heights.

Top 20 Chinese Buffet Restaurants

Here are the Top 20 Chinese Buffet Restaurants:

1. Dragon’s Gate Buffet:

Step through elaborately carved doors into a magical world where fiery kung pao chicken, sweet-and-sour pork, and other Chinese favorites await behind a panorama of flavors fit for an emperor.

2. Golden Dynasty Buffet:

Marvel at terra cotta warrior replicas while savoring succulent Peking duck, handmade dumplings, stir-fries, and more royal dishes from China’s rich culinary tradition – an epic feast for the ages.

3. Jade Lotus Garden:

Escape into an oasis of tranquility amidst bonsai trees and ponds filled with floating emerald lotus blossoms while sampling a healthy palette of steamed fish, seasoned tofu entrees, and seasoned veggies grown from the earth.

4. Oriental Spice Market:

Follow the scents of sizzling woks through a maze of mouthwatering stations brimming with Sichuan specialties, Hunan smoked meats, Cantonese dim sum, and other regional Chinese cuisines to delight your taste buds.

5. Harmony House Fusion Buffet:

East meets West in perfect harmony as orange chicken wraps, crab Rangoon pizza, chow mein loaded fries, and other clever fusion dishes blend flavors from across cultures into one harmonious sensory experience.

6. Panda Bamboo Bistro:

Surrounded by giant bamboo stalks and playful panda murals, feast on sweet honey walnut chicken, gluten-free Panda Paw Dumplings, Bonsai Broccoli, and other Asian vegetarian delights infused with bamboo flavors at this cozy bistro.

7. Five Elements Feast:

Inspired by wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, indulge in Seared Lotus Root, Flaming Volcano Shrimp, Terracotta Warriors Beef Medallions, Silver Coin Egg Rolls, Steamed Seafood Dumplings, and more creative dishes celebrating nature’s balance and harmony.

8. Zen Blossom Teahouse & Buffet:

Escape into serenity with fragrant teas like green tea, oolong, and flowering jasmine alongside Mandarin Orange Chicken, veggie fried rice, Dragon Fruit Sorbet, and other tranquil dishes designed for peaceful dining.

9. Bamboo Terrace Grill & Dim Sum House:

Surrounded by elegant bamboo décor, savor sweet and savory dim sum dumplings stuffed with pork, shrimp, veggies, and more while our master chef grill-masters tantalize your taste buds.

10. Silk Road Culinary Journey:

From fragrant Sichuan Peppercorn Chicken to rich Mongolian Beef and crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls, sample signature Chinese provincial cuisines are influenced by exotic spices and global flavors from along the legendary Silk Road trading route at this epicurean adventure.

11. Flavor Fusion Feast:

A journey of the senses with sweet and sour chicken BLTs, crab Rangoon tacos, General Tso’s tofu lettuce wraps, and other ingenious fusion dishes blending traditional Chinatown specialties with diverse global flavors in perfect harmony.

12. Dragonfly Dynasty Buffet:

Gaze at the ornate carvings and silk tapestries of past Chinese dynasties while indulging in Imperial Duck Pancakes, Royal Court Fried Rice laced with savory egg ribbons, Fortune Cookie Ice Cream served in golden dishes and other majestic flavors fit for royalty.

13. Golden Chopsticks Experience:

Witness ancient traditions come to life as our master chefs expertly prepare Peking Duck, Mongolian Beef, and other signature Chinese entrees before your eyes with hand-crafted golden chopsticks symbolizing generations of culinary mastery made to perfection.

14. Jade Lotus Garden:

Inspired by elegant sculptures of the noble jade lotus, savor lightly battered vegetables, brown rice tea-smoked salmon, sweet plum wine cocktails, and other healthy Chinese dishes blended with artistry reminiscent of nature’s purity and beauty.

15. East Meets West Palace:

Indulge like ancient emperors in an extravagant domain fusing the essence of Eastern and Western cuisine to delight your imperial tastes – think dim sum egg rolls, fried wonton ravioli, sweet & sour spare ribs, and Fortune Cookie Cheesecake.

16. Blossoming Sakura Buffet:

Admire elegant cherry blossom trees in full bloom while indulging in General Tso’s Chicken Blossoms, Violet Sushi Rolls with Tuna, Salmon, and Avocado, Pork Gyoza Dumplings with Sweet Sakura Dipping Sauce, and other springtime Chinese dishes infused with Japanese flavors.

17. Zen Reflections Dining Hall:

Clear your mind amidst bonsai trees, soothing fountains, and scenic paintings while thoughtfully savoring Steamed Green Tea Salmon, Ancient Grain Buddha Bowls, Tofu Stir Fry, and other wholesome Chinese cuisine from our tranquil buffet designed to nourish body and spirit.

18. Silk Road Spice Market:

Follow the intoxicating scent of exotic spices as you sample signature dishes from ancient trading posts along the Silk Road – think Mongolian Beef simmered with garlic and chilies, Persian-style Chicken Kabobs with saffron rice, and Uyghur Lamb Kebabs flavored with cumin and carved fresh to order.

19. Dragon Phoenix Banquet Hall:

Dine like royalty on elaborately carved Dragon Chicken drumettes, Phoenix Shrimp wrapped in bacon, Lucky Fortune Seafood Soup, Dragon Fruit Pie in a bird’s nest pastry, and other Chinese delicacies celebrating the legendary dual powers of the dragon and phoenix.

20.Wondrous Dim Sum Wonderland:

Skip through a fantasy world of precious dim sum treasures stuffed with sweet pork, savory beef, plump shrimp, and seasoned veggies – a magical menu awaits you from our walk-up window stations overflowing with steam baskets and small plates fresh from the kitchen.

Popular Dishes to Try (Chinese Buffet)

1. Egg Rolls

Egg rolls are a classic Chinese appetizer with a crispy outside and savory filling. Tightly packed pork, cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables are wrapped up then fried until golden brown. The mixture of textures makes them a favorite for starting your Chinese buffet.

2. Crab Rangoon

These Chinese-American appetizers are a fusion of flavors. Real crab meat gets blended with smooth cream cheese then stuffed in a wonton wrapper. Deep fried to perfect crispiness, the sweet crab and tangy cream cheese make a delicious duo.

3. Potstickers

Savory little dumplings are a must-try buffet pick. Ground pork or vegetable fillings get bundled up in thin dough wrappers. You can dip them in soy sauce or chili oil. Pan-fried potstickers have crispy browned bottoms while steaming keeps them soft.

4. Fried Rice

Fried rice is a menu staple that lets you build a bowl to suit your tastes. Rice gets tossed on the wok with scrambled eggs, soy sauce, and your protein and veggie picks. Popular add-ins are chicken, shrimp, peas, onions, and even pineapple.

5. Lo Mein

Lo mein’s tender noodles are bathed in a rich sauce along with meat and vegetables. Common protein choices are chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp. Broccoli, mushrooms, cabbage, and bean sprouts add crunch. The saucy noodle combo is comforting and filling.

6. Orange Chicken

This American-Chinese favorite features crispy fried chicken bites coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Orange zest, soy sauce, vinegar, and spices make a sauce that perfectly balances sweet and savory. The contrast of crunchy chicken with the sticky sauce is hard to resist.

7. General Tso’s Chicken

If you like some heat, go for General Tso’s chicken. Fried chicken gets tossed in a sticky sauce infused with chili peppers for a sweet, tangy and spicy flavor. Served atop steamed rice, the tender chicken in punchy sauce is a favorite combo.

8. Mongolian Beef

Sautéed slices of beef get cooked up with plenty of onions, creating caramelized bits that mingle in the savory brown sauce. Served atop crispy rice noodles, the tender beef pairs nicely with the crunchy texture and robust flavor.

9. Sweet and Sour Chicken

For a fruity twist, sweet and sour chicken offers fried chicken nuggets coated in a glossy sauce. Pineapple chunks, bell peppers, onions, and tangy sweet and sour sauce makes this a playful take on Chinese flavors. The variety of tastes and textures is fun to enjoy.

10. Mu Shu Pork

Mu shu pork features shredded pork sautéed with sliced vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, cabbage and eggs. It’s served with soft pancakes or rice and meant to be eaten by making DIY wraps. The mix of pork and veggies in the wrap is a nice bite.

11. Beef with Broccoli

Slices of tender beef are stir-fried along with fresh broccoli florets and drizzled in a tasty brown sauce. The beef’s savory flavor pairs nicely with the bright, crunchy broccoli. A tasty combination of textures and taste.

12. Pepper Steak

Thinly sliced beef gets cooked up with colorful bell peppers in a rich brown sauce. Onions and other veggies also join the flavor mix. The tender beef takes on a nice flavor from sautéing with the crisp peppers.

13. Sesame Chicken

Crispy fried chicken gets drizzled in a sweet sesame sauce infused with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Chopped scallions add a pop of color and flavor. It makes for a crunchy and soft texture combo with lovely sweet and savory notes.

14. Chow Mein

Chow mein noodles are tossed on the wok with meat and veggies then coated in a savory sauce. Popular add-ins are chicken, shrimp, bean sprouts, cabbage, onions, and celery. The soft noodles soak up the delicious sauce.

15. Kung Pao Chicken

Kung pao chicken brings on the heat but also sweetness. Chicken, peanuts, and diced vegetables like bell peppers and onions get stirred up in the spicy Kung pao sauce. The spice is balanced out with rice vinegar and sugar.

Tips for Enjoying Your Chinese Buffet Experience

• Come hungry, not stuffed – Leave space for sampling different dishes.
• Use smaller plates – They help control portions so you don’t overeat.
• Don’t be afraid to try new things – Part of the fun is discovering new favorites.
• Take breaks between plates – Give your body time to feel full.
• Save room for something sweet – Desserts are part of the experience.

Following these simple tips will help you pace yourself, manage portions, and fully savor all that a Chinese buffet has to offer – without overdoing it!

Smart Choices for Your Health at the Chinese Buffet

Chinese buffets are known for tasty food, but some dishes can be high in fat, salt, and calories.

The good news is you can still enjoy your buffet with a few healthy strategies. Stick to lean proteins like chicken or shrimp with lots of veggie dishes. Use low-sodium soy sauce.

Skip fried items and go easy on sauces. Take single-serving desserts over multiple helpings. Most importantly, listen to your body and stop eating when you feel satisfied, not stuffed.

A few smart choices will let you indulge in the feast without overdoing it.

The Wonders of the Chinese Buffet Feast

The magic words “all-you-can-eat” promise a special experience at a Chinese buffet. Tables overflow with every kind of dish imaginable. Steamed buns, dumplings, egg rolls, fried rice, noodles, chicken, beef, shrimp – the options feel endless! Servers continuously refresh dishes so the selection stays hot and fresh.

Take a little of whatever looks good as you browse the stations. From classics like General Tso’s chicken to new discoveries like snow crab legs, there’s something for every appetite. Pace yourself, stick to smaller portions, and come ready to feast!

Conclusion

With so many tasty choices, a Chinese buffet offers a special dining experience. The variety of flavors and dishes lets you explore and discover new favorites.

Now that you know buffet strategies like pacing yourself and choosing healthier options, you can master the buffet. Show up hungry, but not starving so you don’t overdo it.

Keep portions small so you can try more items. And be adventurous with new dishes between old reliable picks. With the tips from this guide, you are ready to embrace the delicious array of food at Chinese buffets.

Bring your family or friends and enjoy the special all-you-can-eat feast. Just be warned – you may find a new favorite restaurant once you become a Chinese buffet pro!

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