Weekday Dinner Buffet: Can't quite give this place a 4 but I would consider it to be slightly over 3 stars. In terms of variety of food options in the buffet, there is certainly a plethora, as they accurately advertise. Quite possibly the most options at a Chinese buffet in the city, as I believe they also advertise. However, that being said, quality is very much sacrificed in favor of this supposedly beloved variety. All food options were edible (I sampled MANY) and I had no concern with regard to food safety. But if consistently good flavor AND texture across a variety of Chinese buffet food options is important to you, Yang Ming might not be your best option. With almost every dish I tried (probably 3 dozen; I tasted small samples of many) either the flavor was off but the texture was ok, or the texture was unappetizing but the seasoning/sauce/garnish tasted ok. These factors did not coexist in any of the appetizer/entre/sushi options. Flavor is most often times simply lacking in these dishes. Definitively mid-teir Chinese food, and unfortunately I don't feel like I got quite the value I paid for.
Of more minor note - the soup bowls are microscopic! Only 2 wontons fit and I almost guarantee that you'll make a mess spilling your soup broth on the way to your table.
Redeeming Qualities: Why I rate over 3 stars?
Dessert buffet! I sincerely hope that this gets through to the individual responsible for the dessert confectionery/pastries/baking/sweets department, because it HIGHLY overshadowed the quality of the entre meal options. Many items seemed very fresh and homemade, and taste AND texture were both present in most options available. From what it seems, the dim sum style sweet pastries are quite authentic style. The ice cream available is also good quality and I believe you have around 8-10 flavor options.
Atmosphere - Yang Ming has a surprisingly modern and renovated looking interior, with a very nice bar setup that would go mostly unused if it weren't for the functions I would presume them to occasionally host. Music playing was also pleasant.
Service - For a Chinese buffet, we did receive quite good service from a very polite and friendly waiter, who was always quick to clear the plates we were finished with.
Should you go to Yang Ming?? If you are elderly and taste doesn't matter so much to you any more, or if you are a little weary about exposing yourself to food with too much flavor, OR if for some reason you are in the mood for primarily Chinese buffet desserts, OR if you are a child who will mostly eat rice and noodles and a couple deep fried and breaded meats, then Yang Ming is for you!!!
Otherwise, for those such as myself who are looking for generally better taste and quality, (I don't care too much about obscene variety) there is certainly a better Chinese Buffet option for an equal or lesser cost in this vast and...
Read moreIf you're seeking Edmonton's ultimate all-you-can-eat adventure, look no further than Yang Ming Buffet! This isn't just a meal; it's a vibrant culinary kingdom where you truly "feast like a king" without breaking the bank.
The atmosphere buzzes with family-friendly energy – perfect for large groups, making it a lively yet respectful hub for all cultures. And the staff? Absolutely top-notch! Even when busy, they're attentive, making sure your dining experience is seamless. Plus, the autonomous robots that sing "Happy Birthday" add a wonderfully unique and memorable touch that kids (and adults!) adore.
Now, for the food: the selection is simply mind-boggling! Dive into a vast and varied sushi spread, or load up at the generous salad bar, brimming with fresh, vibrant options perfect for vegetarians and health-conscious diners. The soup selection is excellent, and carvers are on hand for personalized cut meats. You'll find an endless parade of steamed dishes and classic Chinese favourites that hit all the right notes.
But Yang Ming truly shines by seamlessly blending in Western comfort foods too! Pile your plate with crispy fried chicken legs, savoury bacon strips, comforting potato shreds, golden onion rings, fluffy scrambled eggs, and delicious sausages. It’s a harmonious blend that ensures every palate leaves utterly satisfied. And don't forget the dessert bar, offering everything from cookies and cakes to a refreshing array of fresh fruits for a sweet, wholesome finish.
Yang Ming Buffet delivers incredible variety, fantastic value, and delightful service, all topped off with charming, singing robots. For families, friends, or anyone with a hearty appetite looking for diverse, delicious, and yes, even wholesome choices (if you play your cards right at the salad bar!), this place is an absolute must-visit. You’ll leave feeling...
Read moreFood is ok, has been going down in quality for some time now. Used to be a standby where we would go at least once a month. This most recent trip was genuinely awful. The food was gross, the sauces were incredibly thick and overly sweet, everything else was over salted and most noticeably all of the noodles were dry and starting to bake under the heat lamps.
Service was awful. We walked in and stood around for 5 minutes until we and the people in front of us were finally helped. There was one waitress standing outside the doors smoking and chatting with a coworker while the 3 hosts were standing at their station and talking while we stood there.
When we were brought to our section it was dirty, several tables were unbussed with food and drinks sitting around. The waitress was no where to be seen for the first 10 minutes we sat at the table hoping to order some drinks. When we finally got up to get food we found water dropped on our table and no sign of our server. The only time our server actually came up to the table was to awkwardly ask my girlfriend to get up out of the booth, while we were eating, so she could shuffle in and play with the thermostat.
When it came time to pay for the bill we waited and waited so I went to the washroom and left my girlfriend to pay, because of the terrible service and below average food we left no tip, the server blew up on my girlfriend for saying that we didn’t see her, get drinks or anything else. The server said “If food was fine you should tip anyways”.
We will not be returning, sad to see the quality starting to slip used to be...
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