China One Buffet — Restaurant in Big Rapids Township

China One Buffet in Big Rapids, MI, is the kind of place that delivers exactly what you want from a proper buffet experience—hot, fresh food, a wide variety of options, and service that operates with near-military precision.

A group of work friends and I initially planned to grab takeout but wisely chose to dine in. A break from the office was well worth it. The buffet stations were consistently stocked, ensuring there was never an empty tray. Every dish was hot and fresh, a rarity for some buffets. The only mild mishap was one unfortunate diner underestimating the temperature of a bacon-wrapped bite—though, if anything, this speaks to the kitchen’s dedication to serving food at optimal temperatures.

I piled my plate high with their green beans, cooked in a style I describe as distinctly Chinese—simple, flavorful, and addictively good. General Tso’s chicken was rich and saucy, delivering just the right balance of sweet and spice. While I can’t confirm the origins of the General’s recipe, I can tell you it’s certainly not from the Colonel. The pepper steak was well-prepared, and in a strategic move, I borrowed some broccoli from the chicken and broccoli dish, a maneuver I highly recommend for boosting vegetable intake.

One of the more mysterious, yet delightful, items was a spring roll filled with a meat pâté-like filling. I didn’t know exactly what I was eating, but I did know I wanted more of it. Using green beans as a base instead of rice proved to be an excellent choice, keeping the meal lighter and preventing an afternoon energy crash.

The service was exemplary. The staff moved with sniper-like accuracy, ensuring my ice water was never empty—I have never felt more hydrated at a restaurant.

The environment was clean, though the restaurant has seen younger days. It has been around for years, and I don’t think I’ve seen a change.

China One Buffet checks all the necessary boxes—solid food quality, exceptional service, and an experience that delivers on expectations. I’ll absolutely be back, green beans first, mystery spring roll second. If you’re looking for a buffet that gets it right, this is one...

This place used to be halfway decent. However, my wife and I went for dinner last night (8/25/23) for the meal portion of our date night and idk what to say anymore. All the sauce covered chicken tastes the same. The rice was made in insta-pots (which is a good way to make rice), but the self-serving rice spoon was sitting in room temp water with stuff in the water. My wife had the crab rangoon; she politely but very quickly spit it into a napkin after a small bite, because she said it tasted like spoiled milk. Even the banana pudding wasn’t very good. Their only saving grace, was the light batter-fried shrimp, which was great.

The service is very generic. They ask for your drink, write it down, and then say help yourself (buffet style option) and so we do. But I observed a few other customers ask basic questions, to which employees would talk amongst each other in Chinese right in front of the customers. There’s nothing inherently wrong with the language, but to talk around the customer in front of them is fairly rude and inconsiderate. Then to top it all off, the bill was $36.75 for two people. That’s ridiculous.

The atmosphere is kinda cold and uninviting: the lighting isn’t very bright, the music isn’t understandable, the dinnerware is like a plastic ceramic with regular silverware, and the lighting for the food was low.

It was towards the bottom of our choices as it was, but we went because it was Welcome Weekend for Ferris State University students and other places were packed. We should’ve gone to El Burrito next door. I think we will next time. Or I’ll spend $35 and make the wife and I something killer for that price and...

Myself and my bff went here to eat for the first time on 30 Nov 2023 for lunch. Really enjoyed the variety of food available. I haven't eaten a Chinese buffet in a very long time. Just moved from NC and didn't waste my time to bother searching out one of my favorite foods. I was really surprise for so many negative reviews. Either I was hungry, or the food was just great that day. The atmosphere was nice. Staff was friendly. Real pleasant place to stop in to eat in such a small town. Price was affordable. The restaurant was clean. I would visit again. This Army veteran was nice and full, oh sleepy. 😆 🤣

Back again, Thursday 14Dec 2023. This was my second time being here. Either I was starving, or the food was just damn good. After spending the day at the VA clinic in Cadillac, MI. I had to go somewhere to re-energize and full my belly. This was my goto choice. The place was pretty packed, and the food was hot. Many choices. My only complaint is that the sushi is not labeled for someone who doesn't do raw food. Besides that it was a good time.

27 January 2024 visited China one buffet for dinner. The food was hot and fresh. Our hostess was awesome. Every time we go here, it's always a very nice welcome. I enjoy military discounts for every visit. The staff are friendly and efficient. The sushi is one of my favorites. Egg drop soup is always fresh. All in all it's a pleasant place to go eat in such a small town. 27 February 2024 Back from chytown, eating some really great food. I'm back home for a few days. Of course, I had to hit my Chinese buffet today. The food was fresh and tasty as always. The wait staff is...