Love Kwando's for lunch. So let's start with the cons as usual: There is no alcohol served. I'm not sure what the reason for this is but I assume the liquor license is a bit too expensive for the generally good prices. Fried rather than steamed potstickers. This is likely to save time and because steamed potstickers would dry out on the steam table too quickly. The time before last I visited about an hour before closing and many items were already getting stale and others had been removed. I get that it's a buffet and this is necessary to avoid food waste, but it wasn't wonderful. Still, minor issue and an understandable one. Lackluster climate control. Again, this is to fake money and keep prices down but it made eating at 1PM while it was 105 outside a bit less enjoyable.

Okay, so those are the quibbles. What's good?

Four types of dining in one package. If you've never been, you really need to go. Fresh-made sushi is the star of the show if you're looking to get your money's worth. It's made right there in-house with a huge bowl of very strong horseradish "wasabi". Great variety including sashimi and even raw options like tuna. Second is the dim sum. Dim sum is the way Chinese buffet works when you're in actual Chinatown and it's fantastic to see it. They do a great job, and if you're looking for some pork buns, they have plenty! Third is the Mongolian style grill. Now, if you're used to Hulas, you might not be satisfied. They use more ramen style noodles than the Shanghai noodles at Hulas and the meat is unfrozen and in bigger chunks rather than thin slices. I admit I have yet to try this, but it's a cool addition. Good selection including shrimp!

Finally, the Chinese food. Everything is done in a fantastic way and it's standard American Chinese food. Don't expect staples like foil wrapped chicken or as mentioned before, steamed and seared potstickers because they just take too long, but the crab rangoons are perfect, the sweet and sour chicken is great, and of course, you're gonna want to try the broccoli beef. There are also options for fussy kids like chicken nuggets, but I never bother. They're probably good but I'm there for the Asian food! The staff is professional even if they're not particularly personable. This is to be expected and I'd be suspicious if they were super friendly, honestly! The sushi is very well done. At least as good as a grocery store of but better since it's not frozen. Be sure to tip the sushi chef on the opposite side of where it's served. Once you figure out where everything is, you pretty much have all the sauces and condiments you need! The price is very reasonable especially at lunch. When even Jack in the Box costs over $20 for two people eating very small meals, $18 a person for all you can eat is a steal. The koi are in great shape and always love to show off. Just don't be a dullard and try to pet them, please.

Overall a great place to eat if you're really hungry. Be sure to try new things while you're here because they're good at all of it!