Rice Bowl — Restaurant in Georgia

Before I begin, I would like to state for the record that I AM NOT A PICKY EATER. With the exception of licorice and sweet potatoes, I pretty much eat everything! Chinese food is my favorite. I enjoy eating the buffets when I go out of town. Today was my "cheat" day and I was looking forward to stuffing my face lol. We were lured into this particular restaurant bc the Google reviews were pretty good and it was the closest Chinese place to us (we are not from the Albany area).

So the buffet is very limited. But I'm not being dramatic about that. The one in Adel has a tiny one also but the food is really good so it makes up for it. This restaurant however did not even have the basics! No pork fried rice. It was shrimp fried rice. No chicken and broccoli was to be found and there wasn't even a label for it. But they had a few other random items I was not familiar with and I thought it was crazy they had that but no chicken and broccoli. The chicken and broccoli is pretty much all my 5 yo will eat so needless to say, she didn't eat much.

Let's talk about these 5 star reviews! The only way this location is 5 stars (or even a solid 3) is if one or more of the following conditions were met: 1) they were really stoned when they ate here 2) this is the only "Chinese" food they've ever had 3) the cook was actually stoned and messed up all of our food and was off his game today. This place was so bad! The shrimp fried rice was very garlicky. It tasted NOTHING like Chinese fried rice. The beef and broccoli was off and really bad over the rice. The lo mein noodles were very bland. And holy egg roll! What kind of place ruins egg rolls that way. They had hardly any flavor and had this terrible cinnamon aftertaste. I thought I was going crazy so I grabbed a fresh one and it was the same also. My teenage daughter (also a lover of the Chinese food) spit it out. If you had of been blindfolded, you would not have guessed these flavors were Chinese. It was seriously just terrible American food. I typically finish a whole plate at the Royal Buffet in Valdosta. I took one bit of each item and pushed my plate away. I wound up with a plate of chicken wings. I would never eat chicken wings at a Chinese place but it was the only thing edible other than the cheese ragoons. I did not want to waste the $45.xx that we just spent to eat there. My husband did not like it either. We left very disappointed & still hungry! Take your money to the “Crazy Buffet” if you are in the Albany area. I have ate there a few times and it’s always very good and they have a large selection to choose from. We should have drove the extra miles & ate there instead.

On a positive note, our waiter Cameron was very nice! He was super attentive and very friendly, which is why I'm leaving 2 stars. The food was terrible but the...

Review: Rice Bowl - A Gastronomic Expedition Through China

Embarking on a culinary adventure at Rice Bowl in the heart of Albany, I was immediately embraced by a warm and hospitable atmosphere. Without the embellishment of traditional music or a formal menu, the focus shifted entirely to the tantalizing array of dishes awaiting exploration.

The server, whose name escapes me, epitomized professionalism and genuine warmth. Despite the absence of a formal menu, they guided me through the buffet offerings with ease, offering insightful recommendations and ensuring my dining experience was nothing short of exceptional.

The ambiance at Rice Bowl, though simple, exuded an authentic charm. The absence of music allowed the vibrant chatter of diners to fill the space, creating a lively and convivial atmosphere. The decor, while understated, subtly captured the essence of Chinese culture, transporting diners to the bustling streets of Shanghai or the tranquil tea houses of Hangzhou.

Now, let's delve into the highlight of the experience - the food. Rice Bowl's buffet presented a cornucopia of flavors from various regions of China, each dish meticulously prepared to showcase the diversity and richness of Chinese cuisine. From the succulent Chicken Skewers to the crispy Egg Rolls, every bite was a delightful revelation of flavor and texture.

I had the pleasure of sampling an array of dishes during my visit, each one leaving a lasting impression. The Chicken Skewers, tender and bursting with savory goodness, were a true delight. The Egg Rolls, with their golden-brown exterior giving way to a flavorful medley of vegetables and tender meat, were equally satisfying.

However, no dining experience is without its minor inconveniences, and at Rice Bowl, it was the presence of a few disruptive patrons that slightly marred the otherwise enjoyable ambiance. Despite this, the overall experience remained a testament to the culinary prowess of the establishment.

In conclusion, Rice Bowl offers a gastronomic journey through China that is sure to captivate the senses. From the warm hospitality of the staff to the diverse array of flavors at the buffet, every aspect of the dining experience is thoughtfully crafted to ensure a memorable visit. I wholeheartedly recommend Rice Bowl to anyone seeking an authentic taste of China in the...

I don't get the hype over this place, but to each their own. I've been here three times, only returning because I assumed that I came on off days due to the quality of the service and the food. Nope, I was wrong. It's always bad. This place is really small, always crowded, the clerk has her days when she chooses to be nice or mean to the customers, and the food is mediocre. Their fried dumplings possess the texture of steamed dumplings and their lomein or chow-mein ALWAYS lacks taste, texture, and color. It doesn't have the taste of stir fried lomein noodles nor does it possess that pretty brown color. It's like they boiled the noodles and tossed them in a container. They're always pale in color, like almost grey. The best things from here, that I have had, are their fried scallops. You get 24 pieces (the shape and size of a pill bottle cap) in a styrofoam plate, which isn't bad. I just wish, like other Chinese food restaurants, they supplied that sweet red sauce in the cup to pair with the scallops. I've never been to a Chinese restaurant that doesn't serve that sauce with . . . everything. The clerk is very hot and cold with her attitude and she is always confused about the details of the food on the menu. I asked her how many scallops come in a large container, and she bluntly replied, "I don't know." She didn't attempt to ask a kitchen member about my concern or anything. No one was behind me in line and it wouldn't have taken her two minutes to find out the answer to my question. I was taken aback, because who doesn't know about the items on their own menu? However, I pushed forward with my order. She remains friendly as long as you're ordering strictly from the menu and not making any personal preferences (for example: "Please soft fry my chicken.") towards the kitchen about your meal, which I think is odd since I'm the customer. Otherwise, she's huffing and puffing, rolling her eyes, and shaking her head at you. I won't...