China King Buffet — Restaurant in Lenoir City

Newest UPDATE (06/16/19) Been back several times since February. Still the best "Chinese" restaurant within 30 miles of Oak Ridge. BTW, the staff here don't lurk--they are in unobtrusive locations so they can be of service to their guests. They will not be at your table and interrupting conversations every 5 minutes to see if things are ok. They are there when needed, in the classic "servant" tradition.

UPDATE: Tonight (02/05/19) ate to celebrate year of the pig. Had mogolian grill. Had a few bites left over. Got a to go box for the leftover. They were going to charge me extra even though I had already paid for the food. They would prefer to throw it away. NOTE. This additional charge is not posted on their menu. Following is my initial review.

Last week while helping a neighbor with transportation issues I wound up in Lenoir City. While traversing US 321 via automobile I noticed several billboards advertising the China King Buffet. Being a "Chinese buffet addict," I went back to Lenoir City to give this place a try. It is in a very busy strip mall shopping center--some may see this as a bad oman. However, the location did not reflect the quality of the menu.

A letter to the customers attached to the entrance door to the dining room propelled The China King to near the top of my list of eateries. One of (actually my number one) pet peeve about anything "all you can eat" -- be it a commercial establishment or a "covered dish" at your local church--is the amount of food that gets tossed into the trash because the consumer either had eyes too big for his or her belly, or loaded up a plate without regard as to whether the consumer actually liked the taste or texture of the items being selected. In my mind, good food being tossed into the trash is morally wrong (especially by unsupervised children at a church "covered dish" event). The management of China King has taken a brave stance: eat what you take.

The dining room has some age on it. However, all was well maintained. The floors were clean (the staff constantly patroled with broom and dustpan in hand). Fixtures were free of dust, fingerprints, and grime. The dining room felt comfortable, like putting on a four year old pair of sneakers. If you like melancholy Chinese music played softly in the background, you will put the China King selections on your hit parade. It's the equivalent of 3000 year old white noise: there to dampen general chat but never loud enough to interfere with across table conversation.

Wait staff performed in the background. They were there when needed. Each one appeared to be governed by the principle of making the customer feel "right at home": whether as a "newbie" (like myself) or as a regular of long standing.

The reason for being there: the food. Hot items were hot. Cold items, cold. All items were in small batches which the kitchen staff kept replenishing. I tried to find something I didn't like (without success!). Closest was the cephalopod (pickled octopus). It is the supplier's fault: they are over processed and have the mouth feel of shoe leather. However, the China King serves them in a tasty "homemade" chili sauce that was a pleasure to suck off the uneatable sea creatures. The same sauce was used in the kimchi. There was enough variety in protein and things from sea and soil to satisfy vegetarians and carnivores. Several types of bread were available on the buffet. The sushi selections were limited, but some unique items were offered, including pickled seaweed. The peanut dipping sauce should not be overlooked. The sushi, like everything else, was FRESH!!!!

The eatery has a $$ rating. However, the value one gets dining here is almost beyond measure. By my crude calculation I passed by a dozen other "Chinese buffets" to arrive at the front door of the China King. I drove 35 minutes and some 20 miles to eat at the China King. I'll do it again in...

A Culinary Adventure at China King Buffet in Lenoir City, TN

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

China King Buffet in Lenoir City, TN, is a hidden gem that takes you on a delectable journey through the rich and diverse flavors of Chinese cuisine. From the moment you step in, you are greeted with warm smiles and a genuine hospitality that sets the stage for an exceptional dining experience.

The first thing that stands out at China King Buffet is the extensive selection of dishes. The buffet spreads across a wide array of traditional Chinese delights, offering something to satisfy every palate. Whether you crave succulent stir-fried dishes, mouthwatering dumplings, or fresh sushi, this restaurant has it all, and each dish is prepared with evident skill and care.

The freshness of the ingredients is immediately apparent in every bite. The vegetables are crisp, the meats tender, and the seafood delectably succulent. It's evident that the chefs take immense pride in the quality of their offerings, and the flavors speak for themselves.

One of the standout features of China King Buffet is their commitment to cleanliness and presentation. The restaurant is immaculately clean, and the buffet stations are consistently replenished to ensure that guests are treated to the freshest options. The food is beautifully presented, enhancing the overall dining experience.

The attentive and friendly staff add an extra layer of joy to the meal. They are always ready to assist, whether it's offering recommendations, clearing plates, or making sure you have everything you need. Their dedication to ensuring guests' satisfaction is truly commendable.

The sushi selection at China King Buffet is a delightful surprise. The rolls are freshly prepared and boast a variety of flavors, from the classic California roll to more adventurous creations. Each piece is expertly crafted, making it a favorite among both sushi enthusiasts and novices.

To top it all off, the dessert section is a sweet wonderland. A mouthwatering assortment of cakes, fresh fruits, and delectable pastries awaits, making it impossible to resist indulging in a sweet treat or two.

The value for money at China King Buffet is excellent, especially considering the quality and variety of dishes available. Whether you're dining alone or with a group, the buffet option allows you to savor a wide range of flavors without breaking the bank.

In conclusion, China King Buffet in Lenoir City, TN, is a true culinary delight. With its diverse selection of mouthwatering dishes, warm hospitality, and impeccable cleanliness, it surpasses expectations in every way. If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine or simply looking for a delightful dining experience, China King Buffet is an absolute must-visit. Prepare to be impressed and leave with a satisfied belly and a smile...

I've been to many Chinese buffet style restaurants, which I generally really like, but I'm sorry to say, this one was the most disappointing one ever . The first disappointment was the lack of a sushi bar, as photographed in one of the reviews. It must have been taken at a different location or they don't have it any more. Instead there was only a salad bar with a big bowl of boiled shrimp and various salads. Nothing on the salad bar looked especially interesting (imitation crab salad, deviled eggs, cucumber slices) so I started with the wonton soup. I was surprised by how salty it was and by the mushy texture of the noodles. There were many protein choices available: fried shrimp, fried fish, fried chicken, all of which were also salty, chewy, and overpowered by the taste of the oily batter . There were also several choices of tough little pieces of meat of various kinds drenched in a sweet red sauce that could only be described as "sweet" because the sauce lacked the acidity of a good sweet and sour sauce or the complexity of any type of Chinese sauce I've ever tasted. The barbeque sauce on the wings was good but the wings themselves were very dry and chewy. There were only two dishes that contained an appreciable amount of vegetables: beef with broccoli and something else, I'm not sure what it was. The only vegetable dish was blanched green beans. There were lots of starches of every kind; fried potatoes, breads, bright yellow fried rice and plain lo mein without any veggies save a few tiny bits of green onion. The salmon was okay and there were little crawfish that I didn't try. Overall, my husband and I left feeling like we had eaten a very unhealthy, high sodium, high fat, low quality meal. The two stars I left were for the variety of sea food and the fresh fruit on the dessert cart. Btw, of the choices of specific dishes to recommend, the orange chicken, Mongolian beef, etc., didn't exist, unless we were just unable to recognize them. There were a few...