China Buffet — Restaurant in Lowell

I've lived in Lowell my entire life and have great memories here, which is possibly why I'm giving them 5 stars instead of 4. The only reason why I would give them a 4 is because of the bathroom, which needs to be cleaned much more often. However, the food is perfectly fine and everyone I have gone with has never had a complaint. Whether the place is a little empty or jammed pack, I have always had friendly, attentive staff.

Food wise, the selection is pretty basic; you have your sushi, dessert (cakes/ice cream), fruits, fish, beef, chicken, soups, sauteed veggies, noodles and rice. Lately the restaurant has been trying out new foods such as their buffalo wings, which I find quite interesting. Great for kids as well with their chicken nuggets and fries, and other kid/finger type food like egg rolls and crab rangoon. Even with their basic layout, the food is suitable for people of all ages.

Whether I'm with a friend or a group (birthday party, 20+ people), they never disappoint -- although it can get a bit hectic, what restaurant wouldn't? The only other complaint I have may be some of the customers. I don't know how the restaurant works, but the staff is mainly, well, Asian; and several times when going to this buffet many customers are rude and completely racist, "I can't hear you", "don't you know English?" -- For those who complain about service, look at yourselves first...

Overall, I enjoy coming to this buffet (minus the occasional rude customers). The staff are friendly and attentive and the food is great. Keep up...

The food was not bad tasting but the quality of the food was poor. Everything I had was a tiny bit warmer than room temperature and very firm, some things like the chicken I had being so hard I couldn't take a normal bite out of it. The fruit was not fresh except the melon, mangos, and grapes. The sushi rice didn't really taste properly seasoned and tasted just like normal rice. It was also strangely firm like you'd see in grocery store sushi. The deserts were dry and firm and felt like they were stale? I took 1 bite and ended up not eating any more of it. When I went, the restaurant wasn't very busy until around when I was leaving more people came in. The staff kept an eye on my table from the staff area like a hawk and it was uncomfortable being watched so closely while I was trying to eat with a friend. They were quick to remove plates and refil drinks, so that was definitely a plus. Also, they have a mandatory baked in service charge/tip that can not be changed. I ALWAYS tip when I go out to eat, but forcing customers to tip is blatantly taking advantage of your staff and your customers.

While I listed a lot of things wrong with this place, a lot of them are things you'd expect to see at a buffet too, for better or for worse. All and all, I might come back, but right now I'm thinking I might not. If you are craving Chinese buffet, this will scratch that itch, but I wasn't...

I’ve been coming to China Buffet in Lowell for years and have always enjoyed it. The food is consistently good, and while the service can feel rushed with servers frequently checking if you’re all set, it’s never bothered me since I’m used to it.

However, during my most recent visit, I witnessed something that really changed how I feel about eating here. One of the employees who restocks the buffet accidentally dropped a piece of salmon fillet onto the hard counter area where the trays are set. She struggled to pick it up using the same serving spoon she was using to restock the tray. After the fillet slid across the counter, she eventually picked it up and placed it into the tray she was carrying so I assumed she was going to discard it. Unfortunately, she ended up mixing it back into the tray for customers to eat.

I know things happen, and I’m sure this isn’t the first or last time mistakes like this occur, but seeing it happen firsthand was unsettling. It’s unsanitary to serve food that’s touched the counter, which sees constant exposure to germs.

On top of that, the same employee was earlier stocking food at another buffet line while wearing gloves, but she picked up her phone and continued stocking food without changing them.

The food was, as always, pretty good, but after witnessing these practices, I’m not sure I’ll...