China Buffet — Restaurant in Missoula

From me who has been to many buffet all you can eat places i find the place fairly average. The "whats been cooked" smell as you enter the door just doesnt impresses me as it indicates not well ventilated/exhaust system. You would think if is it a way of making you crave for what gonna be on the chafing dish or is it to somehow make you "feel full by the smell alone " thing. Its just that the smell is not that mouth watering and sweet smelling to me. We came around almost 9 and got an hour before closing so even if some foods on the chafing dish are almost emptied, but they refilled it anyway except for the salad and some fruit. I tried to pock a little here and a little there to get a taste of everything.I opted only to pick those that are not wallowed in salsa/soup/oily liquid that seems common. I like the taste of the potato/cheese with shrimp and that sesame seed ball and the ice cream. The vegetble roll with the not limpy and oily roll makes me want to eat more.The fried shrimp is tasty, i took one for each of those deep fried and one is just perfect. the other one is too salty for me, must be on the braiding. The tapioca gel/pudding is dismal to me compared to what i used to have and liked..Its somehow floury done as compared to do it in tiny round ones. The pineapple seems to confirm what i thought that you cant find good ones out from cans here.

I keep on trying to see if there were plastic fork and not find it only knives and spoons. They provide plastic gloves for those who like to eat with their hands, which is nice. That takeout if you dont dine in was a win win thing. Doing away those already used styropor plates on the table was not done right when it piles up or left for the customer to get another plate that some customer bring those on the trash place. It was late and understandably the attendants can be seen having dinner too.The attendants somewhat friendly and helpful , but wish they could be more smiling to make the place feel welcoming. Overall, with that amount you pay, its definitely worth it and make impression. Would i go back there, Of course! tagging along...

I'm giving them five stars to boost their rating a bit, because I think people are being a little unfair in some of their reviews. I would rate them a solid 4 stars all around. The good: -The takeout box is THE WAY TO GO! -Plenty of variety and various foods to choose from, despite being a small buffet. -Sushi is amazing, especially if you catch it right when it was made. The elderly woman who typically makes it is clearly a pro. Especially love the deep fried sushi and the one with sauce drizzled on top, oh, and the ones with fish roe. -The BUNS! I highly recommend the steamed pork buns, they're delicious. -Spring rolls are great. -Chicken on a stick is a must have. -Once you try everything they offer, you know exactly what you want and it's easy to find and fill up your plate/takeout box. -Food is filling and reheats well the next day for leftover lunch, especially if you use the toaster. -The food is highly consistent, it is always made exactly the same which is great for anyone who hates inconsistencies in food (autistic people, etc). -The owners and staff are all really friendly! The old guy who is usually at the register or floating around the food is super nice.

The bad: -The flavors are clearly made with Montana's residents in mind, meaning none of it is spicy at all, and there are not as many authentic Chinese flavors as I would personally like to see. The food is very much what a typical Midwestern white American would think Chinese food is supposed to be. -The food is too greasy. Like, way too greasy. I like the taste of the noodles for example, but they are quite greasy and leave a pool of grease at the bottom of the takeout container. -Many of the sauces used are too sweet. Again, I believe they are catering to locals.

All in all, I think with the lack of options in town, the China Buffet is a pretty good place to scratch that itch when you just want to eat a whole mess of...

Pros: many options to choose from,plenty of seating,the kois in the tank up front are pretty cool but could use a bigger tank for the size of them. Beautiful colors. They have gloves to wear in case you choose to wear them bonus in my book,they have some good food but had to be choosy for what I'm able to eat. The chicken and broccoli I had was excellent I was able to cut it with my little plastic fork,as well as the green beans and baby clams,price wise it's fairly affordable in these times for the amount of food to choose from,my iced tea was pretty good too,it is a decent atmosphere with more potential. Cons: was bummed to see the dry fountain as we walked in the door. That would have been cool to see with the wheel turning I would have probably made a wish and dropped a coin,the Styrofoam plates and little plastic forks kinda threw me off a bit but figured ok go w/it haven't been out in awhile, our waitress may have been having a stressful day as she was very short in answering and demeanor,the salmon I had was very soggy,a piece of shrimp that was cold crumbled in my fingers before I got the legs off,the sesame ball was like stretch Armstrong and way greasy,the lobster roll In my opinion was stuffed w an immatation crab/lobster? Tasted and felt like immatation crab,outside was bit salty and couldnt eat it, the glass and such around seating areas could be cleaner there was food and hand prints all kinds. I don't know not a bad place I think maybe could have been an off day? Idk but our first time there was kinda bummed with the experience. Knowing what certain items taste like well now I understand why Gordon Ramsey says what he says not that I'm a major food consignor but L and M in Helena and Panda Express kinda set some likes for me. Great place to stop if hungry and need a...