Only giving 1 star because zero wasn't an option. Everyone in our group suggested we go elsewhere but I insisted we go to Shanghaii for dinner since my daughter wanted orange chicken. A couple in our party warned me to order off the menu because the Buffett was terribly stocked and always empty. We were then persuaded by the waitress to get the Buffett, told it would be cheaper for my kid, and that everything would be restocked in 5 minutes. So we went for Buffett. After 45 minutes of periodically checking and trying to find any boneless chicken items we were told they would have, I got frustrated. We then watched them take chicken from the other side of the Buffett and throw 3-4 pieces of each into the old sauce trays and stir it around. I went to find the manager to complain of the issue. He didn't seem very sure that he was the manager, when I asked if he was he asked me "why?" I asked "are u the manager or not and I will tell you why?" I did not want to pay for my child's meal bc it was her birthday and the one thing she wanted and was told they had, was never prepared or stocked. My kid picked at two cookies for lack of choices, which I offered to pay for. He wouldn't even hear me out and kept insisting all food was fresh. As we tried to work to a resolution another waitress comes to the counter yelling how the food IS fresh and interrupting her manager. In confusion I asked who the manager was because I was tired of arguing with two people making zero sense. She was very rude. Then the waitress mouthed off at me as she walks away. So I left the restaurant frustrated and my group stayed seated and waited for them to stock the Buffett for items they still didn't have. As I refused to pay for my kids meal and was told to leave so other customers wouldn't know what was going on. Then the waitress that got confrontational with me, also got confrontational with my group. They noticed her glaring over and mouthing and when my mother in law asked her what it was all about, the waitress screamed at my mother in law that if "she had a problem they should all leave now" As soon as I confronted them on tossing old chicken in old sauce, they denied it. But as soon as I left the establishment, my group sees them pulling all the trays.....hmmm? I do believe that they would have left the same stuff there if they weren't called on this. As my family attempts to leave since they were being told to get out, they chase them out and insist we pay for our services that we never received. Then proceed to yell across the parking lot that I need to come pay for my meal, which I also wasn't able to get. My mother in law paid for the bill after their only solution was 50% off our bill. This is a poor excuse for a business, bad management, bad environment, even worse food. Save yourselves some time and frustration, do not use this business. Disgusted. And the waitress should definitely be fired for being so hostile, she clearly has no customer service skills and is a...
Read moreShanghai Buffet: A Feast for the Frugal
I’m not a snob when it comes to food. I appreciate fine dining, molecular gastronomy, the Michelin stars. But I also love plain hometown delicious food, the hole-in-the-wall joints, the cheap eats. Sometimes, all you need is a good buffet to fill your belly and make you happy.
That’s why I like Shanghai Buffet. It’s a no-frills place that serves a variety of Chinese dishes for a fixed price. You can eat as much as you want, and trust me, you’ll want to eat a lot. The food is not authentic or gourmet, but it’s tasty, hearty and satisfying. It’s comfort food at its best.
The Kung Pao Chicken is one of my favorites. It’s spicy, crunchy and tender, with peanuts, scallions and red peppers. It has a nice kick to it, but not too much to overwhelm your taste buds. It goes well with their fluffy Fried Rice, which has bits of egg, peas and carrots. It’s simple but satisfying.
The Crab Rangoons are also delicious. They are deep-fried wontons filled with a lightly sweet cream cheese. They are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, with a sweet and tangy sauce for dipping. They are addictive and irresistible.
The Egg Rolls are another classic. They are stuffed with cabbage, carrots and pork, and fried to golden perfection. They are crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, with a savory flavor that makes you want more. They are perfect for munching on while you wait for your next plate.
Shanghai Buffet may not be the most refined or sophisticated Chinese restaurant in the region, but it’s definitely one of the most enjoyable with food that’s priced for a slim wallet. It’s a place where you can relax, have fun and indulge in some guilty pleasures. As I always say, “I want it all. I want to try everything once.”. And at Shanghai Buffet, you can...
Read moreI almost don't want to post a review about this little quiet spot in Nixa only bc I'm selfish & want to keep this place to ourselves. With the hundreds upon thousands of Chinese food options, this one is our go-to spot - they have a buffet with lots of options, the food has been consistently fresh, hot & delicious! My favorites are the BBQ chicken, lo mein noodles & hot & sour soup. The BBQ chicken is like the traditional Chinese BBQ-style that's red in color with some 5-spice seasoning. The lo mein noodles aren't greasy, has a nice flavor & enough veggies in it to give a nice crunch. The hot & sour soup in my opinion is the best hands down - it isn't a thick, gloppy jello-ish mess like it is at some other places - the broth is nice & flavorful with lots of egg, tofu, bamboo shoots & mushrooms. It's also made with some chili sauce instead of overpowering white pepper so get a nice punch of heat. The prices are very affordable & you get your money's worth for sure. You won't regret trying it & if you don't go back, that's fine - more for me lol! They also have lots of other options on the buffet like cashew chicken, sweet & sour chicken, general chicken, beef & broccoli, crab rangoons, egg rolls, etc. The family enjoyed the chicken on a stick, chicken wings & egg rolls. The restaurant is run by a very nice couple. You won't get doting, smothering customer service but they're still attentive to customers' needs & have always...
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