Chen's Buffet — Restaurant in Paola

I have been going to Chen's for several years at this point. Spending anywhere from $50-$200 at a time with my family of 7. My family and I have loved it but something has been up the last several months. I think there has been a grace given by people because we want to love it but it's just getting bad.

My visit yesterday with my boys that eat almost anything was rough. We all left a buffet hungry, crazy. The chicken on a stick and dumplings are always a favorite and were dry, burnt, and just not edible. I guess they also put what they call rice noodle in the dumplings now is what the lady said. It looked more like Korean glass noodle. When I took a bite it was slimy and looked like a bunch of parasites sprouting out of the dumplings. 🤢 We LOVE the green beans and they tasted like straight dirt and exploded with oil when you bit in to them, not flavor. I always get the jalapeño chicken but I couldn't eat that either because it's just slimy overcooked hard something....not what it has been in the past. The crab Rangoon is a favorite for everyone who eats Chinese I think and let's just say that is not what they are. It's literally just fried cream cheese. No crab, no green onion, nothing....just cream cheese fried in a wanton. While the dessert is a preference I'm also sad about seeing the tiramisu go away! That was the best thing there! I did say something to the lady there and she said all she could do is give me a 10% discount because the owners weren't there. She decided at the end to just not charge me for my drinks. She said "that's just how it is now" about the dumplings and "ok, I'll say something to the kitchen" about the other things. Sadly, we won't be returning until we hear of it turning around. I know several others that feel the same way. All we were able to snack on were chicken nuggets and French fries and I can buy those at price chopper for much cheaper.

Overall I think everyone wants to love this place as it's the last standing Chinese restaurant in the county. Unfortunately the food quality and overall atmosphere has gone down...

I had to rate 1 star in order to post my experience. Otherwise, ZERO would be more adequate. At one time, going to Chen's felt like stopping by your cousin's cookout. Friendly atmosphere. Everybody around the food table with plates, nodding at one another, GOOD food. The previous few years i had been most pleased with the owners, staff, food, and SERVICE. But, then, that all seemed to change- with change of ownership. 3/8/2025- I telephone Chens in order to let them know that, although I hated to make the call, the Shrimp Fried Rice I'd ordered for carryout had a burnt taste. I was told that this is the way it was supposed to taste. I reiterated that no, I've had their SFR before, and this is burnt with singed carrots, eggs, and shrimp. I was then hung up on. And, I assure you, the entire time I was speaking politely, as I honestly did not want to phone with a complaint. However, I really couldn't afford this splurge right now, that is absolutely inedible! I tried to phone back, but it went to voicemail. Totally unprofessional! This is the lowest amount I've ever spent there. Instead of replacing a meal that they know isn't right, they've lost a customer, and I'm sharing my experience. I am so disappointed. Granted, a few years back, the food used to be really good - but, I feel the main reason most people loved Chen's so much during that time is due to the way we were all treated, almost as family. I refuse to go back. Not with the most...

Edit: This place has had their machine mess up in the past and allow me to pay once the pending charge fell off as I am a regular customer. This time, their machine messed up. I could se thw charge in my account but they said it never went through. I only had enough in my account for 1 charge, a bill and some gas (its a budget account). I told her I was not going to run my card a second time but if things reconciled and they didn't get their money, I would gladly come back and pay. She harassed me about it. I swiped my card again to make them happy. They got their money. I went to get fuel the next day and was declined. By other bill came out as well. It was because they had multiple pending charges on my account holding all but 9 bucks in my account. I called my bank and the bank said to call the restaurant. I did and asked them if they could have the merchant remove the hold as they had gotten their money. They wouldn't and said they would just refund me but expect me to never come back. All I wanted was my money released not the other charge refunded. I let them know that I have been going here 6 years and always had a good relationship with the people running the place. The women that are there now have not been about repor. Used to love this place. 😞 I won't be going back but will be healthier for it I'm sure.

3 years ago They know me and always get my favorite dishes out asap!!! Always friendly and I love their black...