China Pavilion — Restaurant in Topeka

I was in Topeka working on 1/17/2025, and I wanted some chinese food. The last couple of experiences have been terrible. I searched and this one came up with a high rating. I walk in, and they have a plaque where they were voted one of the top buffets in Topeka. Immediately my expectations were high.

Topeka, what's wrong with you? That was disgusting. Lo Mein had no flavor, the chicken for the General Tso was mushy like it had been boiled instead of fried (the sauce was decent), the chicken with broccoli wasn't very good at all, mushrooms had no flavor, the potatos were cold. The egg rolls and crab rangoons didn't look homemade, they were ok. They weren't spectacular, but they weren't terrible either. They were just ok.

My thoughts..This was voted one of the best buffets in Topeka? Sorry Topeka, I've been all across the country, and this ranks low on the list of chinese buffets I've been to in other states. It's not the worst, but definitely not the best. A solid 3.

It was lunch time, it was busy. I was disappointed. And I didn't even get my fortune cookie until I sat there 5 minutes waiting after I was done eating. I like to use my fortune cookie as a scoop in my pudding. Yes, it's weird.

Sorry, I won't be back. And if this was voted one of the best in Topeka, I probably won't even try to visit another buffet in your town. But, server was nice, and they did keep the buffet well stocked. For me, flavor is important, too. And this is probably one of the only chinese buffets I've seen that doesn't have garlic bread or mini eclairs on the dessert bar!

Affordable at $11.99

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Old school Chinese buffet in a strip mall. The building is old and out of date, the restaurant itself could use a bit of a makeover, but at the same time it's unchanged presence over the years is appreciable for its own charm. The staff is friendly, but not overwhelmingly so. Feeling more like lifeguards at a pool, but they get you refills and take plates, so I guess I can't ask for much more. The booths are very comfortable. The food itself is pretty darn good. They offer a wide selection of dishes, along with the typical appetizers and soups one would expect. I am particularly fond of their lo mein and egg rolls. They have really good egg drop soup too. They are a classic that hasn't changed in the 25 years I've been eating there, nothing to write home about, but if you're in the area and craving Chinese food, this is as good of a buffet as Topeka...

Bottom line 10/10. This place is honestly underrated. For the price of $11.99 INCLUDING TAX!!! You can bask in this relaxing ambience.

The lighting, the music, the super friendly staff who are fast to bring you drinks and take away any plates.

The food is on another level. They have a solid sushi selection, not just California rolls. Also, a huge variety of chicken, beef, pork, shrimp and the chocolate fondue fountain with all the deserts to top it off!

You can NOT go wrong passing through and grabbing lunch or dinner. With the economy the way it is, this place is a beacon of hope for the wallet. Hope this review helps, enjoy!

For the photos, I just grabbed little bits of chicken and then a few out of the bigger...