New China Buffet: Crab Rangoon, Community, and One Heck of a Comeback

Stop whatever you’re doing and listen: New China Buffet on South Eighth Street is back. Once a pre-pandemic icon, this spot was where you could eat like royalty for the cost of a mediocre fast-food meal. It was also home to one of the friendliest restaurant owners around, the kind of person who’d ask about your kids, your dog, and how your church softball team did — all in one conversation.

Then the pandemic hit, and like so many things we loved, the buffet was put on hold. But New China didn’t give up. It pivoted to takeout, which was great, sure, but let’s be honest: a buffet-less buffet is like karaoke without the mic.

Thankfully, the buffet is back, and let me tell you — it’s not just a meal; it’s a nostalgic journey in culinary form. The dim lighting? Perfectly moody. The classic Chinese restaurant decor? A delightful blend of retro charm and cozy familiarity. And the food? An endless parade of dishes so tempting, you might start questioning the need for home-cooked meals altogether.

The buffet is divided into three bays: the first is all your rice and chicken staples (lo mein, fried rice, sweet and sour chicken — the crowd-pleasers). The second bay gets a little wild with seafood, shrimp, and, somehow, garlic bread. And finally, the dessert bay: fruits, sweets, and all the pudding you could ever want.

Naturally, I had to try everything. Lo mein? Perfectly chewy. Crab Rangoon? The stuff of dreams — crispy, creamy, and worth the $15 buffet price alone. I even grabbed a piece of garlic bread because, how could I not? For $14.99 — or $15.99 with a drink, which you need to get because refills at a buffet are essential — you can eat to your heart’s content.

The real standout at New China Buffet isn’t just the food — it’s the genuine hospitality. Within minutes of sitting down, I saw the owner and his wife moving from table to table, catching up with customers like old friends. They shared stories about kids, swapped neighborhood updates, and made everyone feel at ease. It’s clear this place is more than a restaurant; it’s a spot where people come together. Whether you’re a road worker grabbing a quick bite or someone stopping in after church, the vibe is welcoming and real — just good food and good company.

New China Buffet isn’t here to dazzle you with trendy decor or gourmet reinventions — it’s here to remind you of the joy in simplicity. It’s a place where a plate of fried rice and crab Rangoon can turn a rough day into a great one, where warm food meets even warmer company. So grab a plate (or three), settle into the cozy nostalgia, and let yourself enjoy a meal that feels like coming home.