Mom’s Home Cooking, Ma Ma Style

Location: 6623 Raytown Rd. Raytown, MO 64133-5249
Phone: 816-358-5999
Offers: Dine-in, Buffet, Take-out 
Signature Dishes: Coconut Shrimp, General Tso’s Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Spicy Pork
Cuisine: Americanized Chinese cuisine
Capacity: 100
Year of establishment: 2002

For those who travel far away from home, the food mother (mother is ma ma in Chinese) cooked is much more delicious than the fare found in restaurants. The fantastic tastes and aromas always seem to be lingering in our minds. The more we think of it, the more we will want to have dishes of the quality mom used to make. At Ma Ma China in Raytown, Missouri, you will find what you have been searching for. Prepare to experience a taste extravaganza as you feast on Ma Ma China’s many delectable offerings.

Located in the suburb of Raytown, the exterior of Ma Ma China is not that eye catching. It doesn’t have gimmicky signs or luxurious interior décor, but it does have its own charm. Cleanliness and elegance are what impress the customers. When customers first step into the restaurant, they are often struck by how orderly everything is set and how spotless the floor and tables are. However, the restaurant is still inviting, giving off a warm feeling thanks to the various Chinese ornaments that adorn the interior. The hanging red lanterns, happy Buddha, lucky Chinese knots, and potted plants bring out a natural and comforting atmosphere. Ma Ma China features a warm orange tone and is decorated with some Chinese inspired framed paintings. Combined with soothing music, the decorations create a welcoming and refreshing haven for customers who need to relax after a day’s hard work.

Along with its stylish décor, Ma Ma China also offers an amazing menu jam-packed with Chinese cuisine, which makes the restaurant a big hit among the residents of Raytown. Ma Ma China dishes out an extensive menu of authentic Chinese cuisine, with its three buffet tables always full of mouthwatering items. The gamut of dishes totaling over 60 items has been mostly Americanized to cater to the locals’ palates. It covers a wide range of options, including appetizers, such as Spring Rolls, steamed dumplings, chicken stick, and Crab Rangoon. Also featured are various types of sodas, juices, tea, and ice cream, along with cakes, fruits and salads.

Of course, the mainstays are its large selection of entrées made with pork, beef, chicken, and seafood. Among these delectable creations, General Tso’s Chicken, Sesame Chicken and Crab Rangoon are the best sellers. General Tso’s Chicken has triumphed over other dishes throughout years after it was first introduced to Americans in the 1970s. Obviously, there is no need to dispute its popularity, and undoubtedly it is still the dominating dish. Aside from these classics, the new style dishes include a bounty of seafood, including Coconut Shrimp, Grilled Oysters, and Scallops w. Garlic Sauce, which are tasty treats for those with seafood cravings. Owner Sen Lin strongly recommends the fabulous grill and barbeque which churns out dishes like grilled mushrooms, which is doused with cheese, giving the dish a hint of sweet flavor.    

Some may argue that the food provided at buffet restaurants is inferior as it is being prepared in large batches. But owner Mr. Lin can assure you that the offerings at Mama China are high quality and healthy compared to what is offered at dine-in restaurants.

Mr. Lin is quick to add, “Our customers are also quite health conscious and are particular about fat intake and calorie counts. They are careful with what they eat and like to know the nutrition values of each dish as well as how many calories it has.”

This is why the Lins have created a “Diet Section” that consists of flavorful, rich steamed dishes on the menu. Rich is not synonymous with fat. Mr. Lin always makes a conscious effort to provide guests with the healthiest dining experience possible. A dish can be too bland without any sauce, so he chooses to accompany dishes with brown sauce or garlic sauce, while oil amount is strictly controlled.

No one can deny that service is the backbone of a restaurant. The staff, who are  Lin’s family members uphold the tenet “Let customers go with a smile”, and they believe that friendly gestures, such as a sincere smile, and genuine care, will impress customers who may consider it as a sign of respect. You might also see the staff racing around the restaurant, busily refilling the water, drinks, and replenishing the dishes on the buffet bar. Sure they are busy but if you ask for something out of buffet bars, the knowledgeable staff will take some time to suggest some tasty creations or interesting combinations.

They are always ready to serve. Since opening in 2002, they have been serving customers for almost eight years. Things weren’t so smooth during the first few years, a common problem for many new businesses. Without too much advertising, the restaurant relies on word of mouth which is gradually built on customer recognition. Mr. Lin’s commitment to quality and affordability is what sustained the restaurant during hard times. Customers keep coming back because they know they can get great food without having to spend a lot of money.

The current economic downturn has made restaurants suffer, causing faltering sales and decreasing customer traffic. Ma Ma China has also been affected by the economic downturn. However, Mr. Lin is confident that Ma Ma China’s well established brand and unceasing pursuit of quality and excellence will see them through the economic storm.