China on the Beach

By Jun Wang

China Buffet

Location: 112 Highway 17 N, Surfside Beach, SC 29575
Phone: 843-477-8338
Offers: Buffet, Take-out  
Cuisine: Americanized Chinese Cuisine
Signature Dishes: Coconut Shrimp, Sesame Chicken, General Tso’s Chicken
Year of Establishment: 2008

Chinese buffets are nearly everywhere in America. But, not every buffet is able to boast that they offer great food just minutes from the beach. China Buffet is located in the beautiful seaside town of Surfside Beach, South Carolina. Known more for its pristine beach, tourists and locals alike will tell you the town also is home to one of the best Chinese buffets in all of South Carolina.

Taking advantage of its location by the sea, China Buffet not only attracts local customers but also some travelers. The 3000 square foot restaurant can comfortably seat about 120 diners. Business is always good but the restaurant is especially packed during the summer when even more people hanker for a refreshing dining experience in a cool and comfortable setting. 

The restaurant is divided into two sections. One is for dine-in customers and the other is where the six buffet bars are set up. The cozy, light colored wallpaper was chosen by owners Xinyuan and Weidi Wang to create a warm and comfortable atmosphere. To inject life into his restaurant, Mr. Wang decorated it with an array of exuberant Chinese-inspired paintings and other accents. Diners are also serenaded with soothing music—mainly Chinese folk music—which along with the relaxing colors and Chinese-inspired décor make for a truly unforgettable experience.

The all-you-can-eat buffet features an incredible variety of Americanized Chinese cuisine, and the aroma of the food displayed on the six bars will have you salivating when you step into the restaurant. Given a clear glimpse of the buffet bar, you will immediately notice that there are three hot bars for entrées, plus cold bars with salad and various fruits. Not stopping there, China Buffet also has a sushi bar which adds another enticing element to the plethora of culinary delicacies.

With temptations in every category and a total of more than 100 selections, you might not know where to start. One good dish that you can’t go wrong with is the sweet flavored Coconut Shrimp. Fully immersed in fresh coconut juice, it flawlessly balances crispy battered shrimp with creamy sweet coconut milk and mayonnaise, providing a flavor combination sure to stimulate even the toughest critic’s palate. It is really a special treat for Southerners who have a sweet tooth.

General Tso’s Chicken, which is one of the most popular items at any Chinese restaurant in America represents Chinese cuisine much like Mc Donald’s more or less represents the fast food industry. The continued interest in this tasty dish has resulted in most Chinese restaurants adding this plebian munch on to their menu, in the name of “catering to the locals’ needs.” Owner Mr. Wang even admits that there is nothing special, but the homemade sauce makes it a delectable creation, with a sweet and sour yet not overpowering kick.

For $10.99, you can enjoy the seafood buffet. It is a taste extravaganza centered on fresh and succulent seafood prepared in all manners. If you love seafood you’ll definitely want to give the seafood buffet a try. There is a wide selection of seafood varieties, including shrimp, scallop, mussel, and clam.

In addition to the food mentioned above, there is also room at China Buffet for a large selection of healthy dishes as well, such as Steamed Broccoli, and Steamed Mixed Vegetables. Customers are more than welcome to ask for dishes to be adjusted to meet their dietary needs. China Buffet insists on preparing all the food without MSG. This initiative, along with the chefs’ commitment to use less oil in general, is part of a push to reduce the amount of saturated fat in dishes. By doing so, China Buffet offers healthier dishes that won’ that raise cholesterol putting us at risk of obesity, heart disease and stroke.

“I make sure the food is always fresh no matter what,” admits Mr. Wang. The way he adheres to quality is by holding true to his high standards for the delivery and storage of raw produce. Mr. Wang is usually seen at the local vegetable market searching for the freshest produce possible. The second secret is to prepare just enough for buffet patrons to be able to fill their plates without overstocking the buffet bar. They don't let buffet items sit out too long and if the dishes appear in any way shape or form to “not be up to par” they are discarded and replaced immediately.

Restaurants are just like a schooner, the owner Mr. Wang acts as its captain navigating it through high seas. It calls for rich experience and skills to run a tight ship and lead it to safe harbor. Mr. Wang is not a stranger to the restaurant management as he has more than 20 years of experience under his belt.

“Customer satisfaction is our focus. We consider them to be our first priority,” says Mr. Wang.

Although it is a family run eatery, there is a team of experienced staff ready to satisfy the customers’ demands. They are knowledgeable and do their best to provide the best customer experience possible. Besides greeting customers you’ll also see them refilling glasses, replenishing the buffet bar, and also helping to clear tables.

“Friendly service is not just talking,” says Mr. Wang, “it’s much more than a just a smile. The true meaning of good service is not just understanding your customers but also caring about them.” 

Message from the owner:

There are many similar-themed restaurants around, which makes us try even harder to provide the freshest and highest quality food possible. We thrive on satisfying our customers and cordially invite you to come down to China Buffet and enjoy the ultimate experience in buffet dining.