When this reviewer moves to a new location, the first restaurants visited are local Chinese buffets. Although every town seems inundated with Chinese eateries, few are worth the hard earned money of customers. Since many Asian restaurants use the same vendors, the wild variation in quality continues to amaze this Examiner.
King Buffet is a pleasant surprise. Located in Radford, VA (15 minutes from Blacksburg), eaters are treated to quick seating by friendly hostesses. The minimalist decor contains the usual paintings and Asian calendars. The dragon boat filled with bamboo is cool.
Dishes are a notch above the standard issue Chinese style buffet offerings. The General Tso’s tasted of both citrus and spicy ginger. Another tasty treat is the mayonnaise shrimp. Shrimp are fried with batter and coated with a mayo-based sauce. This one is pretty decent, but the sauce could use a touch more pineapple.
For those with picky eaters, there are a few more “American” offerings. This eater doesn’t see pigs in a blanket at many buffets. Kids love the french fries and fresh melon cubes. Healthy eaters will find a salad bar which has a limited variety of premixed salad greens and some fresh vegetables. Chilled, boiled shrimp are an excellent choice if diners are watching their waistlines.
Desserts are cookies or ice cream. Since the food is some of the better Chinese in the area, dessert is normally passed over by the reviewer. The pastries appear to be the dreaded, mass produced nastiness which will never pass muster. There is a candy dish next to the register, and the recommendation is to sort through the mints and find the authentic Chinese candy (which tastes like melon). Drinks are hot teas or fountain Pepsi products.
It is a good idea to visit during peak lunch or dinner hours as freshness and variety are best during these times. Customers coming in on the later side of the dinner hour will find fewer fresh choices and a more limited selection of dishes.
Carry out is available.
King Buffet
7387 Peppers Ferry Boulevard
Fairlawn, VA 24141
540- 633- 5065
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