The buffet line looks tempting, but you need to know if the price matches the portion before you grab that first plate. When you search for the New China Buffet Menu with Prices, you are probably trying to figure out if this spot fits your budget for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast. You want real numbers, not just a promise of “all you can eat.”
Let’s break down exactly what you will pay, what you will find on the hot bar, and how to get the best value for your money. We will look at standard pricing, lunch specials, dinner rates, and the extras that change your final bill.
Why The Price Tag Matters Here
Buffets are a gamble. You pay one flat rate, but the quality can swing wildly. Some places charge you extra for crab legs or charge a mandatory gratuity for large groups. You need to know these rules before you sit down.
This guide gives you a clear picture of the cost structure. We will also cover what items are usually included in the base price, so you are not surprised when the server brings a separate check for the sushi boat.
New China Buffet Menu With Prices
Most locations of this chain operate on a simple time-based pricing model. The price changes depending on when you walk in the door. Lunch is cheaper, dinner is more expensive, and weekends usually have a premium.
Here is the typical breakdown you can expect to see posted at the register. Remember, these are average figures based on recent visits and posted menus. Your local store might differ by a dollar or two.
- Monday to Friday Lunch (11:00 AM – 3:30 PM): $12.99 per adult
- Monday to Thursday Dinner (3:30 PM – 9:30 PM): $17.99 per adult
- Friday Dinner (3:30 PM – 10:00 PM): $19.99 per adult
- Saturday & Sunday All Day: $19.99 per adult
- Children (Ages 4-10): $8.99 during lunch, $10.99 during dinner
- Children (Under 3): Free with a paying adult
Seniors usually get a discount. If you are over 65, ask about the senior rate. It is often around $2 less than the regular adult price, but they rarely advertise this. You have to ask for it at the counter.
Drinks And Extras Are Not Included
The prices above cover the food bar only. Your drink is separate. A soft drink or iced tea will cost you around $3.50. Coffee is usually a bit cheaper, around $2.99.
If you want a hot tea, they might charge you for the tea bag and hot water separately. It is smarter to just get the soda if you want a hot drink, or stick to water to keep the bill low.
Some locations offer a “soda cup” that you can take home. You pay a higher price upfront for the plastic cup, but then refills are cheaper on your next visit. Only do this if you plan to come back often.
What Is On The Hot Bar At Lunch
The lunch spread is smaller than dinner, but it still covers the basics. You will find the standard American-Chinese dishes that everyone expects. The quality is decent for the price point, but the selection is limited.
Do not expect seafood like shrimp or crab during the weekday lunch service. That is usually reserved for dinner or weekend buffets. Here is what you will typically see in the chafing dishes.
- General Tso’s Chicken
- Chicken with Broccoli
- Pepper Steak with Onions
- Lo Mein (usually chicken or plain)
- Fried Rice (white or vegetable)
- Egg Rolls and Crab Rangoon
- Sweet and Sour Chicken or Pork
- One or two soup options (Hot and Sour, Egg Drop)
The lunch menu is great if you want a quick, filling meal. The food is hot and replaced frequently because of the high turnover. You won’t find the premium items, but you also won’t pay the premium price.
Dinner And Weekend Additions
When you pay the dinner price, the selection expands significantly. The kitchen brings out the “premium” proteins that are absent during lunch. This is when the buffet becomes a better value for big eaters.
You will see a noticeable difference in the variety. The dinner spread usually includes the following items that are not available earlier in the day.
- Shrimp with Lobster Sauce
- Fried Shrimp (battered)
- Mussels or Clams in Black Bean Sauce
- Salmon (often baked or grilled)
- Beef with Mushrooms
- Sushi Rolls (California and basic veggie rolls)
- More dessert options, including fresh fruit
If you are a fan of seafood, the dinner price is worth it. If you only eat chicken and beef, stick to the lunch menu. You will save money and still get your fill.
How To Maximize Your Value
Going to a buffet is a strategy game. You want to get your money’s worth, but you also want to enjoy your meal without feeling sick. Here is a step-by-step plan to help you eat smart.
- Skip the rice and noodles first. These fill you up quickly and are cheap for the restaurant to make. Focus on the protein dishes first.
- Check the serving trays. Look for trays that are freshly filled. The food at the bottom of the tray is often dried out. Wait for the staff to bring out a fresh pan if you can.
- Try the soup first. A small cup of hot and sour soup warms your stomach and helps you digest the heavier food later.
- Take small portions. Take a little bit of everything you want to try. If you like it, go back for more. This prevents food waste on your plate.
- Leave room for the grill. If the location has a Mongolian grill or a hibachi station, save room for it. This is where you can customize your meal with fresh ingredients.
Do not pile your plate sky-high on the first trip. The food gets cold fast, and you will end up throwing it away. Small, frequent trips are the best way to enjoy the meal.
Timing Your Visit
The time of day matters more than you think. If you walk in at 3:15 PM for lunch, you will only have 15 minutes before they switch to the dinner menu. You will be charged the lunch price, but the staff might be slow to bring out the dinner items.
The best time to go is right when the service starts. For lunch, that is around 11:15 AM. The food is fresh, the trays are full, and the crowd hasn’t arrived yet. For dinner, arriving at 5:00 PM is ideal. You beat the rush and get the first batch of fried shrimp.
Avoid going at 2:00 PM on a Saturday. The lunch rush is over, and the dinner rush hasn’t started. The food has been sitting out for hours, and the staff is usually cleaning up. The quality drops significantly during this dead time.
Comparing Value To Other Options
Is the New China Buffet cheaper than ordering takeout? It depends on how much you eat. If you order two combination plates from a standard Chinese takeout spot, you will spend around $25 to $30. At the buffet, two lunch meals cost you about $26.
The buffet wins if you want variety. Takeout gives you one or two dishes. The buffet gives you access to twenty or thirty different items. For the same price, you get a wider range of flavors.
However, if you are a light eater, takeout is a better deal. You can eat one plate and save the rest for tomorrow. At the buffet, you pay the same price whether you eat one plate or five plates. Light eaters should stick to ordering off the menu.
Hidden Fees And Fine Print
Read the sign at the register carefully. Many locations add a mandatory 18% gratuity for parties of six or more. This is standard, but it catches people off guard if they do not read the small print.
Some locations also charge a “takeout” price that is different from the eat-in price. If you want to fill a container to go, you will pay by the pound. This is usually around $8.99 per pound, which can get expensive fast.
Ask if the price includes the grill station. At some locations, the Mongolian grill is an upcharge. You pay the base buffet price, and then you pay an extra $3.00 to use the grill. Confirm this before you load up your bowl with raw meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about the pricing and menu structure at this restaurant.
Does the New China Buffet offer a discount for seniors?
Yes, most locations offer a senior discount. The discount is usually around 10% to 15% off the regular adult price. You need to ask the cashier for the senior rate, as it is not always listed on the menu board.
Is the price the same for dine-in and takeout?
No. Dine-in is the flat rate listed on the menu. Takeout is usually priced by the pound. You will pay a higher effective rate for takeout because you are paying for the weight of the food, including the sauce and the container.
Are crab legs included in the dinner price?
Usually, no. Snow crab legs are considered a premium item. If they are available, they are often only on the weekend and might require an additional fee. Do not assume they are included in the standard dinner price.
Can I get a refill on my drink?
Yes, soft drinks are self-serve at most locations. You can refill your cup as many times as you like during your meal. The initial price of the drink covers unlimited refills.
What is the best day to visit for the widest selection?
Friday night and Saturday lunch offer the widest variety. The kitchen brings out the full spread, including the seafood and sushi options. If you want the most choices for your money, go on a Friday evening.
Knowing the New China Buffet Menu with Prices helps you plan a meal that fits your wallet. The lunch special is the best value for a quick bite. The dinner service is worth the extra cost if you love seafood and variety. Check your local store’s sign for exact numbers, and always ask about senior or child pricing. Go early, eat smart, and enjoy the meal.