Restaurant Spotlight of the Week

Much like bamboo is all a panda could ever want to eat, Bamboo Buffet could very well be the only place that people could ever want to eat simply because of the sheer variety of foods that it offers. Located in the heart of the Bailey’s Crossroads/Skyline area, the all-you-can-eat buffet (Lunch $6.95, Dinner $10.95, prices for children vary) accommodates tastes across the board.

When first entering the seemingly small establishment, one quickly realizes, after seeing the number of buffet tables, the gargantuan eating adventure on which they are about to embark. Every part of the meal is included with the price of admission: appetizers, main entrees, and desserts. In total, there are over 150 offerings, some of which are changed daily.

The content of the buffet is as expected, with a few surprises. Bamboo Buffet boasts “Chinese, American, Italian & Japanese Food.” Chinese cuisine accounts for the majority of the food, including such dishes as sweet General Tso’s chicken, fried rice, dumplings, soups (hot and sour, egg drop, and wonton), sweet and sour chicken, and spicy Kung Pao chicken. One interesting item of note (which I reluctantly tried) is frog legs, which, of course, tasted like chicken. There is also a wide variety of seafood, including oysters, soft-shell crabs, crab legs, and shrimp. Additionally, there are select items such as barbeque chicken, roast duck, and Peking duck which are specially prepared in the open kitchens near the buffet.

Unlike many other themed buffets, Bamboo also has choices from other nationalities, such as Japanese food. There is a full sushi bar with many varieties. To top these are ginger and toxically hot wasabi. This may seem a bit too exotic for some, though, so to be on the safe side, Bamboo also has surprisingly good pizza, macaroni and cheese, and mashed potatoes. If it is physically possible to have room for dessert, there are assorted desserts including soft serve ice cream.

In terms of environment, Bamboo Buffet is not trying to be a five-star restaurant, nor should it. The restaurant is decorated with various Asian artworks. A large glass chandelier hovers over the largest vase I’ve ever seen. This, however, is just an additional touch to create a full dining experience; the true reason for coming to Bamboo Buffet is the food.

If you’re looking for a place to have a huge meal with tons of options, Bamboo Buffet is the place for you. You could literally come back every day for a year and have a different meal each time. So, the next time you are cruising along Route 7 with an empty stomach, try Bamboo Buffet for a guaranteed stuffing and good time.