By Jane Berkowitz Mama China 6623 Raytown Road Raytown, Missouri 64133 (816) 358-5999
Lunch prices: Buffet $4.95, Lunch Menu Specials $4.25
MasterCard, Visa, Discover
Reservations accepted for large groups only during non-peak hours
My sister had been urging me for several weeks to try a new Chinese buffet in her neighborhood. I have to admit, I was skeptical. I’ve been disappointed too many times at lunch buffets, but sis persisted. Finally I conceded and joined her recently at Mama China.
Am I glad she shared her discovery with me. I’ll be making the drive to Raytown regularly!
Mama China opened last fall, and it’s already gained a large and loyal following. It’s no wonder. The selection of food is different than any other Chinese buffet I’ve seen. And servers constantly replenish the supply. Three buffet islands ensure that guests can always find access to the goodies they like most.
For a Crab Rangoon lover, Mama China is nirvana. The plump treats are crisp and warm and filled with melted cream cheese and bits of crab—a nice starter with a cup of rich Hot and Sour or silky Egg Drop Soup topped with crispy fried noodles. Of course, more than a few Stuffed Mushrooms and Stuffed Oysters found their way onto our appetizer plates, too—along with petite Egg Foo Young patties, Egg Rolls, Beef Sticks and wonderfully tasty Pepper Mushrooms.
We conveniently lost track of how many trips we made to the buffet islands, but suffice it to say that between the two of us, we probably sampled everything available on the appetizer and entrée buffets.
Among our favorites are the melt-in-your-mouth Butter Crab, sticky good Honey Chicken, an elegantly smooth Walnut Chicken, spicy General Tso’s Chicken, and Cashew Chicken with plenty of plump cashew halves. The rice steamer was always full, and there was plenty of fried rice too.
Selections are clearly labeled on the serving tables, so it’s always easy to know what’s what. Other tasty morsels include Lemon Chicken, Lo Mein, Sweet and Sour Shrimp, Beef with Broccoli, Roast Pork, and so much more. Some items rotate on the buffet on different days, but there’s more than enough to entice anyone who loves Chinese buffets.
Those who prefer to order from the menu can do that, too, though I saw only one person in the lunch crowd pass up the opportunity to enjoy the diverse selection on the buffet. Twenty-five Luncheon Special offerings run $4.25 each and include a choice of Egg Roll or Crab Rangoon plus a choice of soup and a soda. An additional three “Diet Healthy Dishes” include Steamed Mixed Vegetables ($5.25), Steamed Chicken with Mixed Vegetables ($6.25) and Steamed Shrimp with Mixed Vegetables ($7.50); all three are served with sauce on the side.
One buffet island includes dessert-type items, including fresh fruit, Jell-O, puddings, almond cookies and a cooler with several choices of dip-your-own ice creams.
Service at the table was prompt and efficient. Unneeded plates were promptly removed, and beverage glasses were refilled often.
Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. There is often a wait for lunch seating from 11:45 a.m. to about 12:30 pm., so an early or late lunch will help you get in and out quickly.
Tips: Ample parking; dinner buffet $6.25 plus large dinner menu; senior discounts; smoking and non-smoking sections.
Rating: Quick Lunch, Take-Out, Friday Fun
Jane Berkowitz is a Kansas City food writer. She can be contacted at .
