Although slightly paradoxical, there’s kind of nothing more American than the good ol’ Chinese buffet.
The Chinese buffet is an American fixture that takes an imported cuisine (basically the only thing America really has) and twists it to suit American tastes. Over the years, it’s become a classic staple of the American diet, fortune cookies and all. Also there’s probably something to be said about the American dream – “your tired, your poor, your huddled masses,” and all that – beneath all the MSG and faux duck meat. Whatever.
So American expats, nostalgic for their weekly family fix of spicy staples like General Tso’s chicken and other incongruous Asian fusion dishes, must be rejoicing at the news that there’s now a Chinese buffet in Tokyo serving all-you-can-eat Chinese classics for a measly 600 yen (US$5.50).
Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like General Tso’s chicken made the cut for the menu, as most of the dishes at this buffet lean towards either – gasp! – authentic Chinese or Japanified versions of the same.
But, at just 600 yen, it’s quite a deal! And, what’s more, expats can actually out-eat their U.S.-residing counterparts because this buffet has no time limit!
Also, there’s bottomless Japanese curry available, because we’re pretty sure that’s a legal requirement for food vendors in Japan.
If you’re interested in getting your eat on and then spending the next four days with the lingering, unmistakable scent of wontons and regret, you can find (Japanese) information about the restaurant here. To the best of our knowledge, it’s called Xiao We Yan, but we could be wrong since we’re translating it from Japanese – which itself was translated from Chinese. Anyway, here’s the kanji for you visual learners: 小尾羊.
Want a piece of the all-you-can-eat action? The restaurant is located in Sugamo, in Tokyo’s Toshima Ward. You’ll find it at the Kamogawa IN Sugamo Building on the 1st floor (as you can see). The buffet is served for lunch only from 11:30 to 2:30. Closed on Tuesdays.
Photos: RocketNews24
[ Read in Japanese ]