New China 120 Item Buffet in South Carolina — What to Expect

What you'll find at New China 120 Item Buffet

New China 120 Item Buffet is a Cantonese-style all-you-can-eat restaurant where you pay one price and move through a buffet line selecting from more than 120 dishes. The restaurant operates as a traditional buffet setup: you grab a plate, walk past heated stations and refrigerated cases, and fill your plate as many times as you want during your visit. The menu rotates seasonally and includes Americanized Chinese favorites alongside more traditional Cantonese preparations.

The buffet covers the standard range of Chinese-American dining — fried rice, lo mein, General Tso's chicken, egg rolls, and similar items — but also includes dim sum-style offerings, seafood preparations, and vegetable dishes. Diners typically spend 45 minutes to an hour at the restaurant, though there's no time limit. The atmosphere is casual and family-oriented, with tables arranged for groups of varying sizes.

Key Takeaways

• New China operates as an all-you-can-eat buffet where one flat price covers unlimited trips through the food line.
• The buffet includes over 120 items ranging from fried rice and noodles to seafood, dim sum, and vegetable dishes.
• The restaurant is designed for casual dining and works well for families, groups, or anyone wanting variety without ordering individual dishes.
• Peak dining times are typically lunch (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) and dinner (5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.), when wait times may be longer.

Pricing and what it covers

Buffet pricing varies by meal period and age. Lunch is typically less expensive than dinner, and children under a certain age (usually around 3 to 5 years old, depending on the location) may eat free or at a reduced rate. Seniors sometimes receive a discount. The price you pay covers unlimited access to the buffet line — you can return as many times as you wish during your visit.

Beverages are usually not included in the buffet price and are ordered separately. Alcoholic drinks, if available, are also ordered and paid for separately. Some locations offer a drink package option, though this varies. It's worth calling ahead to confirm current pricing, as buffet rates change seasonally and may differ based on location.

How the buffet line works

When you arrive, you'll be seated and given a menu or directed to the buffet. Most New China locations use a self-serve model where you pick up a plate and move through the buffet stations at your own pace. Hot items are kept in warming trays, cold items in refrigerated cases, and fried items are typically prepared fresh throughout service. You can take as much or as little as you want on each trip.

The buffet is organized by food type — appetizers and dim sum near the entrance, followed by rice and noodle dishes, then entrées and proteins, and finally desserts and fruit. If you're unsure what something is, staff members stationed at certain stations can explain dishes. You're welcome to return to the line as many times as you want, so you don't need to load your plate all at once.

Best times to visit and what to expect

Lunch service typically runs from 11:30 a.m. to around 2 p.m., and dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 9 or 10 p.m., though hours vary by location. Lunch is usually less crowded than dinner and offers lower prices. Weekday lunches are quieter than weekends. If you prefer a shorter wait and more breathing room at the buffet line, arriving early in the lunch window or between 4:30 and 5:15 p.m. (before the dinner rush) works well.

During peak times — Friday and Saturday evenings, and Sunday lunch — expect to wait 15 to 30 minutes for a table, especially if you're part of a larger group. The buffet itself moves quickly even when busy, since each person controls their own pace. Weekday dinners and off-peak hours are generally quieter and allow for a more relaxed experience.

What makes Cantonese-style buffets different

Cantonese cuisine, which originates from the Guangdong province in southern China, emphasizes fresh ingredients, lighter sauces, and cooking techniques like steaming and stir-frying. At a Cantonese buffet, you'll notice more seafood options, more vegetable-forward dishes, and less reliance on heavy sauces compared to some other regional Chinese styles. Dim sum — small steamed or fried dumplings and buns — is a Cantonese tradition and often appears on these buffets.

The flavor profile tends toward balance rather than heat; while some dishes may be spicy, Cantonese cooking generally lets the ingredient flavors come through. You'll find items like steamed fish, shrimp with vegetables, chicken with mushrooms, and various tofu preparations alongside the more familiar Americanized items like orange chicken or fried rice.

Dietary considerations and options

Buffet restaurants can work for many dietary needs, though you'll want to check what's available before you go. Most locations have vegetable dishes, tofu options, and seafood, making it possible to find items for vegetarian or pescatarian diets. Gluten-free diners should ask staff about which dishes contain soy sauce or other gluten-containing ingredients, as this information isn't always obvious from the buffet setup.

If you have allergies or strict dietary requirements, calling ahead to speak with a manager is the safest approach. They can tell you which dishes contain specific ingredients and may be able to point you toward safer options. The buffet format means you control what goes on your plate, but cross-contamination at shared serving utensils is possible, so those with severe allergies should take extra precautions.

Planning your visit

Before heading to New China, confirm the location nearest you and check current hours, as buffet restaurants sometimes adjust their schedules seasonally or for special events. Call ahead if you're bringing a large group (usually 8 or more people), as some locations ask for advance notice to ensure adequate seating and food availability. Ask about current pricing for your group's ages to budget accordingly.

Arrive hungry but not ravenous — you'll enjoy the experience more if you pace yourself and try a variety of items rather than filling your plate once and leaving. Bring cash or confirm which payment methods the restaurant accepts. If you're new to buffet dining or unfamiliar with certain dishes, don't hesitate to ask staff members; they're accustomed to explaining items and can make recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a time limit for how long I can stay?

Most buffet restaurants don't enforce a strict time limit, but they do expect reasonable turnover during busy periods. Plan to spend 45 minutes to an hour comfortably. If the restaurant is very busy, staff may politely ask you to finish up, but this is rare during off-peak hours.

Can I take food home in a to-go container?

Buffet restaurants typically do not allow you to take buffet food home. The all-you-can-eat model is designed for in-restaurant dining only. If you want Chinese food to take home, you would order from the regular menu instead, which most locations offer alongside the buffet.

What if I don't like something I put on my plate?

You're not obligated to eat everything you take. Simply leave it on your plate and return to the buffet for something else. There's no penalty for trying something and deciding it's not for you — that's part of the buffet experience.

Do I need to make a reservation?

Walk-ins are usually welcome, but if you're bringing a group of 8 or more people, calling ahead is a good idea. Reservations help the restaurant prepare adequate seating and ensure they have enough food prepared. For smaller groups, you can typically just show up and be seated when a table is available.

Are there options for people who don't want the buffet?

Most New China locations offer a regular menu with individual dishes you can order, even if you're dining with someone using the buffet. This is helpful if someone in your group prefers a specific dish or has dietary restrictions that make the buffet difficult to navigate.