The absolute best hot and sour soup I have had in years. I usually order carryout and the service is fast, friendly and efficient. They go the extra mile to make sure my order is right. Crab rangoon is outstanding, and the entrees we have tried from MaMa Garden have all been hot, fresh and tasty. The shrimp was especially good. I recommend MaMa Garden as a great place to get Chinese carryout. I have not tried their buffet, but it looks well-stocked, fresh and plentiful! Everyone is friendly and so helpful. Thanks for restoring my faith in Chinese food in Independence! read more

Something made me sick from eating there yesterday agh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A nice clean family oriented buffet. The staff is friendly and the buffet well stocked with a variety that included prime rib, polish sausage and fried fish along with the traditional Chinese buffet fare. A little out of my way, but worth the trip. read more

The food is delicious. I love the salmon and sushi. I love lots of wasabi and sliced ginger (yeah I know I'm weird) but I love how they have it all there for you. For me ginger is not just a garnish. They also have great service and the ambiance is friendly and welcoming. The fruit is fresh and they have a lot of citrus (I love fresh squeezed lemon and orange on my fish. They also have steak if you're in the mood for that, the fish is what brings me in the door. Great value. read more

Buffet style food is awesome. You can choose as little o as much as you want. Little bit of everything. Very clean inside the store. Buffet is organized and kept well stocked. Servers are quick to come clean the table when you're done with your plate. read more

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Is there any better comfort food than a Chinese buffet? I mean looking over dozens of completely different items then building a mountain on your plate is a thing of beauty. That said I was in town, actually Warrensburg for my daughters graduation and we wanted to get some Chinese for lunch. After stopping by another place that was closed, we stumbled on Mama Garden in a very safe part of town. Walking in, the staff is extremely friendly and excitedly seats customers. They do have a "traditional" Chinese buffet vibe with some art and statues so the ambiance has a bit of rooted authenticity to it. I believe I counted 6 buffet stations with a lot of different items as to be expected. For me I like to get a first place of small samples so I stocked up on mei fun, low mein, fried chicken wing, egg roll, spring roll, California roll and a sweet and sour chicken. First up my observation which both my kids echoed is the food was rather bland. While the two pastas were cooked perfectly, they lacked the quintessential flavors that make those dishes so memorable, rather they were just boring carbs. Next up were the fried rolls again so boring and bland I had to grab some soy sauce and hot mustard just to make it somewhat desirable. As for any kind of rolls at a buffet you get what you asked for. The secret to sushi is the warm rice and cold proteins that are best as soon as they're made. The roll I got was a California roll with Koni on top with a yum yum sauce. It was ok, a step above grocery store sushi but it had been sitting for a bit. My daughter got a couple rolls and she liked them. That's mainly because she's not privy to good sushi that much. The fried chicken wing was SLAMMING. While it didn't have any flavor, it was juicy and crispy which I put some sweet and sour sauce on making it great. I also tried the kung pow shrimp and it was perhaps the best seasoned item on the menu, making it very tasty. Plus, the shrimp weren't overcooked, which makes them rubbery. Round two and my daughters dishes were as follows, the fried rice was probably the worst I've ever had. Zero flavor, and I mean none with being overcooked a lot. This disappointed me so much I might have to go and get some from a Chinese restaurant back home. We all loved "chicken on a stick" as it seems to be the most consistent item between all Chinese restaurants across the nation, and believe me, I've lived all over the nation so I know. Again it was juicy, slid off the stick with ease and had a good mouth feel. My one daughter got some loaded potato that almost made us both gag. It had some lavender tasting cheese sauce on it which has never sat well in food from my point of view. Avoid it at all costs. The sweet donuts were really good per both my kids. Finally, the do have a dessert bar but I'm not sure about having the warm apple pie next to the broiled fish, that's nasty. That said, the ice cream was good my eldest reassured me. In summary I thought the experience was a let down in terms of flavor yet the variety has something for everyone. The people are nice and the price is right. That said when I have an itch for a food I have to eat something that's at least in the ball park and Mama Garden let me down. I won't be back in part because I live half way across the country but when I do come back to visit, I'll give other restaurants a shot. read more

MaMa Garden - Buffets Near Me - Independence, Missouri

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Went there other day about 3pm everything was cold food been on buffett for long time . In process the fried shrimp was cold and worker came out with fresh fried shrimp i specifically told her the shrimp on display was cold she looked at me like i was stupid and continued to dump old cold shrimp with the fresh fried shrimp with it . Thats totally a health hazard . I won't be returning. read more

Preety good could be better food is okay service really good ambiance good Chinese women were so so nice the hibachi was good the guy looked pissed off at this guy he got five plates of food read more

When you go to a Buffett you are prioritizing variety and quantity over quality. None of the dishes would rate more than 2-3 stars as an entree. We were there mid afternoon which means not too busy so some things weren't hot. Lots of choices, soups were hot, and the ice cream was cold. Staff picked up used dishes quickly. Prices have gone up. read more

Mama definitely knows how to throw down in the garden! Food was coming out the whole time we were there, that's how you know you're getting it hot and fresh! There is a good selection of food types which made our trip there even longer than we were expecting Fairly priced Buffett with nice staff and fresh food! Can't ask for much more in a buffet! read more

We went here today. It has been a few years since we have been. The fried chicken and jalapeno chicken tasted fishy. Weird. The general's chicken and sesame were not good either. The noodles were bland too. Star of the meal was the egg drop soup. Everything else (foodwise) was a disappointment. Place was clean and staff were friendly though. read more

It was delicious!! the employees were very nice and they also told my sister happy birthday(since it was her birthday that day btw)!! I love this place. read more

This is a hit or miss buffet, guess it depends upon who's cooking that day. When it's good it's just okay. Then there are days when it's not okay. It seems to be going downhill. Guess I better go again to make sure it hasn't gotten better. lol. Service is definitely not friendly and make you feel rushed. It is a clean establishment. Surroundings are just okay nothing to rave about but not a dump either. read more

The food was excellent and good amount for a buffet. The service could be better even though it was busy. The atmosphere was loud and busy.

The restaurant was kinda of dirty, the food was average but the staff was nice . Prices were fair .. the restaurant was in ratchet neighborhood. read more

The food was amazing and so fresh! My husband and I went together. He always talked about how good it was beforehand but I'd never been. He did not over exaggerate! It was truly amazing! Huge space, service was fast and quick to pick up the plates and refill our drinks! Best buffet I've been to in a long long time! read more

MaMa Garden is the best Chinese Buffet I have ever eaten at. The cashier was extremely helpful and quick when paying for my meal. The food is to die for, and the customer service is unlike any other restaurant in Missouri. My only regret is that I am emptying my wallet here because the food is so good. I am forever grateful to MaMa Garden for this wonderful dining experience. read more

Literally the worst service I've ever received. Rushed me with check and once i gave the money that was over the bill, I thought I'd be brought changes BUT NO, she stand there and waits for me to keep giving her money for a "tip" holding her hand out and waving me on to give her more money, (which would of been way more had she not kept asking for more money) even after I told there's not there than the bill. Anyhow terrible customer service and servers only want your money and don't care about the customer AT ALL! read more

Fresh hot food & quick friendly service. Good variety of foods & good flavors. Went at about 6pm and the crowd started dying down but they were still bringing out fresh food. Very reasonably priced food. Will go back again & recommend. read more

I've gone here for years and it's always been great, but make sure you're hungry when you walk in or you'll be overstuffed when you leave staff is friendly and attentive, restaurant is clean, and food is amazing! Nothing really negative to say about this place. read more

Got some food over the weekend. The shrimp or something on the dish smelled awful! Bite into an egg roll and it exuded a juice that was bitter and yucky. We threw it all out. Years ago Good was good. Not sure what happened but will never go there again. read more

Server left receipt on table for us to pay said we pay there when we are done and walked away. my son was finishing his icecream and we were talking while I was getting money out of my purse that I sat on the table to count and had my hand in my purse digging for change so the waitress could have an even tip full bills no change. I had not placed the money on the tray because I was still trying to get my payment ready. again my son is still eating icecream. So we are not DONE like the waitress said pay when done. The waitress comes over grabs the receipt tray with no money on it yet and stares at me. she could see I was still getting payment ready. I felt she was rushing me so I gave up on the change and just threw some bills on the tray. The bill was $27.95 again I was looking for the Change so I could pay $27.95 and then give $5 for tip. But she rushed me just placed bills on there then she set it down counted it and said only $4 for me. I said no $5. $27 you have $32, $5. she said "no $27.95, $32 now $4.05." well no it was supposed to be $5 but she came picked up the tray and stared at me as if I was wasting your time when she could have continued helping other people until i placed the money on the tray. So she messed up my train of thought and rushed me. NEVER HAVE I BEEN AT A PLACE WHERE THEY COUNT THE TIP MONEY IN FRONT OF YOU THEN RUDELY QUESTION THE AMOUNT OR WANT MORE especially when they know they didn't have to do any work. I said well I was trying to get exact change plus the tip but you came and rushed me Before I was ready. I regret not taking a some away and saying no now you only get $1 because that is rude and poor customer service. But I took the money back switched some bills and she got $5 which probably would have been what she ended up with if I couldn't find change and had to use all bills if she let me finish getting my payment ready and place it on the tray instead of coming before she knew I was ready. my son and I were only there for 15 minutes had one plate each and icecream, no refills or anything needed. heck $3 would have been a fair tip since the waitress did not have to do anything for us. If we had made her work more I would pay more I pay for the services/work used or provided. If I work you hard, have a big group, etc. you will get a $20, $40 or more tip. I used to be a server for 10 years a $3 tip on a easy table that didn't make me work and was in and out in 20 minutes or less was my favorite and made the day go by so simple and smooth definitely easy money. I was trained you never count the tip in front of the customer and you never argue or show dissatisfaction for whatever you receive because it could have been nothing at all tips are not required or guaranteed. My supervisor always said you chose this job some days you'll make a killing some days you won't it all balances out (which it did) but if u want consistency or guarantee go find a different job. I just did not appreciate her rushing me and showing poor customer service by questioning the tip amount. That is not good manners and management should address this. I have been to the restaurant before and the server did not do this. I have always paid with a card and from now on I always will to avoid rude servers like this. now if I leave a tip you will have to run my card and wait for me to sign and leave before you even see the tip amount. and if I get this server again she will not get a tip. I do not let my kids be rude without correction or throw fits/argue when they don't get what they want I will not let an adult that should know better act that way without correction which would be the consequence of no tip. then she can learn being rude gets you nowhere and can have consequence. read more

This place has changed quite a bit since I was there a year ago. It used to be better than the Lucky Buffet down the road, although more expensive. Now it's just more expensive, their hours have been cut back, and the service has gone down in quality. I went here on a Monday and arrived at 8:35 p.m. But while they used to be open until 10:00, now they close at 9:30, which they told me in no uncertain terms the minute I walked in the door. Although there were people sitting at tables inside, they would only offer me a carryout box for $15.95. (Quite an increase from the $8.95 a year ago.) They wouldn't even consider seating me. There's a right way and a wrong way to tell things to your customers, and this was not the right way in my opinion. They can keep their restaurant and their ridiculous carryout prices. I walked right out the door and drove north on Noland Road to The Lucky Buffet, where they stay open until 10:00 seven nights a week, and where they were happy to seat me despite having no other customers inside. The food was very good, they were polite, and I got a senior discount, so my check came to $12.49 including tax. I think I'll keep going to the Lucky Buffet. read more

This explains it all: Mama Garden is owned by the same people who own Mama china. This is in the building that Fuddruckers used to reside, and I had my doubts as I watched it be remodeled. My son had eaten there a couple of times, and I heard good things through him. I walked in to a very calming, and serine atmosphere, about half full. It is very different from Fuddruckers. The designers must've turned the building upside down. The left is the tables, they are pretty. They have gold Chinese scenes on them. To the right is the buffet area. We were immediately seated, and our drink orders were given to the waitress. The buffet is to the right of the entrance. I question buffets cause East Asia Buffet on 40 high way and Sterling is gross, and therefore, that is the taste I have when I hear "new Chinese buffet." Well, this one is clean, bright, the air is nice, and the waiters are nice. I was wrong. The buffet has those yummy dumplings like at Po's, except PO's is way far from my house, I mean, not a bit close. It has a hibachi grill in the back (like Mongolian Barbecue, almost with the same food, except tofu) The hibachi area includes shrimp, scallops, steak, chicken and all the veggies. The buffet itself it has the general Chinese food: crab ragoon which I don't' think are Chinese, but they are good; sweet and sour chicken, dumplings, spring rolls, egg rolls, sesame chicken, green beans, and General Tso's chicken,and ton's more. There's a sushi bar in the back. I don't fathom sushi, and it wont' ever be going in my mouth, so I can't say if it's good or bad. And there's a dessert bar, with cake, and cookies. Ice cream of about 8 flavors is available with toppings. The salad bar had fresh (yes fresh, cut) pineapple, and other fresh fruit, and canned pineapple. But the best thing there is the dumplings, and the fried bananas on a stick. Oh my gawd. I could easily be the vegetarian that is waiting to come out of me, by going to this place, instead of Sonic's. I forgot to ask if they have bubble tea. I didn't see any signs, but the fried bananas made up for it. For 2 of us with drinks, was $19.40, I think. You pay at the table. Good food. read more

MaMa Garden - a buffet with a variety of food items - Buffets Near Me - Independence, Missouri

This buffet is really good, has good variety. Every time we come the food is great and much fresher than most Chinese buffets.

This place has really gone downhill as a Chinese food connoisseur Asian buffet is where it's at best one in the metropolitan area

I love this restaurant My only complaint would be the prices, but is probably just me because I can't come Every day read more

This place has gone down hill tremendously. We sadly had to stop eating there. When I got married I was so excited to take my wife, as she loves Chinese food. Well we got there, nothing was fresh. I told her it was probably just a one time thing. We went another time, food wasn't fresh and was not good. I again made an excuse. 3rd time, same thing. Idk what happened but the food just isn't the same. We won't go back. read more

Gross. Gross. Gross. Cleaning supplies in view behind the hostess station. Company paperwork strewn everywhere. I contracted food poisoning from eating here on Dec. 7. I would highly caution anyone from dining at this pit. The food itself was bland and tasteless and the staff was disassociated at best. read more

Food was fresh and excellent. Service was attentive and thorough. They handled our group of 17 without incident.

OK. I know recently I've been a sucker for Chinese buffets, and some have fallen WAY short of my expectations. But THIS place - oh my jeepers! We live nearby and have been watching it morph from the empty Fuddruckers to this, anxiously awaiting their grand opening. We decided today was as good a day as any to try it out. We were not disappointed. It was totally remodeled and lacked that old greasy burger smell. Bright, airy, open, clean... and not super packed/busy. There were 5 independent food stations, plus fresh sushi (I know, right!!), and hibachi. You can even scoop your own ice cream for dessert! Now, let's discuss the food. Wow. The selections were varied, and I don't think I came across anything I didn't like. There weren't too many "American" dishes (i.e. pizza, onion rings, mashed potatoes, etc), but there was a nice balance between 'American Chinese' and more Asian-centric dishes. The sushi was outstanding! The Mei Fun (rice noodles) was flavorful, the potstickers were really good, the chicken wings had just a hint of curry. The pepper pork was spicy & buttery, the green beans were crisp, and the seafood 'buns' were soft & full of flavor. Did I mention the sushi was outstanding?? Not your run of the mill California rolls here! Tempura rolls, spicy crab rolls, and fresh nigiri. It wasn't old and stale - matter of fact, it was fresh each time I walked by. We went with my mother-in-law, whose family is of Cantonese descent, and she LOVED it!! So if SHE gave it the yum-thumbs-up, then it's gotta be good. And I couldn't agree more. Please take my advice and give them a try. You really won't be disappointed. read more

MaMa Garden - Buffets Near Me - Independence, Missouri

Used to Chinese buffets in the Houston area. This one would go out of business down where I live. My housemate got several plates and only ate a small quantity of most. He said that all the food he tried was cold (it's SUPPOSED to be kept hot, people!) or it didn't taste good. The only thing that he liked was the cantaloupe, the place didn't mess that up. Of what I had, the only things that were up to snuff were the chicken wings and the mixed vegetables. I also noted a lot of hot food that was cold as the grave. I was tempted to suggest another place to my housemate when I noted the parking lot was terrible. Would have been a good move. Neither one of us want to go back. read more

Very mixed feeling about this place. Out of all the Asian employees in the restaurant, my table got 2 very young, very inexperienced, but very nice servers. There were 4 of us at my table. We ordered 4 drinks. The boy, who my dad nick named Justin Beiber, brought our drinks out to us one by one. Yes, he made 4 trips and then forgot to give us straws... Continuing about the drinks: Every time I would ask for a refill, Mr. Justin Beiber would take my glass with my straw, walk away, and then come back with the same glass but a new straw. Servers either fill your glass at the table or bring you an entirely different glass. I've never seen anyone take away my glass and bring the same one back. I experimented by flagging down young server number 2 for a refill, and she did the exact same thing. There are A LOT of buffet options. They have some unique choices and a salad, fruit, and dessert bar. At one point while I was filling my plate, I saw an employee bring out a giant can of Mandarin Oranges and refill the mandarin orange container in front of all the guests. Like....he dumped the juice filled mandarin orange can into the nearly empty one on the buffet so the juice probably splatted into the other fruits. There is a small sushi buffet but NONE of the sushi is labeled. This bothered me sooo much. There's platters of sushi available to eat and you have absolutely no idea what kind of rare fish you're about to digest. The food was good and plentiful albeit a bit bland and our servers were inexperienced but still got the job done. read more

A few weeks ago I took my daughter to lunch here. We were seated immediately. I really liked the selections and their sushi was being made out in the open so you knew it was fresh. The sushi deserves its own review, it was excellent that day. The restaraunt was clean and the food was hot. I'd recommend the sautéed green beans and crab rangoon. Though we didn't have any, the option was there for ice cream. It's not soft serve (which I find better). Instead it was 9-12 large ice cream parlor sized containers that you scoop out yourself. The price was great since it includes the sushi. The staff was a bit rude though. read more

MaMa Garden - Freshly made - Buffets Near Me - Independence, Missouri

There is a good variety. Chinese food, Mongolian grill, sushi, salad and fruit bar, ice cream and treats. It's like heaven for my kids. The food is always plentiful. I don't have to constantly go back and forth when waiting for the food to be filled up again, and best of all its not old food that they keep having to come mix and turn over. This isn't our first time here. We go about once or twice a month and it's very consistent. The tables and booths are clean, and the restroom seems to be checked on quite regularly. Overall its a good olace to enjoy Chinese buffet foods. It would be comparable to the Mama Buffet one in Raytown, and definitely much better than the one up North on Antioch Rd. The waitstaff is pretty quiet, no much of talkers, but they do keep the drinks full and the table from filling up with empty plates. We always leave there giving at least 25% gratuity. To feed 2 adults and 2 toddlers for about $20 isn't bad at all. read more

MaMa Garden - Buffets Near Me - Independence, Missouri

The foods there are so fantastic and fresh! Who doesn't like hot foods? Waitress there are also very excellent and my drink was always full every time I look at it. Also they made sure that everybody follow the COVID etiquette. The place is really cleanest I have seen in general buffet places! read more

It's OK to get a Chinese fix. Plenty of choices, staff is always friendly. My go to spot.

I'm vegan and I love avocado rolls, so that's what I got. They were really delicious. The best part was that they put in so many slices of ginger that I had one for each roll. That's the way I like it, and I didn't even have to ask for it! Also very friendly staff which makes the experience even better. Mama Garden will be my go to place for rolls now. read more

Terrible smell that ruined my appetite. I let the staff know and was accused of lying about a smell. Terrible and rude customer service.

Love the stuffed mushrooms. The crab Rangoons are sweet and delicious. Lo mein and imitation crab meat. You can't go wrong. Lots of foods on the menu. read more