With The Golden Dragon at Cardinal Park now closed those hunting out a good value Chinese meal will have to look further afield - but where should you go for an all-you-can-eat experience in Suffolk?
The iconic restaurant had been serving special fried rice, chicken chow mein and crispy chilli beef for more than 20 years before the sudden closure this week, leaving a vacant building at Cardinal Park.
The exact reason behind the closure of the popular restaurant is unknown, however the recent addition of many new restaurants in the town centre is thought to be a contributing factor.
READ MORE: Chinese restaurant in Ipswich town centre closes down
If you are looking for a set-price banquet this weekend, here are nine places you could try.
Spoons World Buffet – Ipswich
Thought to be the largest restaurant in the town centre – the new world buffet doesn’t just offer a Chinese cuisine, but also serves up Indian, Thai, Brazilian, Japanese and a traditional British roast – all from its home in St Matthew’s Street.
For just £15, you can eat as much as you like from the various dishes, and there are even special chefs from China preparing the cuisine.
Our reviewer wasn’t overly impressed when she visited last year but things may have improved in recent months My Chinese – IpswichAlso found in St Matthews Street in Ipswich, My Chinese proudly offers an ‘eat as much as you like’ cooked to order menu. This differs from Spoons as customers can choose whatever they like from the buffet menu, which is offered at both lunch and dinner - and it is then cooked on demand rather than sitting in heated containers.Wong’s Chinese Restaurant – MildenhallEvery Sunday from 12.30pm until 2.30pm, Wong’s opens its doors and offers an all you can eat buffet. Priced at just £7 for children and £11.95 for adults, guests can choose from 15 hot and freshly prepared dishes in the centre of Mildenhall.Emperor – LowestoftThis Chinese restaurant in Lowestoft High Street serves an all you can eat menu from 5.30pm to 10pm Thursdays to Sundays. For £13.50 adults can enjoy anything off of the menu including desserts, while children pay just £6.90. Lanterns Chinese restaurant – IpswichAlong with an A la Carte menu, Lanterns offers freshly cooked to order food in their ‘eat as much as you like’ buffet special.With over 80 different dishes to choose from, Chinese lovers are spoilt for choice at this buffet, priced at £20 per adult. The restaurant also aims to be environmentally friendly by persuading all customers not to leave food behind with a possible charge for extreme leftovers. Mister Wing – IpswichBased in St Helens Street this all you can eat restaurant cooks to order and serves more than 80 dishes – and it is a popular choice in the town. According to reviews the buffet owners are helpful with dietary restrictions including gluten-free options and cater for vegetarians, taking time to attend to the needs of their customers. 513 Oriental Buffet – Bury St EdmundsFor just £7.20 between 12pm and 3pm you can clock off from work for an hour and enjoy an all you can eat buffet – which is almost as cheap as a sandwich and a snack elsewhere. The restaurant offers a wide range of starters, main courses and a fully licensed bar. Saigon – Felixstowe Tucked away in Hamilton Road this Chinese buffet offers a packed menu at a great value – with a warm atmosphere and friendly staff.Rated four and a half stars on TripAdvisor, it’s a real hit with the people in the seaside town. Papa Panda restaurant and bar – IpswichAlso offering gluten-free and vegetarian options is Papa Panda in Carr Street, Ipswich. Here customers can enjoy an all you can eat buffet for prices ranging from £4.49 for children to £15.99 for adults, seven days a week. What would you like to see replace the Golden Dragon? Vote in our poll to have your say.
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