Asia Buffet has traditional dim sum

It is no secret that I am partial to Asian cuisine. But even if I wasn't, there would be plenty for me to choose from at Asia Buffet. The top-rated all-you-can-eat buffet includes more than 300 options - making it the largest Asian cuisine buffet in Chattanooga. In addition to its traditional Chinese fare like Mongolian beef and Kung Pao or teriyaki chicken, Asia Buffet offers a selection of American foods as well. There is honey-baked ham, mashed potatoes and several varieties of pasta salads.

photo Sushi Chef Min Lin

"We also have lots of vegetarian food," manager Grant Lee said as he led me around the buffet, excitedly pointing at various dishes. There is fried rice, rice noodles, vegetarian egg rolls and a large selection of grilled veggies including hand-snapped beans and hot cabbage. There is also the delicious tofu in garlic sauce: spongy hunks of tofu steeped in sweet garlic sauce and mixed with freshly sautéed onions that add a delectable crunch.

Or, if you are feeling particularly adventurous, "We have octopus salad," said Grant. The salad is made with jalapenos, cucumbers, tomatoes and small, whole octopi all tossed in lemon juice. Actually, I was feeling adventurous, but instead of opting for the octopus, I decided to try the dim sum.

"We are the only place in town with dim sum," Grant told me, grinning widely. Dim sum, I learned, refers to a traditional style of Chinese food that is prepared in small, bite-sized portions and served on tea plates. It can include a variety of different dumplings, rolls or cakes.

Asia Buffet's dim sum features four different finger foods. The first is har gow, or delicately steamed shrimp dumplings that are soft and flavorful. Next there are spare ribs diced into small squares of crisp meat. There is also Phoenix claws, or "chicken feet," Grant told me matter- of-factly.

photo Dim sum

The chicken feet are marinated in a black bean sauce, deep-fried then steamed. The texture is interesting - light and fluffy but moist. Strangely, I could not say it tasted like chicken. Finally, there is the coconut dumpling. True to many Asian desserts, the coconut dumpling is sweet but not too sweet. Its outside is jelly-like and its inside tastes like warm coconut custard.

That is one of the best parts of being a food writer - my lunch breaks often become mini adventures. One of the best parts of Asia Buffet is that it allows you to sample and experiment in order to find your favorite.

My favorite? Definitely the coconut dumplings. It is always fun to try new things.

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