I'm a fan of Chinese buffets and so is the whole family.
I do have somewhat high standards, enjoying tasty and authentic Chinese food.
I know authentic as I've lived in China before, and don't expect the food to be exactly the same here.
Here are a few guidelines to enjoy the buffet.
First of all, how do you find a good one? My favorite is a hole in the wall with a corny name you'd never expect to be good, so it's hard to tell.
It's also difficult to take other people's opinions because quite honestly, people's opinions very a lot, which is a polite way of saying many people have bad taste.
The rule of thumb is if you like it and it doesn't make you sick, it's good! As a rule skip combo buffets.
A Chinese buffet may also have pizza and tacos and who knows what else, and that's fine, but in my experience if the sign says something like "Mexican-Chinese Buffet" or "Italian and Chinese Buffet," run, don't walk away.
Once seated, first examine all the choices.
Also what is everyone else eating.
What looks popular? Your first plat should have very small portions of a great many things.
Some will be winners, and some perhaps les so.
Your second plate, typically a full plate as your first one may have been sparse, concentrate on what you've found you really like.
Soup or no soup? That's your choice.
I'll typically do a small bowl of my favorite to see how I like it.
A special note to big eaters like myself.
At least to some extent, fill up on veggies as well as other dishes.
Do not do all deep friend stuff either.
Otherwise you may be bloated all day and need a nap!