Kyle H.
Yelp
Visiting parents for Thanksgiving, so we followed Yelp's rating and gave Chiba Hot Pot a try. We called to make sure they are open and to see if we can make a reservation. The lady was nice to explain that no reservation is needed for lunch. And she was right, when we got there at 12noon, about half the tables were filled. Although the place is not as big as other buffet places, it is nice and clean.
After our family sat down, within a few minutes the waitress came to explain to us the process of ordering. The lunch was $18.99 per person, all you can eat. Other than the chicken/beef/pork meat slices, and the fried buns and fried chicken wings, she told us we would be able to find everything else on the menu on the belt. She then pointed to the list of soup choices - we are to pick a soup base first, then indicate the spicy level we want. Each person is to pick their own cause we all get our own hot-pot bowl.
As a good eating habit, we started right away with the veggies. About 10 mins later, an automated toy train above the belt delivered the meat slides. Everything - especially the veggies - is super fresh; the blue crab and shrimps are hit or miss (had 5 crab pieces and 4 of them smelled).
Apart from the food at the table, there is a section on one side of the walls with self-serve dessert (cake pieces and fruits) as well as different sauces. When we were all done eating, the waitress came by to get our free ice-cream order; there are at least six flavors to choose from.
---
Overall, here are the great things about Chiba Hot Pot Buffet: 1) The service is great; they have people who continue to help clear out empty plates, and they never once rushed anyone to finish, 2) Most food is fresh and the place is clean, 3) So many ice-cream choices compare to other competitors. The things that have room for improvement: 1) Please do not place "water/empty" crabs on the belt, 2) The mushroom soup base is a bit too heavy in ginger, 3) Maybe add one more option to the fruits instead of only oranges and cantaloupes.