Umi Buffet in Houston, Texas, promises an all-you-can-eat seafood feast for $38.99, including lobster and snow crab legs. This review explores whether the extensive buffet lives up to its hype and hefty price tag. Fueled by online reviews mentioning long waits and depleted dishes, a strategic early dinner visit was planned to navigate the potential crowds and assess the overall dining experience. The aim was to determine if the sheer variety of food on offer – from sushi and hot dishes to a dedicated hot pot section – translated into a satisfying and worthwhile meal.This detailed account delves into the quality of each dish, highlighting both the successes and disappointments. From the surprisingly tender fish and flavorful General Tso's chicken to the less-than-stellar lobster and overly salty snow crab legs, a candid assessment of the food is provided. The review examines the consistency of quality across the diverse menu, considering the overall value proposition given the price and the considerable selection available. The experience concludes with a final verdict on whether Umi Buffet is a worthwhile culinary adventure in Houston.
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Pre-Buffet Expectations
I'd heard about Umi Buffet for months, and anticipation was high. Online reviews mentioned overwhelming crowds and long waits for lobster refills, with people practically hovering over the empty dishes. This made me decide to arrive early, hoping to avoid the worst of the rush and experience a smoother dining experience.
My plan was to arrive around dinner time, hoping the initial frenzy would have died down. I aimed to secure a table quickly and enjoy the wide array of seafood promised on the menu before the crowds swelled again.
The Buffet Experience: An Ocean of Choices
Stepping inside, the sheer variety was impressive. From a vast sushi selection to an array of hot dishes featuring everything from succulent fried chicken to delicious crab stir-fry and multiple noodle options, Umi Buffet caters to diverse tastes. The all-you-can-drink aspect was a welcome addition to the experience.
There was a dedicated hot pot section, alongside ramen, cheese sticks, dumplings, and an assortment of other appetizers and side dishes. The sheer scale of the buffet was breathtaking, exceeding my initial expectations.
Seafood Sensations: Hits and Misses
The oysters were a mixed bag – fresh but slightly sandy. The crawfish, while impressively large, had a frozen taste, falling short of expectations. The General Tso's chicken, however, was a definite highlight, juicy and flavorful, though slightly less crispy than ideal.
Other dishes fared better. The fish was surprisingly tender and flaky, the pork belly rich and melt-in-your-mouth, while the noodles provided a pleasant textural contrast. However, several seafood selections fell short, with a few exhibiting signs of being overcooked or possibly frozen for too long.
The Main Event: Lobster and Snow Crab Legs
The lobster, sadly, was a major letdown. The meat was tough and not as enjoyable as anticipated. My excitement for this main event was unfortunately dampened by the quality. The snow crab legs, on the other hand, presented a different challenge.
Although the snow crab legs were decent in size, they were excessively salty. While still edible, the overwhelming saltiness overshadowed the flavor of the crab meat itself. A simple pre-soaking in water could have greatly improved their taste.
Dessert and Final Thoughts
For dessert, I opted for fresh fruits. The papaya was surprisingly good, while the cantaloupe was refreshing. The pineapple was also decent. The dessert options presented a slightly more positive note compared to some of the main dishes.
Overall, Umi Buffet was a mixed experience. The sheer variety of food was remarkable, but the quality and taste of several key items, especially the lobster and snow crab legs, fell below expectations. While some dishes shone, the high price point and inconsistent quality make it a tough sell.