Lao Szechuan Hot Pot Buffet

We have been coming here for Hot Pot for over a year and a half on a regular basis. With all the people telling me that they find they are disappointed with the other "Hot Pot" place in town (you know the one), I tell them they need to go here. This is a small family run place. One side is Hot Pot, the other is more traditional restaurant style. You have to take the time to cook your food and make it your own. So if you’re looking for instant gratification this is not for you. But the pay off is amazing. When you give this place the chance you need to, they will become one of your best kept favorites. You’ll likely be sitting next to us on a regular basis soon!

I found the spicey broth to be very flat in flavor. Heat level... not too bad, most people would find it too hot I am sure. The place is mediocre clean. The choices to cook are limited. I had the shaved beef, fatty beef, squids, and some mushrooms. The "fake" fish balls were a chewy clump with fake crab meat, the actual fish balls, had the same outer chewy rubbery tecture, but with a fishy filled something on the inside. It wasn't bad. They put a mandatory 15% tip...all a waitress does in pick up dirty plates and bring drink if needed. I pretty much always tip hirer...but if they denand a 15% tip. That is all they get. Im pretty sure I wont be going back. I'd definitely say overpriced. For such a limited selection on the buffet.

I have enjoyed the hotpot at Lao Szechuan numerous times, and it seems to get progressively better with each visit. I am particularly fond of the spicy broths and the unique flavor of Sichuan pepper. I have yet to explore their regular menu, cocktails, or fruit and milk teas, but for the only hotpot in Sioux Falls, it’s a great representation at an affordable price.

If I could give zero star, I would do so. Alas, there is no such option. My suggestion for prospective eaters: please RUN! Just don’t eat here. We are visiting from California for a few weeks. We have been enjoying restaurants in Sioux Falls. Today we craved for Chinese food so decided to give this place a try. When we arrived, it was prime time. No other soul in the restaurant. That was a bad sign. We came here with low expectations but OMG our experience was a nightmare. Our first dish smelled so rotten that we had to have it sent it back. We did not want to get food poison. The second dish was equally bad. The cabbage was not even fresh; it tasted so soft and bland and salty. We had one bite and couldn’t bring ourselves to continue. The last dish, which was supposed to be their selling point, was slightly better. But it was so greasy and full of MSG. Please save your money and save your stomach trouble and don’t eat here. Panda Express has better food than this place. Because we didn’t eat much here, we had to go to another restaurant. The moment we left, we felt relieved. It was probably the worst dining experience ever in my life. Not only was the food horrible to the point of being inedible but also the server had a long face the whole time. She was mean. JUST AVOID THIS PLACE by all means!

Lao Szechuan Hot Pot Buffet, as the only Chinese Sichuan restaurant in the Sioux Falls area, offers a uniquely authentic Sichuan dining experience. As a Chinese international student at South Dakota State University, I often visit this restaurant with my friends to enjoy the taste of home. We especially love the Fuqi Fei Pian(Couple’s Sliced Beef in Chili Sauce) and Cumin Lamb. Personally, I’m a big fan of their Koushui Ji (Chicken in Chili Sauce). Overall, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit, and I highly recommend trying their signature dishes.

Chicken and broccoli lunch special w/fried rice… WONDERFUL!!!! Curry chicken dinner…. Very large and filling!!! Great curry flavor, not too strong. Mandarin trio plate… great assortment or both veggies and meat, no skimping there. Business was slow during the day, but I liked it that way. Good service.

I love my alone time there, great service, and good food. And great price!