The Buffet in Oregon Locals Swear Is Secretly the Best in Town

Salem holds a little secret most tourists never stumble upon, and it’s called Gold Dragon Restaurant. Tucked at 4645 Commercial St SE, this unassuming Chinese buffet has been quietly winning over locals for years.

From the outside, it looks modest, maybe even forgettable, but step inside and you’ll see why people keep coming back week after week. No frills, no trends – just classic Chinese-American comfort food done right.

I walked in expecting another average buffet and walked out already planning my next visit. The egg flower soup alone is worth the trip, and that’s not even an exaggeration.

Locals don’t just like this place – they talk about it like it’s a family recipe. When a restaurant inspires that kind of devotion, you know it’s something special.

That Legendary Egg Flower Soup Everyone Raves About

I’ve tried egg flower soup at dozens of Chinese restaurants across Oregon, and nothing compares to what Gold Dragon serves. Multiple reviewers call it the best they’ve ever had, and after tasting it myself, I completely understand the hype.

The broth is perfectly seasoned with a depth of flavor that makes you wonder what secret ingredient they’re using.

Each spoonful delivers those silky egg ribbons that dissolve on your tongue. The soup arrives piping hot, which means they’re making it fresh throughout the day.

Some guests mentioned it has corn, which isn’t traditional, but honestly it adds a subtle sweetness that works.

One regular told me they specifically order this soup every single visit. It’s become their comfort food on cold Oregon days.

The portion sizes are generous too, so you’re getting serious value for your money.

I recommend starting every meal here with this soup. It sets the tone for everything that follows and warms you up perfectly.

Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why locals consider it legendary.

General Tso’s Chicken That Hits Different

General Tso’s chicken is everywhere, but Gold Dragon’s version stands out in ways that matter. The chicken arrives crispy on the outside while staying tender inside, which is harder to achieve than most people realize.

They don’t skimp on the sauce either, giving you that perfect balance of sweet and savory with just enough kick.

What impressed me most was the consistency. Regular customers mention knowing exactly what they’re getting every time they order, and that reliability is gold in the restaurant world.

The breading stays crunchy even after sitting for a few minutes, which tells me they’re frying at the right temperature.

Locals often pair this with fried rice and call it their go-to comfort meal. The portion size easily feeds two people if you’re ordering other dishes.

I watched tables around me, and this dish appeared more than any other.

One reviewer mentioned the flavors don’t shy away from boldness, and they’re absolutely right. This isn’t watered-down suburban Chinese food.

It’s got personality and punch that keeps you reaching for another bite.

Yakisoba That Converts First-Timers Into Regulars

Yakisoba might seem like an unexpected star at a Chinese buffet, but Gold Dragon’s version has earned its own fan club. One guest said it was so good they’d be returning “a LOT,” and when someone uses all caps, you know they mean business.

The noodles come perfectly cooked with just the right amount of chew.

They season everything beautifully, which is something multiple reviews emphasize. The vegetables stay crisp, the protein is generous, and the whole dish comes together in a way that feels intentional.

Nothing tastes like an afterthought here.

I noticed they cook this dish to order rather than letting it sit under heat lamps. That freshness makes all the difference in both texture and flavor.

The yakisoba arrives steaming hot with visible seasoning that promises flavor in every bite.

Several locals mentioned ordering this specifically by name when they call ahead. It’s become one of those signature dishes that defines the restaurant’s reputation.

For around ten dollars, you’re getting restaurant-quality yakisoba that rivals dedicated noodle shops across Oregon.

Crab Puffs That Disappear Fast

Crab puffs, sometimes called crab rangoons, are one of those appetizers that everyone secretly judges a Chinese restaurant by. Gold Dragon’s version passes that test with flying colors.

The wonton wrappers fry up golden and crispy without being greasy, which takes real skill in the kitchen.

Inside, you’ll find that perfect cream cheese and crab mixture that’s become a Chinese-American classic. They’re generous with the filling, so you’re not just eating fried dough.

Each puff delivers that satisfying crunch followed by warm, creamy goodness.

I watched these disappear from plates faster than almost anything else. Families order them, couples share them, and solo diners treat themselves to a full order.

They’re addictive in the best possible way.

The accompanying sweet and sour sauce adds another layer of flavor. Some people skip it entirely because the puffs taste great on their own.

Either way, you’re getting a solid appetizer that sets the right tone.

Pro tip from a regular: order these first thing because they’re best when they’re fresh from the fryer. Let them cool for just a minute, then enjoy.

Sweet And Sour Chicken Done Right

Sweet and sour chicken is another dish that appears everywhere, but quality varies wildly. Gold Dragon treats this classic with respect, delivering a version that locals specifically mention in reviews.

The chicken pieces are substantial, not those tiny nuggets you sometimes get at lesser buffets.

The sauce strikes that tricky balance between sweet and tangy without going overboard either direction. Fresh pineapple chunks and bell peppers add color and texture that make each bite interesting.

Everything comes together in a way that feels thoughtful rather than thrown together.

What separates this version from competitors is the freshness factor. The vegetables maintain their crunch, which means they’re not overcooked or sitting around too long.

The chicken stays crispy even under all that sauce, which is impressive.

Several families mentioned ordering this for their kids, who apparently devour it. That’s always a good sign because children are brutally honest about food they don’t like.

If it passes the kid test, you know it’s solid.

I recommend getting this as part of a combo platter so you can try multiple dishes. It plays well with fried rice and other classics on the menu.

Lo Mein That Locals Order By Name

Lo mein is comfort food in noodle form, and Gold Dragon’s version has earned dedicated fans across Salem. The noodles themselves are soft but not mushy, tossed in a savory sauce that coats every strand.

Vegetables add color and crunch, making each forkful satisfying.

One reviewer specifically mentioned the vegetable lo mein being tasty, and I have to agree. They don’t overcook the vegetables, which is a common mistake at many Chinese restaurants.

The carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts all maintain their texture and add freshness to the dish.

The sauce is where Gold Dragon really shines with this dish. It’s flavorful without being too salty, and it doesn’t leave that weird film in your mouth that bad lo mein sometimes does.

You can taste individual seasonings rather than just generic brown sauce.

Locals often order this for takeout, and it travels well. Even after the drive home, the noodles stay good and don’t turn into a gummy mess.

That consistency is crucial for a restaurant trying to build a loyal following.

I suggest ordering this with some protein added. The shrimp version is particularly good and adds another dimension to an already solid dish.

Fried Rice That Exceeds Expectations

Fried rice is the foundation of any good Chinese meal, and Gold Dragon understands this completely. Their version comes loaded with eggs, vegetables, and bits of pork that add flavor to every spoonful.

The rice itself is fluffy, not clumpy, which tells me they’re using day-old rice like proper fried rice requires.

Each grain gets coated in that perfect combination of soy sauce and sesame oil. The eggs are scrambled directly into the rice, creating little pockets of protein throughout.

Peas and carrots add color and a slight sweetness that balances the savory elements.

What impressed me most was the consistency of seasoning. Every bite tasted as good as the first, with no bland spots or oversalted areas.

That even distribution shows kitchen skill and attention to detail.

Some reviewers mentioned the rice being a highlight of their meal, which is high praise for what’s usually considered a side dish. It’s substantial enough to be satisfying on its own, though it really shines as a companion to the main dishes.

One local trick: ask for extra vegetables in your fried rice. They’re happy to accommodate, and it makes an already good dish even better.

That Unbeatable Value For Your Money

Gold Dragon operates in that sweet spot where quality meets affordability, and locals absolutely notice. Reviews consistently mention the value, with people impressed by how much food they get for their money.

The restaurant is marked with a single dollar sign on Google, which in 2026 Oregon is practically a miracle.

Combo platters offer multiple dishes for around fifteen dollars, giving you variety without breaking the bank. The portions are generous too, with many people mentioning they have leftovers for another meal.

That’s real value in a state where dining out keeps getting more expensive.

What separates Gold Dragon from cheaper competitors is that they don’t sacrifice quality for price. The ingredients taste fresh, the cooking is skilled, and the presentation is respectable.

You’re not getting bargain basement food just because you’re paying bargain prices.

Families especially appreciate this value proposition. Feeding a group at most restaurants in Oregon costs a fortune, but Gold Dragon makes it manageable.

Several reviews mention bringing kids here regularly because it’s budget-friendly without being embarrassing.

The lunch specials offer even better value if you can visit during midday hours. Locals in the know hit Gold Dragon for lunch and consider it one of Salem’s best-kept secrets.

Service That Makes You Feel Like Family

Great food matters, but service can make or break a restaurant experience. Gold Dragon has built a reputation for personable, attentive service that keeps people coming back.

Multiple reviews specifically mention servers by name, which only happens when staff genuinely connect with customers.

Ireland gets called out repeatedly as an exceptional server who’s sweet, attentive, and remembers regulars. That personal touch transforms a casual meal into something special.

The owner also appears frequently, chatting with guests and making sure everything meets expectations.

I watched the service flow during my visit, and it’s clear this is a well-run operation. Drinks get refilled without asking, plates are cleared promptly, and servers check in at just the right frequency.

They’re attentive without being annoying, which is a delicate balance.

Even during busy times, the staff maintains their composure and friendliness. One reviewer mentioned being greeted quickly on Christmas Day when the place was packed, which shows real professionalism.

The team clearly takes pride in their work.

This kind of service is why Gold Dragon has regulars who eat here multiple times per week. The food brings them in, but the service makes them family.

That’s the secret sauce no recipe can replicate.