Zali Mongolian Grill (CLOSED)

NOTE: Zali has since closed. Xtreme Grill operated in its location but may now be closed as well.

Located at 4929 West Market Street in Greensboro’s Fantacity International Shopping Center, Zali Mongolian Grill offers a wide variety of meats, vegetables, seasonings, and sauces stir-fried over your choice of starch. There is also a salad bar and a full-service bar with drink specials.

Mongolian barbecue is one of food’s ultimate misnomers. It is neither Mongolian nor barbecue, but that doesn’t stop it from attracting its share of followers. The main draw is the hands-on customizability of a meal, and Zali delivers that in spades. The selection here is simply unmatched. In addition to the expected chicken, beef, pork, and seafood, you can make a stir fry with frog’s legs, goat, or lamb. There are also tons of seasonings and a few sauces to choose from that allow you to control how sweet or spicy your dish is. If you tire of eating over rice, noodles and tortillas (!) are also available options.

While the quality does not match the selection, Zali fares well by buffet standards. The shrimp were put out in a big frozen block – not exactly appealing – but everything tasted fine once cooked. The flavors you experience are ultimately your call, and it may take some experimentation to strike the right balance. Fortunately, a screw-up won’t prove costly: dinner at Zali is $11.95, quite the reasonable pricetag for all-you-can eat.

 Zali’s staff seems to be equal parts competent and courteous. Our server not only gave us a tour, but checked up on us frequently and suggested sauce combinations. The grill cooks are likewise friendly and non-judgmental when it comes to the contents of your bowl.

With its blue-lit bar and inoffensive music, Zali delivers an atmosphere that is casual and comfortable. But at the same time, it is all too easy to picture the comfort level dropping precipitously during a lunch rush. This isn’t to say that Zali is cramped, but rather that the prospect of lines at the buffet does not inspire good vibes.

Like any Mongolian barbecue, Zali carries with it a certain degree of novelty that is bound to wear off. The sheer number of permutations of tastes and textures, however, makes this establishment more than a one-trick pony.

8.25/10