Philadelphia’s The Buddakan, A Stephen Starr Restaurant

Philadelphia and New York’s Asian fusion restaurant, the Buddakan, is known for its authentic Asian cuisine despite its contemporary roots.

Founded by celebrity restauranteur, Stephen Starr, founder of STARR Restaurant Organization, the Buddakan has made an indelible impression on it’s patrons and secured a spot as one of the most sought after Asian restaurants to choose from in Philadelphia and New York; restaurant daily serving over 500 guests and is annually represented in Philadelphia’s Restaurant Week.

Originality

As you approach Buddakan, the first thing that you’re likely to notice is the sense of occasion in the air – the restaurant is one of the most magnetic presences in Independence National Park, Philadelphia’s oldest neighborhood.  Built on premises formerly occupied by the local post office, one look at the restaurant is all it takes to know that you’re in for glamorous time.

The interiors of Buddakan can only be described as cinematic.  The dining space is a vast area with soaring ceilings and a prominent focus point — a 10-foot gilded Buddha lit up in radiant crimson.  An imposing water wall, massive columns and a colossal communal dining table at the center make Buddakan feel startlingly fresh and interesting.  The fact that every staff member is handpicked for their experience and sophistication only helps make the entire experience more cinema-like.  With gentle, pulsating techno music in the background, your incredible dining experience begins long before the meal arrives.

The Menu

Best described as Asian fusion, the Buddakan’s incredible cuisine is both authentic and contemporary.  The menu specializes in Chinese flavors and the chefs pride themselves on their inventive interpretations of dishes such as the mao peo, Chinese yogurt cubes, minced pork, Thai chili peppers, tuna tartare and crunchy Cantonese spring rolls. Guests may enjoy the restaurant’s adventurous offerings or opt for a more traditional Asian dining experience sampling Buddakan’s selection of dim sum which includes edamamae dumplings, shrimp dumplings and chicken & ginger dumplings.

Staying true to the legacy of the Stephen Starr Restaurant organization, the Buddakan was created with a versatility of options, hoping to satisfy every palate and create a memorable experience; it’s menu is about as perfect, inspired and grand as the ambience would have you expect.  The cocktails dreamed up by the bartender are credits to the restaurant as well.  The Heat cocktail with tequila & chili paste is aggressive, the Tranquility vodka-infused tea is calming, and the elevation honey-infused Bacardi prepares your palate for a tantalizing meal.

Few restaurants are able to turn food into a fun, theme park-like experience that you can look forward to, and spend time absorbing and enjoying Buddakan does that, and is well worth a visit or two.

To learn more and get #hooked on the Buddakan follow the restaurant on Facebook or visit their website.

Other articles of interest include:

Trattoria Figaro: Modernizing Italian Cuisine

Alma de Cuba: Philadelphia’s Contemporary Cuban Fusion

Filomena Cucina Rustica – Authentic Italian Cuisine & Ambience

DiPaolo’s Italian Ristorante – Authentic Italian Classics

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