About
Welcome to Buddakan, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Philadelphia at 325 Chestnut St. This iconic restaurant is not just a dining destination; it’s an immersive experience that harmonizes modern sophistication with a warm, inviting atmosphere. As you step inside, you are greeted by a stunning Buddhist statue centerpiece that beckons you to indulge in a feast for the senses.
Buddakan’s dinner menu is a diverse tapestry of flavors, showcasing an array of exquisite dishes. The Barbecue Pork Tenderloin with Chinese broccoli and giant panko onion rings at $29 is an eye-catching entreé that promises tender, smoky perfection. Meanwhile, the Cantonese Spring Rolls ($16) and Mushroom Potstickers ($14) are both delightful appetizers that burst with flavor, leaving patrons eager for more. The iconic Peking Duck Fried Rice, topped with a sunny side up jidori egg for $22, takes traditional flavors and elevates them to new heights.
One of Buddakan's highlights is its incredible hospitality. Guests consistently rave about the attentive and knowledgeable staff, always eager to guide you through the menu and offer impeccable recommendations. From succulent lamb chops praised by Jemai to the char-grilled aged beef lauded by Margie Cao, every dish is prepared with care and expertise, ensuring that each bite is a memorable one.
For those looking to celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy a cozy meal, the ambiance at Buddakan is unmatched. With dim lighting and an elegant decor, it’s a setting that fosters connection and celebration. The impeccable service and passionate staff make every guest feel like a valued part of the Buddakan family, as highlighted by Mitzi Longmore in her glowing review.
Don’t forget to save room for dessert! Treat yourself to the Prosper, a delightful concoction of strawberry, shiso, and whipped cream for $14, which serves as a sweet finale to an extraordinary meal.
Whether you're sharing a Nirvana dinner package for two or exploring their signature dishes, Buddakan guarantees a memorable dining experience. The combination of flavorful dishes, exceptional service, and enchanting ambiance creates the perfect setting for any occasion. So, make your way to Buddakan and let the culinary delights sweep you off your feet.
“ I recently visited Buddhism to celebrate my birthday, and I must say, it exceeded all expectations. From start to finish, everything was absolutely perfect. The highlight of my meal was the lamb chops, which were expertly recommended by our server. I typically don’t eat lamb chops, but this dish was so flavorful and perfectly cooked that it made me fall in love with them! The drinks were equally impressive—carefully crafted and delicious. The dumplings were a standout as well, bursting with flavor, and even the edamame was exceptional. The hospitality at Buddhism was top-notch. The staff was attentive, friendly, and made the entire experience seamless. I truly have no complaints and cannot recommend this place enough. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a night out, this is a restaurant that knows how to deliver. ”
“ I had the best experience ever at Buddakan! The service was fantasic, and the food was amazing. I highly recommend the char-grilled aged beef. Don't be misled by the name; it tastes incredible and melts in your mouth! I loved our waiter (I forgot to ask his name), and the service he provided was outstanding. ”
“ What a time we had !!! We celebrated my mother’s birthday today and let’s just say this..... A Hidden Gem of Culinary Delight I recently had the pleasure of dining at Buddakan, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the elegant ambiance and warm, inviting atmosphere. The decor is a perfect blend of modern sophistication and cozy charm, making it an ideal spot for both intimate dinners and special celebrations. The menu is a culinary masterpiece, offering a diverse selection of dishes that cater to all tastes. Each plate is a work of art, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor, which was a delightful symphony of textures and tastes. The ingredients were fresh, and the flavors were perfectly balanced, showcasing the chef’s exceptional skill and creativity. The service was impeccable, with the staff going above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. They were attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the food and the restaurant. Their recommendations were spot-on, and they made us feel truly valued as guests. In addition to the exquisite food and outstanding service, the restaurant also boasts an impressive wine list, featuring a curated selection of fine wines that perfectly complement the menu. The sommelier was incredibly helpful in guiding us to the perfect pairing for our meal. Overall, Buddakan is a true gem that stands out in the culinary scene. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening out or a place to celebrate a special occasion, this restaurant is sure to exceed your expectations. I can’t wait to return and explore more of their delicious offerings. ”
“ Come in on a Sunday night to a dim lit restaurant with a beautiful Buddhist statue centerpiece that brought the restaurant together no matter where you sat. The wait staff and even the manager walking around while we ate were super friendly and explained all the dishes we got. Started off the night with the pork belly bao buns and the dim sum sampler. All the wrappings used for the dumpling were soft and fluffy. These dumplings were not skimped on and every single one had a good amount of filling that each bite was super delicious. These dumplings were all brought together a nice light citrus soy sauce that went well with every piece. Personally went with the Char Grilled Aged Beef and it was cooked perfectly to what I asked for. The pieces were evenly cooked and just melted in my mouth that I had to stop myself from eating multiple pieces. It was paired with a mountain of super thin and crispy Szechuan fries. The Chinese Sausage fried rice and the Cheung Fun were the perfect side dishes to pair with the meal. Both were savory but the fried rice was much better and would highly recommend. To finish off the night we went with the donuts and the 3 different sauces. That cream cheese filling though... I definitely had a spoon fill just of it. They had a nice selection of Asian beers that were all super good and worth the try. Overall a great restaurant to celebrate an occasion with delicious foods and good ambiance. Would definitely be back!! ”
“ The dim sum sampler is amazing, with the shrimp, chicken and edamame dumplings all being amazing. The edamame dumplings are the best in my opinion I would also recommend getting the vegetarian bao bun, it’s also delicious ”
“ Excellent dining experience here. I fully engaged in tasting various dishes - well flavored and well served. All ingredients are fresh and well taken care of. Edamame dumplings are so far amazing and eye opening dishes. ”
“ Ordered the pork belly bao buns, and it's served separately. So it comes with pork belly, buns, cabbage, and micro greens that you assemble yourself. I think it could have used some drizzle of sauce, but it was still delicious. The sea bass was perfect and dressed with a sweet soy sauce. The fish was steamed, delicate, and still has me salivating. Came with a portion of green beans, squash, and mushroom. My friend got the cod, but my dish was better. ”
“ This is a very beautiful restaurant and the vibe is sexy but lively at the same time. The food was great and so was the service. Our server David was friendly, gave food recommendations and constantly checked on us. We had a mishap with our food and the manager Drew took care of it immediately and it ended up coming out better the second time around. We ordered the chicken and ginger dumplings, crab fried rice, shrimp lo mein and I got the Zen-gria. Would def recommend coming here if you’re into great food, service and cocktails! ”