We were so excited to celebrate my husband's birthday at Buddhkan with our children, ages 18 and 13. I had booked our reservations well in advance, as we've been dining here for the past 28 years since they opened. Unfortunately, the experience fell flat. From the moment we entered, the hostesses were neither friendly nor welcoming. Our table was positioned right in front of the food window, surrounded by half a dozen food runners. When my husband politely asked a gentleman filling our waters if we could move to a different seat, a hostess rudely moved us upstairs. Our waiter was friendly but terribly slow. After placing our order, the food began arriving—at best, warm. It tasted good overall, except for the crab fried rice, which is usually a staple here. I had specified in our reservation that it was a birthday celebration, but there was no acknowledgment when the dessert arrived; we ended up singing ourselves. The waiter did bring a sparkler, after the fact which was a nice touch, but the overall experience was disappointing. The restaurant itself shows signs of wear—nothing has changed in 28 years. The entrance, floors, and chair covers are worn out. The bathrooms are dingy and unclean, and the entrance area was filthy. Sadly, we will never return, as there are many other dining options both in and out of the city. As we left, we noticed some managers walking around with staff, but there was no acknowledgment—no "Thank you for coming" or "Have a nice evening." No eye contact or words; it was all quite disappointing.
Mindy
I am always amazed, over the 19 years I have been to this amazing place, that the food quality and flavor is always consistently amazing. It continues to pull the best wait staff and the ambiance is still as fresh as always. Amazing place!!
Stuart
The food was a delicious example of Asian fusion. Atmosphere was terrific and tranquil. Service was topnotch.
Nicole
Buddhakan is missing the mark on food flavor, serving size and price. We paid alot of $ for a whole fish, and the fish was really small for the price of the entree. The duck fried rice was also expensive and had little flavor and not enough meat. Lobster egg rolls are awful. No entree was up to snuff. We sat near a serving station and a waitress bumped my chair repeatedly during dinner which really detracted from the experience. I don't mind paying alot for a super meal, but this dinner was not worth the $500 we shelled out!!!!! After being a fan for 26 years, I say it's not worth the dollars! Our particular waitress was great, however.
Timothy
Oldie but goodie. This is a staple restaurant in Philadelphia. Since its opening there have been hundreds more to choose from, but it never disappoints and is a "go to" when looking for a wonderful fun dining experience!
sue
The food is delicious, the staff is well trained and professional. Buddakan is always a great dining experience and is an exceptional value during Center City District Restaurant Week!
Sage
Fantastic food, reasonably priced. Our table was perfectly located, our server McKenzie was more than accommodating and very friendly. She offered great drink recommendations and took great care of us.
Vincent
Great experience as always, celebrating an anniversary. Super sweet server who was very friendly and attentive. Crab fried rice is a classic fave. The wasabi crusted filet was seasoned and cooked perfectly. Never had a bad experience here. Can't wait to come back!
Merrily
We shared the dim sum appetizer of selected dumplings, and they were very tasty. My friend raved about her whole fish and I loved my jumbo shrimp with a sort of sweet white sauce. The donut dessert is to die for! Our waitress was excellent and very well informed about the menu.
Austin
The service and food is always amazing!! And to top it all off I had the pleasure of meeting the GM and he was able to help me with a specific seating arrangement I had planned for the night. Like always this restaurant continues to impress me and will continue to refer everyone I meet
Everything was great, Leah supported and my date night a great experience. Shout out to her!
Nakeysha
Food was delicious, atmosphere, staff, service and price was amazing! Definitely going back soon. 10/10 everything was perfect!
Maranda
Food was amazing as always and service was great. Great vibe and atmosphere. Always love it here
Paul
One issue that we find fault with in So Many restaurants, but it's especially irritating in “fine dining” establishments, is when the food comes out & the staff doesn't know which guest ordered which dish. This occurred here last night at Buddakan.
Takiyah
Everything was amazing from the food to the ambience. Everything was delicious. The drink just top-notch just everything that I expected plus so so so much more.
We were so excited to celebrate my husband's birthday at Buddhkan with our children, ages 18 and 13. I had booked our reservations well in advance, as we've been dining here for the past 28 years since they opened. Unfortunately, the experience fell flat. From the moment we entered, the hostesses were neither friendly nor welcoming. Our table was positioned right in front of the food window, surrounded by half a dozen food runners. When my husband politely asked a gentleman filling our waters if we could move to a different seat, a hostess rudely moved us upstairs. Our waiter was friendly but terribly slow. After placing our order, the food began arriving—at best, warm. It tasted good overall, except for the crab fried rice, which is usually a staple here. I had specified in our reservation that it was a birthday celebration, but there was no acknowledgment when the dessert arrived; we ended up singing ourselves. The waiter did bring a sparkler, after the fact which was a nice touch, but the overall experience was disappointing. The restaurant itself shows signs of wear—nothing has changed in 28 years. The entrance, floors, and chair covers are worn out. The bathrooms are dingy and unclean, and the entrance area was filthy. Sadly, we will never return, as there are many other dining options both in and out of the city. As we left, we noticed some managers walking around with staff, but there was no acknowledgment—no "Thank you for coming" or "Have a nice evening." No eye contact or words; it was all quite disappointing.
I am always amazed, over the 19 years I have been to this amazing place, that the food quality and flavor is always consistently amazing. It continues to pull the best wait staff and the ambiance is still as fresh as always. Amazing place!!
The food was a delicious example of Asian fusion. Atmosphere was terrific and tranquil. Service was topnotch.
Buddhakan is missing the mark on food flavor, serving size and price. We paid alot of $ for a whole fish, and the fish was really small for the price of the entree. The duck fried rice was also expensive and had little flavor and not enough meat. Lobster egg rolls are awful. No entree was up to snuff. We sat near a serving station and a waitress bumped my chair repeatedly during dinner which really detracted from the experience. I don't mind paying alot for a super meal, but this dinner was not worth the $500 we shelled out!!!!! After being a fan for 26 years, I say it's not worth the dollars! Our particular waitress was great, however.
Oldie but goodie. This is a staple restaurant in Philadelphia. Since its opening there have been hundreds more to choose from, but it never disappoints and is a "go to" when looking for a wonderful fun dining experience!
The food is delicious, the staff is well trained and professional. Buddakan is always a great dining experience and is an exceptional value during Center City District Restaurant Week!
Fantastic food, reasonably priced. Our table was perfectly located, our server McKenzie was more than accommodating and very friendly. She offered great drink recommendations and took great care of us.
Great experience as always, celebrating an anniversary. Super sweet server who was very friendly and attentive. Crab fried rice is a classic fave. The wasabi crusted filet was seasoned and cooked perfectly. Never had a bad experience here. Can't wait to come back!
We shared the dim sum appetizer of selected dumplings, and they were very tasty. My friend raved about her whole fish and I loved my jumbo shrimp with a sort of sweet white sauce. The donut dessert is to die for! Our waitress was excellent and very well informed about the menu.
The service and food is always amazing!! And to top it all off I had the pleasure of meeting the GM and he was able to help me with a specific seating arrangement I had planned for the night. Like always this restaurant continues to impress me and will continue to refer everyone I meet
Restaurantji Recommends
Everything was great, Leah supported and my date night a great experience. Shout out to her!
Food was delicious, atmosphere, staff, service and price was amazing! Definitely going back soon. 10/10 everything was perfect!
Food was amazing as always and service was great. Great vibe and atmosphere. Always love it here
One issue that we find fault with in So Many restaurants, but it's especially irritating in “fine dining” establishments, is when the food comes out & the staff doesn't know which guest ordered which dish. This occurred here last night at Buddakan.
Everything was amazing from the food to the ambience. Everything was delicious. The drink just top-notch just everything that I expected plus so so so much more.
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