Anniversaries / Old City

Buddakan Celebrates 25 Years!

Happy 25th Anniversary to Buddakan!

Buddakan, STARR Restaurants’ modern Asian restaurant marked by a 10-foot-tall Buddha at the head of the restaurant’s iconic 24-seat communal table, is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this month.

Since opening its doors in 1998, Buddakan has been an integral part of Philadelphia’s vibrant dining scene, pioneering a restaurant renaissance with its innovative Asian-inspired cuisine and show-stopping atmosphere. To commemorate this milestone achievement, Buddakan is hosting a two-part celebration on Saturday, August 26th, showcasing its rich history, cherished dishes, and heartfelt appreciation for its valued guests and staff over the last 25 years.

For two and a half decades, Buddakan has served as a gathering place for celebrations, romantic rendezvous, and memorable moments with friends and family. A treasured part of Philadelphia’s social fabric, Buddakan has been a witness to countless proposals, anniversaries, birthdays and holidays; and host to A-list celebrities including Joni Mitchell, Robert Di Niro, Mick Jagger, Bruce Willis, Oprah Winfrey and more. In January 2000, Will Smith debuted his “Freakin’ It” music video at Buddakan’s communal table.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since we introduced Buddakan to Philadelphia,” says Stephen Starr. “We are grateful for the incredible support and loyalty from our guests, team members, and the community who have shaped Buddakan into the restaurant it is today. Here’s to another 25 years of Edamame Dumplings, Peking Duck, and ‘Dip Sum’ Doughnuts.”

To honor the occasion, Buddakan’s 25th anniversary will kick-off with a one-day-only brunch experience from 11:00am-2:30pm, complete with music from DJ Shaun and celebratory décor. Brunch will feature limited addition menu items like Ube Pancakes, Pandan Waffles, Shrimp Foo Young Omelet, and Dungeness Crab Benedict.

The festivities will carry over into dinner where diners are welcome to reminisce about memories made at Buddakan over a complimentary champagne toast, throwback menu items and a mini birthday cake to cap off the meal. Dinner additions include King Crab Tempura, Five Spice Duck Breast, Sweet and Crispy Jumbo Shrimp, and Buddakan’s famous Banana Tower dessert.

Reservations for both brunch and dinner service can be made via OpenTable or by visiting www.buddakan.com.


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