Final Week of Philly Restaurant Week – Part 3: Buddakan 🥢

Honestly, I hesitated for over a year about trying this place — the name made me think it was just another overpriced, white-washed Chinese restaurant. What if the food wasn’t good? Better not risk it… But after trying it during last year’s Restaurant Week, I was pleasantly surprised! So I came back again this year to try different dishes. (Vegetarian tip: Ask for their vegetarian menu – they have one!) 🍄 First Course: Mushroom Dumplings I really liked these — strong mushroom flavor, so if you’re not into mushrooms, go for the edamame instead. 8/10 Last time I had the Spicy Tofu Bao Bun — that was 9.5/10 for me! So tasty and generous in portion, great to take leftovers home. 🥢 Second Course: Lemon Sesame Tofu A bit bland — mostly just sour, seasoning felt off. 7/10 My friend’s Dragon Tofu was much better — 8.5/10! Last time I also tried the Tofu Cashew, which was solid — 9/10. 🍩 Dessert: Donuts Last time they served it with an amazing berry sauce, but this time it came with strawberry-lychee jam, cream cheese, and chocolate sauce. The chocolate sauce was pretty basic (like Hershey’s), but the jam was unique and donuts were fried perfectly — not oily at all. 8/10 overall. 🏮 Overall Restaurant Vibe: Great atmosphere, tasty food (just don’t expect authentic Chinese cuisine — think elevated American-Chinese fusion). Service is excellent too — perfect for dates or catching up with friends. It’s super popular, so make a reservation! Personally, I find it a bit pricey outside of Restaurant Week, so I probably won’t come regularly… but I’ll definitely be back next Restaurant Week! 😂 📍 Buddakan 325 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 #PhillyFood #PhillyRestaurantWeek #PhillyRestaurantRecommendation #PhillyDiningGuide