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Just steps from Chelsea Market, hidden behind a simple charcoal wall and an oversized glass entry lies one of the best, if not the best Asian eatery in all of Manhattan. From the second you step inside the ambient dark space that is Buddakan, you are immediately stripped of your presence in New York City and welcomed to the Far East. Check in at the front desk before being seated at the bar and lounge area as you await your table. Order a cocktail, glass of wine, or signature sake from the extensive beverage list, while you acquaint yourself with the restaurant’s modern Asian inspired menu.
If you are a returning customer, this dining experience may be completely different to your last depending on which part of the restaurant you are seated in, and that is the beauty of Buddakan. Resembling a grand hall, the heart of this fine dining establishment is the ‘Chinoiserie’. Crafted by acclaimed French designer Christian Liaigre, double height oak-covered walls frame the once cookie factory, which now holds a 30 person banquet table crowned with large opulent chandeliers, truly resembling an ancient Chinese Mansion.
Image: courtesy of yelp.com
Once you have finished taking in your surroundings, peruse the menu one last time. All dishes have been crafted with sharing in mind, which is great for big groups and people who enjoy sampling many different menu items. The most challenging part of the experience is selecting your dishes, however we are sure after this experience you will be back so don’t worry about missing out! For starters the Cantonese spring rolls are not to be missed. Lightly friend and filled with chicken, shrimp, and coriander, the spring rolls are served with a tangy Chinese mustard, absolutely perfect to get you excited for the impending dishes.
Image: courtesy of tripadvisor.com
The menu also offers a wide selection of dumplings, there is something to suit every taste so make sure you try a few! If you’re finding it difficult to decide, you can’t go past the General Tso’s Dumplings, filled with chicken, ginger, garlic and a delicious burst of light sauce.
Image: courtesy of yelp.com
Forget about the carbs because the range of noodles on offer at Buddakan are worth the extra calories. Our number one recommendation is the Chilled Udon Noodle dish, flavoured with a delicious combination of peanut satay sauce and tangy lime sorbet. If you’re feeling more like a savoury flavour, the wok tossed noodles with prawns, garlic, chives and wild mushrooms in a light soy sauce may be more to your liking!
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Last but not least, we could not go past the Kung Pao Monkfish, a dense white fish served in a spicy Szechuan chilli sauce, garnished with peanuts. The fish is cooked to perfection, under the guidance of Head Chef Michael Schulson, with a perfect texture and crispy sides, this dish is not to be overlooked!
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With a wide range of phenomenal modern Asian inspired dishes, Buddakan is a favorite for New Yorkers across the city. With dishes at a reasonable price point, Stephen Starr’s elegant eastern establishment is perfect for every occasion. The service is excellent and the food is even better, we can assure you a trip to Buddakan will not disappoint.
Top tips: Make a booking at least a few days in advance as tables do fill up quickly, request a table in the downstairs part of the restaurant – the atmosphere is mesmerising!
– By Lizzie Crittenden