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Families find it all at Camellia Buffet

Digest On the Menu

April 27, 2015

Story By: Kyle Galdeira | Photos by: Anthony Consillio and Nathalie Walker

Camellia Buffet continues to attract generations of diners as the “thrill of the grill” satiates appetites of any size. The popular establishment has pleased patrons of all ages over the last three decades by serving up quality Korean-influenced cuisine prepared yakiniku style.

“If you have a big appetite, you’ll get your money’s worth,” says manager Kelly Park. “Unlike other restaurants with set menus, diners may select their favorites and eat whatever and as much as (they) want!”

The spacious restaurant, which is named after the stunning flower that remains in bloom through all seasons, is situated conveniently at 930 McCully St. and offers ample free parking. The bountiful buffet is available daily during lunch (10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.) and dinner (2:30-10 p.m.).

As loyal diners have learned over the years, the all-you-can-eat buffet remains affordable for the entire family and offers an enjoyable experience — whether it’s dinner for two or a large birthday party, wedding celebration or special gathering. The buffet is available daily for just $18.95 (lunch) and $27.95 (dinner), while children ages 4 to 8 receive discounted rates of $14 and $17, respectively.

Diners celebrating a birthday eat for free when joining a party of eight or more paying adults, and as a reminder, this can’t-miss offer is not combinable with any other discounts. Camellia Buffet also is an ideal location for families celebrating Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and other holidays — but reservations are recommended as space fills up quickly (coupons or other discounts will not be hon-ored on these or other holidays). Additionally, the restaurant remains a perfect venue for hosting graduation celebrations, as both high school and college seniors look forward to completing their courses of study in the coming weeks.

More than 50 selections grace the buffet line at the eatery, including kalbi spare ribs, steak with kalbi sauce, barbecue beef, barbecue pork, spicy chicken, Korean pancake, teriyaki chicken and multiple kim chee varieties. The dinner buffet also includes steak, beef brisket, calamari, spicy fried chicken and various desserts, including ice cream.

Park explains that Camellia Buffet diners rave about pork belly available in its lunch and dinner spreads. The offering is similar to bacon, although it is usually enjoyed lightly grilled so the meat remains tender and soft. The pork belly’s natural salt content also makes it a great pair with one’s fa-vorite beverage.

Camellia Buffet continues to serve up many local favorites, including fried rice, orange chicken, mandoo and even onion rings, which are made fresh and in house and are popular among children, as well as those young at heart. Park also recommends one of Camellia’s noodle dishes, such as chow mein, as another popular option for keiki to enjoy while various meats are cooking on the grill.

“We make our sauces with traditional Korean recipes and flavors that we pass on through many generations,” Park says. “We use high-quality meats. Customers tell me that they can taste the difference and say, ‘You guys are the best,’ and keep coming back!”

Camellia Buffet

930 McCully St., Honolulu // 951-0511
Open Daily, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (lunch) and 2:30-10 p.m. (dinner)

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