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Authentic Korean Eats are Endless at Camellia Buffet

Columns Foodie Fare

January 5, 2014

Story By: Christina O Connor | Photos by: Nathalie Walker

Camellia Buffet has been satisfying customers for more than 30 years ― no matter how big their appetites may be. With its all-you-eat buffet, Camellia serves up all of the Korean eats that you desire.

“Our food is traditional Korean food. We try to get that authentic taste,” manager Kelly Park says.

At Camellia Buffet, diners are welcome to fill their plates with an array of grilled meats, which include Pork Belly.

“This is one of our most popular items. Pork Belly is best to enjoy not too crispy,” Park says. “We see a lot of people putting it on their plates and they come back for seconds. They really like this one.”

Other popular selections are Kalbi and Ribeye Steak.

“We use the best quality meats,” she adds. “Kalbi is actually our single most popular item.”

To complement these meats, the buffet is stocked with items that include fried rice, edamame and macaroni salad.

In addition to the yakiniku selections, the buffet features ready-toeat dishes such as chow mein — a recent add-on that features carrots, cabbage and onions accented with oyster sauce.

“We included chow mein and chow fun on the menu because we didn’t have menu items that the kids could really enjoy,” Park says.

Another ready-to-eat dish is Orange Chicken.

“We make our own sauces here,” Park explains, “so this doesn’t have any artificial flavors.”

The lunch buffet is priced at $17.95 and $13 for children ages 4-8. For dinner, the buffet costs $25.95 and $15 for children.

“Our prices are not too expensive, so people can enjoy a lot of food without spending too much,” Park says.

On the Side

Camellia Buffet has a long tradition of serving up the best in high-quality traditional Korean eats. The original owner began cooking when he was just 14 years old.

“He noticed that there was not a buffet for Korean food,” manager Kelly Park says. “At the time, there were a lot of Chinese and Japanese buffets, but none like this.”

Park explains that a lot of the recipes are inspired by noted Korean chefs who specialize in authentic Korean cuisine, whom the original owner trained under. The restaurant has since changed ownership a couple of times, yet it still maintains its dedication to presenting its customers with quality food.

“We have kept the taste and the flavor the same,” Park says.

Contact Christina O’Connor at diningout@staradvertiser.com

Camellia Buffet

930 McCully St., Honolulu
951-0511
Open daily, 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Honolulu, HI 96826

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