Beef brisket (front) and boneless kalbi (back)
You have officially survived the start of 2016, and your New Year’s resolutions probably involve eating right, budgeting and treating yourself. While those pledges may seem paradoxical, at Camellia Buffet on McCully Street you can choose from an assortment of high-quality foods that taste like a treat, but don’t break your wallet.
Indulge in Korean yakiniku dining with the added benefit of a buffet. This combination of dynamic culinary styles grants the customer the luxury of being in control of what to eat, how much they want and how to cook it.
“Grilling your own food on a yakiniku grill built into the table is really fun,” says manager Kelly Park, who has been with Camellia for more than 30 years. “Yakiniku-style dining is like at-home cooking, but without all the preparation and cleanup. It allows families and parties to enjoy food together without worrying about who is in charge of dishes,” she adds.
Assorted side dishes are the perfect addition to any Korean yakiniku meal enjoyed at Camellia Buffet.
Camellia Buffet is synonymous with yakiniku, and locals and tourists alike enjoy the benefits of the eatery’s yakiniku-buffet combination. Camellia has more than 50 selections on their buffet, ranging from miso and seaweed soups and three different styles of rice to orange chicken and onion rings.
“Our precooked options like the traditional jab-chae are perfect to nibble on while waiting,” says Park. “We even have vegetarian options along with our selection of fine meats.”
Grill up some thinly sliced beef brisket and dip the meat into Camellia’s flavorful collection of sauces — like the oil sauce made with vegetable and sesame oil and seasoned with salt and pepper. And be sure to try Camellia’s most popular meat option: boneless kalbi. While normally kalbi is served as a short rib with the bone in, Camellia’s decision to use boneless kalbi gives the customer more meat per slice. The perfectly marbled, high-quality cuts are thick and have none of the inedible bone or fat typical of bone-in kalbi.
Pair your grilled meats with a variety of side dishes, including corn, macaroni salad, shredded daikon — marinated in sugar, vinegar and paprika — cabbage, seaweed, bean sprouts and traditional kim chee.
With a busy 2016 ahead, Camellia Buffet is the go-to spot to reconnect, catch up and relax with loved ones. “A lot of people come here after a busy week to unwind with family and friends,” says Park. “People also bring new additions to the family or friend group and introduce them to yakiniku dining. Neighbor islanders, tourists and those who haven’t experienced yakiniku really enjoy this truly unique dining practice.”
During lunch, adults pay $18.95 and children (ages 4-8) pay $14. For dinner, adults pay $27.95 and children pay $17. Camellia Buffet also offers a la carte options and takeout.
Camellia Buffet
930 McCully St., Honolulu
951-0511
Lunch: 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Dinner: 2:30-10 p.m.
Honolulu, HI 96826
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