Our Story

The name and concept “The Smokin’ Buddha” was conceived with friends while sipping sake under a kotatsu (heated coffee table) near Hiroshima, Japan in 1998.

When we (Kevin and Kyla) moved to Niagara, we missed the fresh tastes of our travels to Thailand, Japan, Vietnam and Korea, so we started cooking up plates for friends and family – always happy to entertain over a meal.

In 2005 these meals took the leap out of the Sugarloaf kitchen and on to the Port Colborne Farmer’s Market. The first products were California rolls and curry pastes, sold out of a red Coleman cooler. Over time, the menu expanded (and so did the cooler!) and in 2006, the Buddha expanded to the Fonthill and Welland markets.

In 2007 “The Smokin’ Buddha” Restaurant opened its doors in the old train station in Port Colborne. The original plan was to serve globally inspired appetizers accompanied by craft beers and wine, modelled after the Izakaya concept in Japan (fun, lively, little pubs). This concept has evolved over time and the menu has grown to include our favourite feel-good foods from all over the world.

• Fonthill

  

  Pelham Town Square
  20 Pelham Town Square
  Fonthill, Ontario

• Welland

  

  Welland Market Square
  50 Market Square
  Welland, Ontario

• Niagara-on-the-Lake

  

  The Supper Market
  111 Garrison Village Drive
  Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON