Fonthill

Pelham Town Square
20 Pelham Town Square
Fonthill, Ontario
Located in the causeway of the Old Train Station in the Canal District of Port Colborne, The Smokin’ Buddha casually delivers your favourite dishes from around the world. Vintage maps, exposed brick and an open-kitchen create our distinct “shop”. Part industrial grit, part Asian zen- we offer a small, laid-back space to explore global eats and local Niagara food culture.
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.
Due to COVID-19 we are not participating in markets for the 2020 season.
Where it all began for the Buddha in 2005, the Farmers' Markets connect us to the best of Niagara food, culture and community.