Pioneering Chinese Buffet

Happy Garden
 
Location: 686W Market St. Tiffin, OH 44883-2516
Phone: 419-443-0007
Offers: Buffet 
Cuisine: Americanized Chinese Cuisine
Signature Dishes: General Tso’s Chicken, Black Pepper Chicken, Peanut Butter Chicken, Seafood w. Butter 
Year of Establishment: 1989

Happy Garden, was once a little take-out eatery. In 1995, Happy House was turned into a buffet restaurant. The concept of going to a Chinese buffet restaurant was new to most people back then, especially in the town of Tiffin which is tucked away in northern Ohio. But, after getting positive responses from the locals, Mr. and Mrs. Li decided to go through with their plan to remodel the existing space and turn it into the first Chinese buffet in the area.

“Some people questioned the feasibility of opening a Chinese buffet restaurant in a rural area. It was definitely a new concept back then but at the same time a lot of people were excited about the possibility of Tiffin’s culinary scene getting a shot in the arm. So, we decided to go through with it. After all, life is about taking smart risks,” says Mrs. Li. 

Li’s decision proved wise when the restaurant reopened with a brand new image. The customers flocked to the buffet to sample the food, and they were ecstatic to find that there were so many choices. Smiles lit up the room as they circled the buffet stations, packing copious amounts of delicious Chinese food on to their plates.

The “all-you-can-eat” Chinese buffet nearly has everything, including more than 100 selections, such as appetizers, lo mein, fried rice, soup, chicken and pork dishes. The menu at Happy Garden is not that extensive, but it covers all the bases. While the variety isn’t a strongpoint, you can be sure that you will be able to find all your favorites and then some.

“We keep a more streamlined buffet so that the buffet trays are constantly replenished and everything stays fresh,” says Li. 

General Tso’s Chicken, Chicken w. Garlic Sauce, Black Pepper Chicken, Peanut Butter Chicken and Seafood with Butter are just some of the highly-acclaimed dishes among the delectable options. These are seemingly standard dishes that the prodigal chef has transferred into extraordinarily tasty works of culinary art. As most Americans have a fondness for chicken dishes, nearly every Chinese restaurant has their own interpretation of the classic General Tso’s Chicken. Every restaurant always claims theirs is the best in town. However, the real measure of how good a restaurant’s offerings are is what the customers have to say about them. Happy Garden’s chefs needn’t brag about how delicious the dishes are, because the restaurant has already established good word of mouth. Back when Happy Garden first opened, most customers lived nearby, now some of the regulars drive up to an hour just to be able to enjoy Happy Garden’s General Tso’s Chicken and Peanut Butter Chicken.

Of course, creating delicious and healthy dishes isn’t as easy as it sounds. The fresh ingredients, skillful timing of the frying and sautéing, and the homemade special sauce that was passed down from her uncle 20 years ago are all essential to making dishes with a harmonious combination of colors, flavors and textures.

The Peanut Butter Chicken is one shining example of the harmonious dishes that the kitchen whips up. Customers love its unique flavor and many think of it as true Chinese comfort food. However, preparing this dish is a complicated process. The chefs must first carefully choose the chicken, bread it, then fry it till it is nice and crispy before drenching it with peanut sauce.

There are no peanut chunks in the dish, as many customers are senior citizens with dietary restrictions. Additionally, the taste is bit mellower than the Peanut Butter Chicken offered at other restaurants, as locals tend to like light-flavored tastes without any tangy spices or herbs.

The dedication to customers’ requirements is also embodied in their quick response to the healthy dining trend. Dishes can be adjusted to meet the dietary needs of customers. There are also some healthy and light-flavored dishes on the menu. Customers can also order steamed or boiled dishes with no oil, salt or sugar, and also choose to have sauces served alongside the dishes.

“Care about the customers and know what they expect, then make sure to do your best to try to satisfy them,” says Li.

A restaurant won’t be successful if management forgets about the importance of friendly service and well-organized operation. Li knows that, and places great emphasis on customer service. Knowing how to meet customers’ requirements at any given time is really tough and every restaurant owner has their own way of doing so. Li’s recipe is to treat the customers like family.

“We know our regulars names and what their favorites are,” says Li, “they love being treated like a good friend, and we love having the opportunity to chat with them.”

Actions speak louder than words. To better know about the community, Li is actively involved in various community activities, donating money and food to local schools and other organizations. Li moved to Tiffin, Ohio as a teenager, and got to know the community as she grew up, first working in her uncle’s restaurant and finally taking it over. As the years have passed by, that teenage girl has become a strong-willed woman with a strong passion for her lifelong career and goal—providing delicious food to customers so that they can have an enjoyable dining experience.

The 3000 square foot restaurant has undergone an overhaul several times. It’s not the biggest around nor is it decorated to the nines, but, it is cozy enough to have an intimate talk with friends or a small gathering. Featuring a red color scheme and hanging red lanterns, the restaurant gives off a festive vibe. Perfect for an after work meal, the subdued light, soft music, and friendly service will melt your worries away. 

Stop by Happy Garden if you’re ever in the town of Tiffin. You’ll be happy you did! 

Message from the Owner

I really appreciate the support of our customers, and I will try to reward them with even more tasty food and friendly service.