Annandale may be known unofficially as the D.C. area’s “Little Korea,” but it also happens to boast a number of other noteworthy ethnic eateries—from Afghan to Bolivian to the Pakistani delights at Shiney’s. Shiney’s Sweets & Restaurant somehow persists as an unlikely tenant at the Seoul Plaza strip mall.

Shiney’s may seem like a bit of a dive with the halfhearted string of burnt-out Christmas lights dangling from the ceiling and the few scattered tables for those patrons willing to eat in. But linger at the counter for just a few minutes on a weekend afternoon, and their brisk catering business, as evidenced by party platter after party platter being disgorged from their kitchen, is an apparent testimonial to their excellence.

Although most of Shiney’s patrons seem to opt for the buffet, we decided to forego the steam table fare in favor of ordering off their short menu of entrees and “Light Snacks.”