Philadelphia Chinatown - Beyond the colorful Friendship Arch at 10th and Arch Streets lies Philly's vibrant Asian enclave, settled in the mid-19th century by Cantonese immigrants. Stretching from Vine to Arch Streets between 9th and 12th Streets, the neighborhood is packed end to end with restaurants and stores that represent Hong Kong, Cantonese, Fujianese, Northern Sichuan, and Taiwanese cultures, with a sprinkling of Korean, Thai, Malaysian, Burmese, Vietnamese, and hipster thrown in for good measure.
Day or night, Chinatown bustles with activity and authenticity, from steaming platters of hand-stretched noodles to seasonal street festivals, locally guided tours, and bubble tea. Here's the scoop on the food, drinks, goods, and culture that make Philadelphia's Chinatown worth exploring.
Chinatown: Top 20 Must-Try Eateries
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Beyond the colorful, intricately painted Friendship Arch at 10th and Arch Streets lies Philadelphia's vibrant Asian enclave. Settled in the mid-19th century by Cantonese immigrants, the neighborhood now stretches from Vine to Arch Streets between 9th and 12th Streets.
Today, the neighborhood is packed end to end with restaurants and stores representing Hong Kong, Cantonese, Fujianese, Northern Sichuan, and Taiwanese cultures, with a sprinkling of Korean, Thai, Malaysian, Burmese, Vietnamese, and modern hipster cafes thrown in for good measure. Day or night, Chinatown bustles with activity and authenticity—from steaming platters of hand-stretched noodles to seasonal street festivals and locally guided tours.
Here is the scoop on the food, drinks, and culture that make Philadelphia's Chinatown worth exploring, updated with the 20 best places to eat right now.
20 Must-Try Eateries in Philly's Chinatown
Whether you are craving dim sum, hand-pulled noodles, or a sizzling hot pot, this culinary haven has something to satisfy every palate.
1. Heung Fa Chun Sweet House: A dessert lover's paradise and breakfast staple. Heung Fa Chun offers a delightful array of traditional Chinese pastries, sweet treats, and refreshing bubble tea. Don't miss their signature sweet tofu dessert and sesame balls.
2. Dim Sum Garden (Replaces the now-closed Nom Wah). For a legendary dim sum experience, head to Dim Sum Garden. This bustling establishment is famous city-wide for its authentic Shanghai-style soup dumplings (xiao long bao), savory buns, and scallion pancakes.
3. Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House: Prepare to be mesmerized by the skilled noodle-makers at Nan Zhou. Their hand-pulled noodles are the undeniable star of the show, served in deeply flavorful broths or stir-fried with your choice of protein and fresh vegetables.
4. Spice C: Spice lovers, rejoice! Spice C offers a fiery Sichuan menu featuring bold flavors, numbing peppercorn spices, and authentic, sweat-inducing dishes.
5. Ray's Cafe & Tea House: Escape the hustle and bustle at Ray's Cafe & Tea House. This tranquil, long-standing oasis offers a variety of Taiwanese teas, incredible siphon-brewed coffee, and light snacks in a uniquely retro environment.
6. Chuan Kee Skewer: For a unique dining experience, try Chuan Kee Skewer. This barbecue joint specializes in intensely flavorful grilled meat, seafood, and vegetable skewers, perfect for sharing with friends late into the night.
7. Chubby Cattle Hotpot: Warm up with a communal hot pot feast at Chubby Cattle. Choose from rich broths, premium meats, fresh seafood, and vegetables to cook right at your table via their fun conveyor-belt delivery system.
8. Terakawa Ramen: Slurp down some of the absolute best ramen in Philadelphia. Their rich, long-simmered pork bone broths and perfectly cooked noodles will leave you wanting more every time the weather gets cold.
9. EMei 峨嵋 EMei is a premier go-to spot for authentic Sichuan cuisine. Their menu features a massive array of dishes, from fiery hot pots and mapo tofu to delicate dumplings.
10. Kungfu Hotpot: Another excellent hot pot option, Kungfu Hotpot offers a modern twist on the traditional Chinese dish. Their unique broths and fresh ingredients will impress even the most discerning hot pot connoisseur.
11. Little Saigon Café: Transport your taste buds to Vietnam at Little Saigon Café. This cozy eatery on 10th Street serves up incredibly authentic Vietnamese dishes like pho, banh mi hoagies, and fresh spring rolls.
12. Megumi Japanese Ramen & Sushi Bar. If you are craving both ramen and sushi, Megumi has you covered. This popular spot on Race Street offers a diverse, high-quality menu of Japanese favorites.
13. David's Mai Lai Wah (Replaces the closed Hongqigong Hot Pot). An absolute late-night Philadelphia institution. When the bars close, locals flock to David's for their legendary salt and pepper squid, roast pork noodles, and bustling, no-frills atmosphere.
14. Penang Malaysian Cuisine (Replaces the closed MBL&Q Burger). Step into this industrial-chic space for an incredible menu of Malaysian street food. Their flaky roti canai with curry dipping sauce is a mandatory appetizer.
15. More Sugar. Indulge your sweet tooth at More Sugar. This aesthetic brunch and dessert spot serves up decadent waffles, creative charcoal lattes, and beautiful sugary delights. Just remember to bring cash!
16. Screamin' Rooster. Tucked inside the Chinatown Square food hall, check out Screamin' Rooster for a serious Nashville hot chicken fix. Their menu features incredibly spicy, crispy chicken sliders and loaded fries.
17. T-Swirl Crêpe: Satisfy your cravings at T-Swirl Crêpe. This popular spot offers sweet and savory Japanese-style crêpes, made to order with fresh ingredients and wrapped in a convenient cone for walking around the neighborhood.
18. Oishii Poke. Oishii Poke is an excellent option for a healthy, fast, and refreshing meal. Their customizable poke bowls are made with fresh fish, crisp vegetables, and delicious house sauces.
19. QT Vietnamese Sandwich: If you are looking for a quick and affordable bite, QT Vietnamese Sandwich is the place to go. Their banh mi sandwiches are packed with flavor, loaded with pickled veggies, and come in various protein options.
20. Beijing Duck Seafood Restaurant: For a special occasion, splurge on a Peking duck feast at this relatively new standout on Race Street. This classic Chinese dish is expertly prepared, carved tableside, and is guaranteed to impress your group.
With this diverse and delicious selection of restaurants, Philadelphia's Chinatown is a foodie's paradise. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring and discover your new favorite eatery today!
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