Philadelphia's Chinatown: 9 Best Restaurants to Try Now

A Foodie's Guide to Philadelphia's Chinatown: 9 Best Restaurants to Try Now

Philadelphia's Chinatown is a vibrant, bustling neighborhood and one of the most dynamic culinary destinations on the East Coast. It's a place where you can find an incredible diversity of authentic regional Chinese cuisines, from fiery Sichuan and savory Shaanxi noodles to classic Cantonese barbecue and delicate dim sum. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious newcomer, exploring Chinatown's restaurants is an essential Philadelphia experience. This guide will lead you to nine of the best and most beloved spots in this historic neighborhood.

For Dim Sum Lovers

1. Ocean Harbor

• The Vibe: For the classic, bustling, cart-style dim sum experience, Ocean Harbor is a must-visit. This large, lively banquet hall is a weekend institution where servers push steam carts laden with dozens of different dishes—from shrimp shumai and pork buns to chicken feet and turnip cakes—directly to your table.
• The Food: It’s a fun, interactive, and delicious way to sample a wide variety of traditional Cantonese small plates.
• Location: 1023 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

2. Nom Wah

• The Vibe: The Philadelphia outpost of the iconic New York institution, Nom Wah offers a more modern and hip dim sum experience. Unlike the cart service, all dishes here are cooked to order, ensuring maximum freshness. The restaurant is also a BYOB, making it a popular choice.
• The Food: Expect perfectly executed dim sum classics alongside other delicious small plates in a stylish, retro-inspired setting.
• Location: 218 N 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

3. Tom's Dim Sum

• The Vibe: A modest and popular spot located just under the convention center train trestle, Tom's Dim Sum is a go-to for those specifically craving Shanghai-style soup dumplings.
• The Food: They are renowned for their xiao long bao (soup dumplings), delicate steamed dumplings filled with savory meat and a rich, hot broth. The menu also features a variety of other delicious dim sum and Shanghainese dishes.
• Location: 59 N 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

For Noodle & Dumpling Aficionados

4. Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House

• The Vibe: A beloved, no-frills institution where the focus is entirely on the incredible noodles. You can often watch the chefs skillfully pulling and stretching the dough by hand in the open kitchen.
• The Food: Nan Zhou serves some of the best and most authentic hand-pulled noodle soups in the city. The noodles have a perfect, chewy texture, served in a rich and aromatic broth with your choice of meats and vegetables.
• Location: 1022 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

5. Xi'an Sizzling Woks

• The Vibe: This authentic eatery specializes in the unique and flavorful cuisine of the Shaanxi province in Western China.
• The Food: Xi'an Sizzling Woks is famous for its hearty Biangbiang Noodles (thick, hand-ripped noodles), savory Chinese "hamburgers" (rou jia mo), and refreshing Liangpi cold skin noodles. It's a delicious departure from the more common Cantonese fare.
• Location: 902 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

For Spice Seekers & Regional Classics

6. EMei Restaurant

• The Vibe: If you're looking for authentic, fiery Sichuan cuisine, EMei is a top destination. This restaurant is known for its bold flavors and its use of the numbing Sichuan peppercorn.
• The Food: The menu offers dishes with three distinct heat levels, from mild to extreme. It's a perfect spot for adventurous eaters who want to experience the complex and spicy flavors of Sichuan cooking.
• Location: 915 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

7. Sang Kee Peking Duck House

• The Vibe: An absolute Philadelphia landmark for decades, Sang Kee is the undisputed king of Cantonese barbecue in the city. It's a classic, bustling Chinatown restaurant that is always reliable.
• The Food: As the name suggests, the Peking duck, with its crispy skin and tender meat, is the must-try dish. Their wonton soup and other Cantonese roast meats are also legendary.
• Location: 238 N 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

8. Chuan Kee Skewer

• The Vibe: Specializing in a different style of Chinese barbecue, Chuan Kee focuses on BBQ skewers and Hotpot skewers.
• The Food: This is the place to go for an authentic Chinese skewer experience, where you can sample a wide variety of meats and vegetables grilled with savory and spicy seasonings.
• Location: 927 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

For a Taste of Southeast Asia

9. Banana Leaf

• The Vibe: With its distinctive double banana leaf sign, this restaurant is a go-to for authentic Malaysian cuisine.
• The Food: While not strictly Chinese, Banana Leaf offers the vibrant, aromatic, and complex flavors of Southeast Asia, which are a beloved part of the Chinatown dining experience. Their dishes are delicious and reasonably priced.
• Location: 1009 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

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