Philadelphia is a city that is rich in culture and diversity, and that is reflected in its food scene. Among the many cuisines available, Asian food has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Whether you are looking for traditional dishes or fusion cuisine, there are plenty of options to explore.
From sushi to noodles, dim sum to curry, Asian cuisine offers a wide variety of flavors and textures. It is no wonder that so many people are drawn to it.
And fortunately, Philadelphia has no shortage of Asian restaurants to choose from. Whether you are a fan of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, or Vietnamese food, there is something for everyone.
In this blog post, we will be exploring the best Asian restaurants in Philadelphia. We will be highlighting some of the most popular and well-loved spots in the city, as well as some hidden gems that you may not have heard of before.
Whether you are a long-time resident or just visiting for the weekend, this guide will help you discover some of the best Asian cuisine that Philadelphia has to offer. So let's dive in and explore the flavors of Asia right here in the City of Brotherly Love!
1. Buddakan
Buddakan is a swanky Asian fusion restaurant with a chic ambiance.
The food is innovative and delicious, with standout dishes like the dumplings and eggplant.
The service is friendly and attentive, making for a great dining experience. The restaurant is popular, so reservations are recommended.
For a night out with great food and a hip atmosphere, Buddakan is a must-visit.
2. EMei Restaurant
EMei Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Chinese cuisine. This Asian restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, including spicy and non-spicy options, as well as vegetables and meat.
The portions are ample, and the prices are affordable, making it a great value for money.
The atmosphere is comfortable, and the service is excellent. The cold sesame noodles and mapo tofu are highly recommended, and the Szechuan boiled beef is a must-try.
EMei Restaurant is the perfect spot for a casual dinner or a large group gathering.
3. Spice C
Spice C is a popular Asian restaurant that offers a wide range of traditional Chinese dishes, including hand-drawn noodles.
The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make for an enjoyable dining experience. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.
Customers rave about the Spicy Szechuan Tofu, which is a must-try dish. The restaurant only accepts cash, but there is an ATM outside for convenience.
If you're looking for authentic Chinese cuisine, Spice C is definitely worth checking out.
4. Chubby Cattle
Chubby Cattle is an Asian restaurant that serves high-quality ingredients and delicious hot pot dishes. The wagyu beef melts in your mouth and the seafood is fresh and sweet.
The staff is welcoming and knowledgeable, and the conveyor belt concept adds to the unique dining experience.
The A5 Wagyu Pho and Sashimi are highly recommended. It's a great spot for groups or a solo meal, with options for all tastes.
Chubby Cattle is a must-try for anyone looking for an excellent Asian dining experience.
5. Bao Nine
Bao Nine is a colorful and trendy Asian fusion restaurant that serves up an extensive menu of Taiwanese gua bao. The bao buns are light and fluffy, and the different styles of taco bao are inventive and tasty.
The restaurant also offers a wide variety of flavors and cultural fusions, including the pastrami, crispy buffalo chicken, and Asian sticky teriyaki chicken.
The staff are nice and fast, and the service is excellent.
Although the portion sizes are a bit small for the price, Bao Nine consistently exceeds their customers' expectations with their delicious food and bubbly energy.
6. Xiandu Thai Fusion Cuisine
Xiandu Thai Fusion Cuisine offers a comfortable atmosphere and delicious Pan-Asian dishes.
The staff is attentive and friendly, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. The food is carefully prepared and served fresh, with great attention to detail.
Prices are reasonable, making it a great spot for lunch or dinner. The cocktails are also worth trying, especially the Tom Yum Martini.
The restaurant is a must-visit for those looking for authentic Thai and Chinese cuisine in a relaxed setting.
7. Sampan
Sampan is a modern Pan-Asian restaurant and bar. The menu is creative and offers a variety of small and large plates.
The atmosphere is intimate and the outdoor patio is great for people watching. The service is friendly and attentive.
The happy hour is a great deal with delicious cocktails and reasonably priced food.
The Peking duck and Korean BBQ are highly recommended. Sampan is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique dining experience.
8. Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House
Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House is a must-visit Asian restaurant for noodle lovers.
This casual Chinatown spot offers a variety of noodle soups and stir-fries, all made with hand-pulled noodles that are fresh and delicious. The broth is savory and flavorful, and the meats are tender and tasty.
The service is quick and friendly, and the prices are reasonable. The only downside is that they only accept cash or Venmo payments, but there is an ATM in the store.
For a satisfying and authentic Asian noodle experience, Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House is definitely worth a visit.
9. JJ Thai Cuisine
JJ Thai Cuisine offers a delightful dining experience with exceptional service and authentic Thai cuisine.
The restaurant's intimate setting creates a cozy atmosphere that complements the flavor and presentation of each dish.
From crispy duck to flavorful curries, the food is nothing short of outstanding. The staff is attentive and courteous, making sure that every guest leaves satisfied.
JJ Thai Cuisine is a must-visit for anyone looking for an elevated Thai dining experience.
10. Nom Wah Philadelphia
Nom Wah Philadelphia is an excellent Asian restaurant that offers a wide range of delicious Cantonese and Chinese dishes. The staff is friendly and efficient, and the food is always fresh and flavorful.
The restaurant has a dimly lit and beautiful interior, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. The menu has many selections, including a variety of dumplings, both steamed and fried.
Their shu mai is excellent, and they also have vegetarian options. The restaurant is a great place to try out different dishes, and the chrysanthemum tea is a must-try.
Despite the restaurant being busy, the wait time is not long, and the service is quick. Nom Wah Philadelphia is highly recommended for anyone looking for a great dim-sum restaurant.
11. Dim Sum & Noodle
Dim Sum & Noodle is a must-try Asian restaurant for foodies. This laid-back eatery offers a diverse Pan-Asian menu, from Japanese ramen to Cantonese small plates.
The food is fantastic and comes in good portions at reasonable prices. The staff is gracious and accommodating, making for a pleasant dining experience.
Whether you're in the mood for vegetarian ramen or hot oil meat dumplings, you won't be disappointed.
The dim sums are of good quality, and there's always more to explore on the menu. If you're in the area, don't miss out on this brilliant Chinese restaurant.
12. Su Xing House
Su Xing House is a must visit for vegetarian and vegan food lovers. This Asian restaurant serves delicious meat-free Chinese dishes that are sure to impress.
From mock Peking duck to tofu and aubergine with garlic sauce, the food here is packed with flavor and texture.
The lunch specials are a great deal and come with soup, a side, and rice. The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the atmosphere is laid back and casual.
Don't miss out on the warm jasmine tea and the crispy taro with cashews. Su Xing House is a gem of a restaurant that should not be missed.
13. Sang Kee Peking Duck House
Sang Kee Peking Duck House is a Chinatown classic that has been serving delicious Hong Kong cuisine since 1980. The restaurant is known for its signature dish, the Peking Duck, which is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
The lotus leaf buns with the duck are a must-try. Sang Kee also offers a wide range of other dishes, such as won ton noodle soup with roast pork, fried shrimp dumplings, and BBQ pork rice platter.
The restaurant has a full bar and upstairs seating, making it a great spot for a casual night out with friends or a family dinner. The service is efficient and friendly, and the prices are reasonable.
If you're looking for authentic and delicious Chinese food in the heart of Chinatown, Sang Kee Peking Duck House is definitely worth a visit.
14. General Tsao's House
General Tsao's House is an authentic Asian restaurant that offers a wide variety of delicious Chinese dishes.
The food is prepared with fresh ingredients and the flavors are well-balanced. The service is quick and friendly, making for a pleasant dining experience.
The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere with a touch of bohemian style. Prices are reasonable for the quality of the food.
If you're looking for a great Chinese restaurant, General Tsao's House is definitely worth a try.
15. Lau Kee Restaurant
Lau Kee Restaurant is a new Chinese restaurant in town that offers solid food and good value. They serve Cantonese-style dishes that are consistently delicious and authentic.
The roast pork, roast duck, and chicken are all quite good. The platters are amazing, and it's recommended to order a larger portion of duck, beef, or pork.
The boss woman is very welcoming and refreshing. The best part is that there's no need to go to the big apple to feast on Chinese cuisine.
Lau Kee Restaurant is a great place to enjoy delicious and authentic Chinese food without the crowds and noise of other restaurants in Chinatown.
16. M Kee
M Kee is a cash-only Asian restaurant that serves authentic Cantonese food.
The restaurant is known for its high-quality roasted meats, including duck and pork. The portions are large and the prices are reasonable.
The service is quick, but not particularly friendly. The restaurant does not have much ambiance, but the food is well above average.
The restaurant is popular among locals and tourists alike, and is recommended for those looking for a quick and delicious meal.
