When it comes to Chinatown, you’ve probably been to Sang Kee Peking Duck House, Vietnam or Yakitori Boy. If you’re a little more educated about the neighborhood, maybe you’ve even visited Lê at Hop Sing Laundromat. And for most of us, that’s about where the exploration ends.
It seems unfair that a such a conveniently located neighborhood should receive such little mainstream attention. Thanks to Night Market’s Chinatown debut in 2010, some younger Philadelphians have started to venture into the lesser known hotspots, but we want to give you all a few more good reasons to check out Chinatown.
Nom Wah Tea Parlor (218 N. 13th Street)
Serving dim sum since 1920, this historic NYC spot has a sister location in our fine city. Obviously, the food is authentic and delicious, with choices like their house special roast pork bun stuffed with pork and caramelized onions; the pan fried turnip cake with dried shrimp and Chinese sausage; and “The Original” egg roll. And who could forget about those dumplings?! The menus is chock full of dumpling varieties in all shapes and sizes, and, if you make a trip to the loo, you’ll notice the walls are papered with dumpling wallpaper for a fun, albeit quirky touch.
BonChon Chicken (1020 Cherry Street)
This Korean fried chicken chain has completely changed Philly’s perspective on crisy, breaded poultry in just the few short months since they’ve opened. Each piece is cooked to order and hand brushed with one of their secret sauces. Diners can choose their sauce and their chicken – wings, drums, strips or a combination of the three. Craig LaBan aside, we have yet to meet anyone who isn’t raving about the food. And, as an added bonus, they’re open late.
Asian Arts Initiative (1219 Vine Street)
This is the best place to go if you’re looking to brush up on some culture. The Asian Arts Initiative is a community gathering space that always has creative and thought-provoking works and events for visitors to experience. Started in 1993, this multidisciplinary arts center houses everything from youth programs and live performances to artist exhibits and community projects. Purchase tickets to a play or film screening, or simply take a stroll around the Asian Arts Initiative’s most current exhibition.
Audabon Bake Shop (145 N. 11th Street)
After Penn student Audrey Chang left a private equity position to pursue her culinary passions, she opened the Audabon Bake Shop. The shop isn’t just the area’s first Asian-American micro patisserie – her treats are some of the best we’ve ever tasted! Her menu offers more than 60 varieties of French macarons with flavors like Grapefruit Wasabi, Lime Sriracha, Bacon Caramel, and Blackberry Goat Cheese. Don’t miss her gourmet pudding and macaron ice cream sandwiches!
Lucky Chinese Cookie Factory (155 N 9th Street)
Speaking of desserts, if you’ve ever been curious to see how a fortune cookie is made, now is your chance to can find out! This unassuming storefront leads to a no-frills factory outlet, where handfuls of fortune cookies are doled out, fresh and hot, for just a few bucks a bag. Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the cookie-making process, and walk out with a few original or flavored treats (vanilla coffee, anyone?) that include funny, thoughtful, or even “x-rated” fortunes inside.
AIA Bookstore & Design Center (1218 Arch Street)
This unique bookstore and gift shop is certainly worth the trip! Especially perfect for the art student or creative professional, you’ll find dozens of titles centered around everything from architecture (it was originally erected as an information center for members of the American Institute of Architects) to landscaping and interior design. Best to visit this spot during the holidays, as the AIA is known for its Holiday Shop, featuring ornaments and holiday trinkets along their atypical housewares, children’s toys, jewelry, and more. The Philadelphia Center for Architecture is also open seven days a week to visitors, and hosts an impressive array of weekly events, workshops, and unique exhibitions that you have to check out!
Simply Shabu (1023 Cherry Street)
Since opening in January of 2014, the family-owned restaurant has enjoyed rave reviews from Philly diners. Shabu shabu, also known as “hot pot”, is an Asian-style fondue experience. Diners choose from raw meats, seafood, and veggies, and then the ingredients are cooked in their signature broth that’s made in-house daily (with no preservatives or MSG!). After a few weeks away in Taiwan, the owners reopened on May 19th to much fanfare. Follow their “2-week Taiwanscapade” on their blog.
What is your favorite place to go in Chinatown? Share your favorite venues and restaurants with others in the comments!
