Best Chinese Restaurants Around Philadelphia

    From the food stands packed together in Chinatown to the large restaurants scattered throughout its suburbs, Philadelphia is a cultural focal point for Chinese food. The delicious aroma of pan-fried soup dumplings can be noticed as you cross by the buzzing Dim Sum Garden at the heart of Chinatown. With multiple restaurants scattered across Philly, Han Dynasty's trademark dishes sizzle in the air. Located at the famous King of Prussia Mall sits Nan Xiang, a soup dumpling restaurant whose food quality outshines its large setting. About 50 minutes from Center City is Bamboo, whose Sichuan-oriented cuisine makes the long drive 100% worth it. Dan Dan's flavourful dishes have everybody coming back again and again. Another delightful restaurant near King of Prussia is Forever 古今香 (previously known as Pin Wei) which has the best lamb chops in the Philadelphia region. The following ranks and examines each of the mentioned restaurants above.

1. Bamboo

    This restaurant may be a surprise to many readers; the setting is mediocre and the location is less than convenient. However, that can't stop us from putting this restaurant where it belongs. Bamboo is a Sichuan restaurant that provides mouthfuls of flavor in rich sauces and tender meats. Compared to the other restaurants, Bamboo receives much less attention and visitors. It relies mostly on the Asian population near that area. Our favorite dishes would be Shredded Pork with Bamboo Tips, Mustard Greens, Sizzling Rice Three Delicacies, and Diced Fish with Black Bean Sauce. The staff, especially the owner, is very kind and decent. 

2. Han Dynasty

    Han Chiang's restaurant quickly became a culinary phenomenon when it reached the Top 50 Best of Philly restaurants in its first year. The acclaimed restaurant became one of the first to introduce a spicy Sichuan style to the American audience. Han Dynasty's delicious dishes leave every visitor fulfilled, happy, and slightly numb from the spicy foods. Our favorite dishes would be Sichuan Cilantro Beef, Dry Pepper Fish, and Double Cooked Style. Accessibility is fairly simple with multiple restaurants scattered throughout the city.

3. Dim Sum Garden

    The best restaurant in Chinatown, Dim Sum Garden has proved its dominance in the soup dumplings industry. When you arrive, expect a lengthy line spilling out into the street. If you are short on time, we would recommend ordering online and eating in the car. While this may be a bit messy, the plastic containers should be enough to hold the spilling dumplings. The Shanghai Pan Fried Pork Soup Dumplings are a MUST if you are visiting Dim Sum Garden. They are so delectable and easy to crave. I would also recommend the Steam Vegetable Buns for some diversity in your meals. Near Dim Sum Garden is a bakery called "A La Mousse" that you should beg your parents to go to. It has really good pastries and cakes which finish off the meal wonderfully. 

4. Dan Dan 担担

    When the previous operators of Han Dynasty in University City set out to create their own restaurant, we knew they wouldn't disappoint. Dan Dan is a Taiwanese and Sichuan restaurant located throughout Philly and its suburbs. Whether it is small plates, stir fry dishes, or dim sum, Dan Dan will delight. Similar to Han Dynasty, Dan Dan includes many spicy flavors and seasonings in their acclaimed plates. Our favorite dishes from Dan Dan include Scallion Beef, Dry Pot Fish, Pickled Sichuan Dish, Kung Pao Chicken, and Fermented Black Bean Fish.

5. Forever 古今香

    This restaurant is a great place to hang out with friends or family and eat amazing Chinese food. Forever (formally known as PinWei) contains less spice compared to Han Dynasty and Dan Dan but makes up for it in taste. Forever is also more Americanized, which is beneficial for picky eaters, while still including famous Sichuan recipes. Our two favorite dishes from Forever were the Cumin Lamb Chops and the Sweet and Sour Fish.

6. Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao 南翔小蘢包

    Starting as a soup dumpling restaurant in New York, Nan Xiang quickly garnered rave reviews, earning 9 consecutive Michelin Guide recommendations. They have now expanded into Pennsylvania with their second restaurant in the King of Prussia Mall. The atmosphere of Nan Xiang is modern and grand; a great place for large parties. Most of the options are soup dumplings but they also have noodles and other dim sum options. Our favorite options were the Classic Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings, Gourd Luffa Shrimp Pork Soup Dumplings, and Udon Noodles.

Note: Due to our location and time limit, we were not able to try all of the restaurants across Philadelphia. Restaurants we were unable to try or did not make this list were: E Mei, Sang Kee, Bai Wei, and Nan Zhou. 

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