There’s a reason that Philadelphia is listed among the myriad of “best cities to live” and “most interesting places to visit” lists. Philly offers an array of things to do – from museums to pop-up gardens, to festivals, to ice skating – one can always find hidden gems. Notoriously, one of those gems is cuisine. You’ve probably heard of Philly’s Top 50 Restaurants including Amada, Beau Monde, El Vez, and Barbuzzo.
However, the problem for people keeping track of their change-purse, is that it seems like the best restaurants take weeks in advance to reserve, let alone the buckets of bills you have to take from your piggy bank. As a college student who adores food, I know the struggles of craving good cusine. Because hey, why spend $30 on something that is average when you can spend that same $30 on something that’s exceptional? You just have to know where to go, and that’s where I come in.
Listed below are some hidden gems in Philly that aren’t exactly mainstream. You may find cuisines that you have never tried before, like Ethiopian, Burmese, or Afghan. The appearances of some may seem jarring or dingy, if you’re used to fine dining...
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Nevertheless, I can cross my heart and promise that every single one will give you exceptional food…As long as you’re open minded and like to try new things!
Brunch Places
Chhaya
This café is super cute and comfortable with a “hipster” atmosphere. Here you can find hanging light bulbs, fairy lights, and big chairs that are perfect for studying. Chef Varnana opened Chhaya Café in 2010, and it has gone strong ever since. She provides foods that are simple but delicious. Favorites include: Patty Melt, Goat Cheese Wrap, and all of the amazing coffees and teas.
http://www.chhayacafe.com/
1819 e. passyunk avenue
monday-friday: 7am - 3pm
saturday-sunday: 8am - 5pm
Green Eggs and Ham
Green Eggs and Ham is an eco-conscious café that truly serves high quality food at an affordable cost. They buy fresh foods locally, recycle all paper products, aluminum and plastics. Not only that, but all food and organic waste is composted and take out containers are biodegradable! Two thumbs up for Green Eggs and Ham and two thumbs up for the environment! Favorites include: Red Velvet Pancakes, California Turkey Panini, and all of their delicious egg dishes. *Note* Cash only, however they have an ATM in the basement!
http://greeneggscafe.com/
1306 Dickinson Street
8am-4pm every day
One Shot
One shot is a two story restaurant that features New American dishes with a hint of international flavor and those class favorites. Downstairs you can see industrial antiques and furniture by local artisans while the upstairs has a little library and transforms into a live music venue! Favorites include: Pumpkin explosion bagel, vegan donuts, the grilled mozzarella pesto and tomato baguette, and their amazing coffees and espressos.
https://1shotcoffee.wordpress.com/
217 W. George Street
Café Hours: 7am-5pm 7 days a week
Kitchen Hours: 8am-4pm 7 Days a week
Asian Cuisine or Asian inspired
Rangoon
Ever had Burmese food? The cuisine is not quite Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, or Indian, so don’t expect any of them! It's a blend of flavors your taste buds will really thank you for. The service is quick, has many vegan options, and always has delicious food. Favorites include: Crispy Tara Root, Thousand Layer Bread, String Bean and Peanut Salad, Basil Chicken, and Okra Bala Chang
http://rangoonrestaurant.com/
112 N 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Sun-Thu: 11:30am-9pmFri-Sat: 11:30am-10pm
Xi’ans Sizzling Wok
You’ll find another hole in the wall here, however it has friendly staff, outstanding Chinese cuisine with a modern twist and excellent service. You'll only get the freshest ingredients and there’s even handmade gluten free noodles! Favorites include: Biang Biang Noodles, scallion pancake, Sichuan Dan Dan noodle, and Xi’an Liang Pi
http://www.xiansizzlingwoksphilly.com/
902 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Mon-Thurs 11:00am - 10:00pm
Fri-Sun 11:00am - 10:30pm
Penang
Seriously one of the only places in Philly that you can find quality Malaysian food. Not only is the food excellent and flavorful, but the portions are substantial and the staff helps you decide what would suit your palate (some dishes can be very spicy) Last but not least, the sauces are to die for. Favorites include: Home Made Roti Canai, Roti Telus, Penang Satay, Singapore Rice Noodles, Nasi Lemak, and Beef Rendang
http://www.allmenus.com/pa/philadelphia/282222-penang/menu/
117 N 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Daily: 11:30am-1am
Bing Bing
Bing Bing is a true gem. It’s not “authentic” Asian cuisine, instead it uses traditional spices and flares with a new and personalized twist. The inside of the restaurant creates an amazing atmosphere between the crowded bar, hanging lanterns, music, and many decorations. A small menu, but with exceptional food. Favorites include: Crispy Cumin Lamb Rolls, Green Mango and Papaya Salad, Wok Fried Udon Noodles, and Scallion Ginger Chicken Bowl
http://www.bingbingdimsum.com/
1648 E Passyunk Ave
Mon-Wed 5-10PM
Thurs-Fri 5-11PM
Sat 12PM-11PM
Sun 12PM-10PM
Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House
In a rush? No problem, there’s always super quick service at Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House. The authentic noodles have a chewy, rich texture that only come form being made and cooked minutes prior to your order. For hand drawn noodles this place is affordable and gives you large portions with lots of noodles! Favorites include: The Noodles (obviously)
http://nanzhounoodlehouse.com/
1022 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Sun-Thurs 11:00am-10:00pm
Fri-Sat 11:00am-10:30pm
Sang Kee Peking Duck House
In this establishment dining is offered on 3 floors in a family style setting. Sang Kee Peking Duck House offers their customers authentic Chinese dishes and have been doing so for over 30 years. Sang Kee has grown from just a 20 seat restaurant to having multiple locations today. And, not only are the ingredients fresh every time you go there, but the food is also very affordable. Favorites include: Peking Duck (their specialty) dumplings, Chinese broccoli, and their noodles
http://sangkeechinatown.com/
238 North 9th Street, Philadelphia PA 19107
10:00AM-10:45PM Daily and 11:45PM on Fri and Sat
Cuisines you may not have been exposed to (yet)
Kabul
Ever tried food from Afghanistan? Now you can! It has been recognized for being “consistently delightful” “absolutely delicious” and authentic in a Zagat Survey. It has been the first Afghan restaurant in Philly since 1991 and continues to thrive. The spices and sauces are unique and your taste buds will 100% be happy. It’s also a BYOB so come with your drinks! Favorites include: Bulanee Kadu, Aushak, Aush, Norenge Palaw
http://www.kabulafghancuisine.com/
106 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19106
Mon-Thurs 4:00pm-10:00pm
Fri-Sat 4:00pm-11:00pm
Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm
Ethio Café and Restaurant – Ethiopian
Here’s the third restaurant on the list that is another hole in the wall, but don’t be dismayed by its small size or casual atmosphere. Here you will find traditional and authentic Ethiopian specialties that will introduce you to a whole new palate. You and your friends will eat from the same plate as is traditional in Ethiopia, which can give you a new dining experience that is fun and community oriented. This is also a BYOB so bring drinks! Favorites include: Doro Wot, Shiro Wot, Misir Wot, Kitfo Dulet
http://www.ethiocafeandrestaurant.com/
225 S 45th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Open 11:30am-10pm Daily
Cedars
Ceders offers its customers with award-winning Lebanese dishes. Here you will find moderate prices accompanied with the excellent food. Cedar’s has an extensive menu, especially when it comes to vegetarian options! If you’re ready for above-par Middle Eastern food, this is where you should go. Favorites include: baba ghannoush, fatush salad, moussaka, shish taouk, and shwarma
http://www.cedarsrestaurant.com/
616 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Mon-Thu: 11:30am-10:30pmFri-Sat: 11:30am-11:30pmSun: 5:30pm-10:30pm
Wah-Gi-Wah
Need to find a place that is halal? Here’s where you should go! Wah-Gi-Wah is the fourth eatery that may look “dingy” to high class foodies, but it gives you the spices you should be craving. Wah-Gi-Wah is a place that merges Pakistani, Indian, and Bangladeshi cuisines into modern interpretations. Favorites include: Lahori Chicken Chargha and Bhindi Masala
http://www.wahgiwahphilly.com/
4447 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Sun-Thu: 12pm-11pmFri-Sun: 11am-12am
Bonus Restaurants
Caballitos
Tired of going to El Vez, Tequilas, or Xochitl? Try Caballitos, which has great margaritas, amazing food, and an exciting lively vibe with outdoor seating. There are also many vegan options for all of you vegan friends! It can get loud at night, especially due to the outdoor seating, however that adds to the atmosphere and to the young crowd that gathers. Favorites include: Mushroom and Pepper Jack Empanada, Fajitas, Cabrito, and Cachanga
http://cantinaloscaballitos.com/
1651 East Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Daily: 11am-2am
Wedge and Fig
Crave cheese? This is the place to go. You can create your own grilled cheese – with Havarti, gruyere, fig jam etc. The options may seem overwhelming at first, but anything you choose will be delicious. Besides selling a wide range of both domestic and foreign cheese, Wedge and Fig has healthy salads, eggs dishes, and sandwiches. Wedge and Fig also has outdoor dining, which is great for dates! Favorites include: Mac and Cheese, Cheese plates, Grilled Cheese with fig jam, and Egg Nola
http://www.wedgeandfig.com/
160 N 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Monday – Closed
Tuesday - Thursday - 11:00am - 8:00pm
Friday - 11:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday - 10:30am - 9:00pm
Sunday - 10:30am - 3:30pm
