Amongst Chinatown’s karaoke bars and massage parlors are some of the best Asian dives in Philly.
KC Pastries
109 N. 10th St. and 145 N. 11th St.
Conveniently located inside the ornate gates of Chinatown, KC Pastries entices passersby with a vibrant red sign and sugarcoated aroma. While from a distance, no one would be able to tell the popularity of this bakery, the traffic at the entranceway reveals it all. The array of baked goods ranges from sesame balls to custard–filled buns and white lotus seed moon–cakes to best–selling red bean paste buns. They are all equally scrumptious. With doughy, warm bread and fresh, yummy flavors embodying each item, the low and reasonable prices that accompany the goods add to this bakery’s alluring characteristics. While the cashiers are busy, the wait is not long and the ready–to–go plastic bags are the perfect addition for a quick grab. Whether customers are looking for buns or tarts, KC Pastries offers the perfect balance among fast, affordable and delicious Asian baked goods.
— Elise Jun
Rangoon Burmese
112 N. 9th St.
This friendly BYO (with a staggering $12 corking fee on hard alcohol) offers authentic hard–to–find Burmese flavors. Despite looking like a hole in the wall, as most of Chinatown’s gems do, the plates are exceptional and offer generous portions. Starters, like 1,000 layer bread with a potato curry dip, and entrees, like the pagan beef, feel like mixtures of Thai and Indian (a delicious combination) cuisine. But fear not Chinese food lovers, stuffed dumplings and noodle dishes adorn the menu too, but with more additions of curry and chilis, the dishes pop more than the usual lo mein. Modest prices make the trip to Chinatown worth the SEPTA tokens or cab fare.
— Jessica Goodman
Pho Xe Lua Viet Thai
907 Race St.
Classic Pho, the Vietnamese version of noodle soup, is served up in large bowls brimming with rice noodles and chunks of beef — laden with sides of bean sprouts and basil. Add a little sriracha and hoisin sauce and you’ve got yourself perfection. Viet Thai delivers spot–on pho of all kinds and classic Vietnamese vermicelli (noodle dishes) and starters like spring and tofu rolls. Don’t be scared by the tanks of live lobsters and crabs that greet you — they may be the only thing that does. Like most Vietnamese dives, the service is poor but the cheap prices more than make up for lack of personal attention.
— Jessica Goodman
Asia Supermarket
143 N. 11th St.
Hidden under an inconspicuous storefront on 11th St. Asia Supermarket sprawls into an unexpected subterranean maze. Aisle upon aisle of Asian foods extend into a fresh produce area. Tanks of live fish and other seafood line the back of the store. The lack of atmosphere of this basement store is supplemented with a peculiar fishy smell — Asia Supermarket clearly does not fill the charming supermarket niche. Although very much a utilitarian market, there are sure to be specialty items for the connoisseur hidden away in the aisles. As it is for the casual shopper, Asia Supermarket is an unimaginative but perfectly sufficient place to pick up your Asian food fix.
— Caroline Morris
First Oriental Market
1111 S. 6th St.
First Oriental Market has everything: an enormous selection of herb tea, various snacks including homemade preserved vegetables and the perfect spices, condiments and sauces. They even have live frogs. I was pleased to finally find Lee Kum Kee soy sauce, one of the harder to find, but best, brands of soy sauce. The prices are unbeatable, unlike anything you’d encounter at a grocery store on campus. The shopping environment is just okay and the smell inside is less than pleasant, though the space is roomy and bright. I had a weird experience with some of the people working there, and a little knowledge of Chinese culture might be helpful, but not required. Just ask for help. This place definitely constitutes an adventure, but don’t be afraid to try something new.
— Ke Meng
