Chinatown - Philadelphia (Indiana: hair salon, house, closing)

[PHLondoner]

Originally Posted by Indiana Tony

What's your favorite place to eat in Chinatown Square? Somewhere we should try first.

It's basically a food court, so if you're with a group of people, everyone can get something different and then grab a table. There's a curry place, a middle eastern place, a Poke spot, a few bars. I'm a huge Halal Guys fan from my time in NYC too; you can't go wrong there.

[Indiana Tony]

Originally Posted by PHLondoner

I'm a huge Halal Guys fan from my time in NYC too; you can't go wrong there.

That's what I'll try next time I'm down there. Thanks.

[Muinteoir]

Yup, it is one of my favorite spots to take visitors. It is one of the 'hoods in Philly that surprises those who still view Philly as "provincial." There are so many fantastic late night eats there, and a few really great BYOBs.

[Redddog]

I'd be interested in a list a nice places for dim sum in Chinatown. It's been on my list forever...

[Indiana Tony]

Originally Posted by Redddog

I'd be interested in a list a nice places for dim sum in Chinatown. It's been on my list forever...

Ocean Harbor.

[chessimprov]

Originally Posted by Redddog

I'd be interested in a list a nice places for dim sum in Chinatown. It's been on my list forever...

I like Ocean City more personally.

Shanghai 1 is decent too, and is more casual.

Ocean City has the carts and the ambiance though.

[AJNEOA]

Originally Posted by chessimprov

I like Ocean City more personally.

Shanghai 1 is decent too, and is more casual.

Ocean City has the carts and the ambiance though.

How do they compare to Tom's Dim Sum or Dim Sum Garden? I've frequented those two and like them a lot. Especially Tom's.

[chessimprov]

Originally Posted by AJNEOA

How do they compare to Tom's Dim Sum or Dim Sum Garden? I've frequented those two and like them a lot. Especially Tom's.

I like them all, but since I can relate to the food culture and am a true foodie at heart (will eat anything and not allergic to anything; will eat even something I don't like a little as some things are an acquired taste), I have certain food sensibilities.

Tom's Dim Sum is very oriented to American mainstream.
Dim Sum Garden is great and I like it. They still sell things that are easily palatable to any American. I wouldn't order the Walnut shrimp here though. Not only is it not a specialty of theirs. They do a horrible job and charge about the same as other places, and then take cash only.

Ocean City has more authenticity though. Dim Sum at Ocean City occurs only during the day. Definitely on the weekend. Not sure about during the week, but I think during the week as well.

Not only the ambiance. They sell chicken feet and congee as regular cart items. They even sell custard buns and mini egg tarts that many people will get and are delicious, but anyone who wants to save money and get the same quality will go to just about any Asian bakery instead. You can just point if necessary, lol. Please don't be one of those people who won't go to an Asian bakery just because it looks too foreign and "scary" and maybe even slightly "gritty" for lack of a better word.
This place is great for dim sum or dinner honestly.

I feel like Chinatown has more options for things that are translated into English and cater to the mainstream more, but I also sense that it may be losing some of its authenticity unfortunately too.

[AJNEOA]

Originally Posted by chessimprov

I like them all, but since I can relate to the food culture and am a true foodie at heart (will eat anything and not allergic to anything; will eat even something I don't like a little as some things are an acquired taste), I have certain food sensibilities.

Tom's Dim Sum is very oriented to American mainstream.
Dim Sum Garden is great and I like it. They still sell things that are easily palatable to any American. I wouldn't order the Walnut shrimp here though. Not only is it not a specialty of theirs. They do a horrible job and charge about the same as other places, and then take cash only.

Ocean City has more authenticity though. Dim Sum at Ocean City occurs only during the day. Definitely on the weekend. Not sure about during the week, but I think during the week as well.

Not only the ambiance. They sell chicken feet and congee as regular cart items. They even sell custard buns and mini egg tarts that many people will get and are delicious, but anyone who wants to save money and get the same quality will go to just about any Asian bakery instead. You can just point if necessary, lol. Please don't be one of those people who won't go to an Asian bakery just because it looks too foreign and "scary" and maybe even slightly "gritty" for lack of a better word.
This place is great for dim sum or dinner honestly.

I feel like Chinatown has more options for things that are translated into English and cater to the mainstream more, but I also sense that it may be losing some of its authenticity unfortunately too.

I don't eat Dim Sum often, so I appreciate the insight. I have a strong culinary background, but not so much in Chinese food. I will have to eat at Ocean City next time!

[chessimprov]

Originally Posted by AJNEOA

I don't eat Dim Sum often, so I appreciate the insight. I have a strong culinary background, but not so much in Chinese food. I will have to eat at Ocean City next time!

If you're going for Asian bakery, hit up International Bakery near 10th and Vine.
La Mousse is great too with its Japanese and French fusion.
Paris Baguette- in chinatown or Cheltenham- is super nice as well. Not your typical Asian bakery. Rather, a well done stylized fusion for flavors and styles.