This is our favorite kind of post because we think food is the best and most delicious excuse to get off campus and explore!
During my first semester, I remember being homesick for my favorite Northeastern PA foods, especially Polish cuisine. If I only had a food spirit guide to tell me to head to Port Richmond– Syrenka Luncheonette and Krakus Market, I’m looking at you– for all my haluski, kielbasa and pierogi needs! If you’re feeling like homesick me, we’ll be the guide I wish I had. Below are our restaurant recommendations to make you feel less homesick and more at home in Philadelphia!
Indian: EKTA Indian Cuisine located in Fishtown, Bryn Mawr and University City.
Pho: Pho 75, Le Viet, Nam Phuong all on or near Washington Ave.
Meatballs & Cannolis: Villa di Roma in the Italian Market, 936 S. 9th Street.
Traditional Mexican: South Philly Barbacoa, 1703 S. 11th Street.
Traditional Venezuelan: Sazon, 941 Spring Garden St.
Chinatown
If you’re eating on a budget and want some quality food, head down to Chinatown. After you take your picture in front of the China Gate on 10th and Arch, head to some of our favorites.
Staff Notes: A crowd pleaser! A go-to to take visiting family and friends. We ordered a flaming punch bowl. If you’re 21+, you should treat yourself with this novelty drink.
Dim Sum Garden | 1020 Race Street
Staff Notes: Great food, fast service and cheap bill!
Staff Notes: If you get stuck in the weekend wait, wait. It’s totally worth it. Scallion pancakes and their signature hand drawn noodles are our favorite.
Staff Notes: Great for big groups and nice on your wallet. After dinner, my fortune cookie revealed that, “A nice cake is waiting for you.” I am still waiting for that cake.
West Philly
Our Program Manager, Debora “Dee” Charmelus is our West Philly food guru, so we asked for her favorites. Her picks range from Ethiopian to Lebanese cuisine.
Dahlak | 4708 Baltimore Ave.
Dee’s says: Ethiopian, live music, open mics, DJs, bar in the back.
Abyssinian | 229 S. 45th St.
Dee says: Ethiopian. They have a bar upstairs, Fiume, which has Bluegrass Thursdays!
Dee says: Lebanese Restaurant known for their sweets/crepes/baklava. Great for big groups.
Philadelphia Koreatown
I was in ride share and the people sitting in the back were visiting from Miami and headed to Koreatown for dinner. A friend told them they had to try Jon Ka Jib. I’m passing on this advice– go, people, go!
Jong Ka Jib Soft Tofu Restaurant | Olney | 6600 North 5th Street
Staff Notes: Best for soft-tofu!
Kim’s BBQ | Olney | 5955 North 5th Street
Staff Notes: A friend had her birthday dinner there. You know it’s good when it’s your birthday spot.
If you want make us very hungry (and happy) share your food adventures, tag @CampusPhilly on Twitter or Instagram. Have a food recommendation for us? Share away!
