Advertisement

Chinese Restaurants in Philadelphia

If you’re in Philadelphia and craving Chinese food, you’re in luck. Philly’s Chinese scene isn’t just one Chinatown strip,it spills into neighborhoods like University City and Northeast Philly too. You’ll find everything from no-frills spots where locals order dumplings by the dozen, to sleek places trying their hand at fusion. My personal go-to is Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House on 10th Street; the hand-pulled noodles there always hit the spot, and they’re crazy affordable.

Don’t skip out on dim sum if you’re around in the morning,Dim Sum Garden in Chinatown is usually packed for a reason. Pro tip: go early to snag a seat and try their pork buns and rice noodle rolls. If you want a spicier kick, hop over to Sah-Lee Sichuan for peppercorn that numbs your lips but pulls you right back. And hey, whatever you pick, order extra sauces or chili oil,those can take your meal from decent to seriously memorable. Philadelphia’s Chinese food offers a surprisingly rich local flavor that’s worth exploring beyond just the usual spots.
Part of the My Guide Network Since 2006 180+ destinations
Search by Map

Book Top Experiences and Tours in Philadelphia:

If you're booking your trip to Philadelphia last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours and experiences.

View All Experiences

Local tips for eating Chinese in Philly

If you’re checking out Chinese food in Philadelphia, here’s a nugget you might like: skip the peak dining hours in Chinatown for dim sum or noodle spots. Around lunchtime, Chinatown can get super packed, so aim for either just before or after. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for extra chili oil or sauces,most places have them on the table or will gladly bring some over. For something off the beaten path, try the dumplings at Joe’s Steaks & Soda in University City,it’s a funny combo of traditions but their pork dumplings are a quiet favorite among students. Philadelphia’s Chinese food scene is full of surprises if you’re willing to stray a little outside the touristy spots.

And one last thing: don’t just stick to one place. Philly’s Chinese restaurants vary widely by neighborhood, so try a few different joints to find your personal favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about Chinese food in Philadelphia? I’ve got answers that’ll help you eat well.

If you want noodles that don’t disappoint, Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House is a solid pick. Their noodles are fresh and hand-pulled daily. It’s casual but really hits the authentic note without breaking the bank.

Dim Sum Garden in Chinatown is where you want to head. It gets busy early, so just show up right when they open if you can. Their pork buns and rice noodle rolls are local favorites.

Absolutely. Sah-Lee Sichuan on South Street is all about the spice. Expect real Sichuan peppercorn heat that numbs your tongue but keeps you coming back for more.

Yeah, definitely. Northeast Philly and University City both have tasty Chinese spots that locals swear by. They might not look fancy, but the food is solid and often less crowded.

Locals love the crispy duck at Sang Kee Peking Duck House in Chinatown. It’s not just your run-of-the-mill roast duck; the skin is perfectly crispy, which you don’t always find around here.

Explore Restaurants Categories

American (54 places) Philadelphia’s American dining scene is anything but ordinary. You can find everything from old-school diners where the cheesesteaks almost compete with their juicy burgers to trendy spots serving up reinvented comfort food. And yes, you do have to try a Philly burger stacked with sharp cheddar and crispy bacon at a… Explore
Seafood (48 places) If you’re chasing fresh seafood in Philadelphia, you’re in luck. The city’s seafood scene is full of spots where locals love to eat, and you won’t always find them on the usual tourist lists. For example, in South Philly, spots like Oyster House make you feel like you’re right on the coast, even though the beach is… Explore
Italian (33 places) If you’re in Philadelphia and craving Italian, you’re in luck. Philly’s Italian scene is more than just cheesesteaks’ charming counterpart,it’s full of places where you can actually hear the pasta boiling and smell fresh garlic wafting through the air. Walk around South Philly and you’ll stumble on spots that have… Explore
Brunch (25 places) Explore
Fine Dining (19 places) Philadelphia’s fine dining scene isn’t about stiff suits and snooty waiters. It’s warm, inviting, and seriously creative. If you think it’s all about old-school white tablecloths, think again. Take Vetri in Passyunk Square, for example,Chef Matt Vetri serves Italian dishes that feel both comforting and unexpected, not… Explore
Asian (16 places) If you’re craving Asian food in Philadelphia, you’re in luck. The city has everything from spicy Sichuan dishes to mellow Japanese ramen bowls. And Philly’s Asian dining scene isn’t just about a few restaurants downtown , you’ll find great spots all over, especially around Chinatown and in neighborhoods like Fishtown… Explore
Steakhouse (16) • Breakfast (13) • Japanese (13) • Pub (11) •

Top Things To Do in Philadelphia

See All →

Top Things To Do in Philadelphia

Click to See All

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.2M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Also nearby: My Guide AtlantaMy Guide ChicagoMy Guide Miami

See all destinations

Add to your trip
Day {[{day.day}]} {[{day.dateFormat}]}
{[{slotLabel(slot)}]}

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Add to day {[{trip.popover.day}]}Add to trip Cancel