Top Asian Restaurants In Philadelphia
Asian food is a rather broad category, and Philadelphia has a spot for just about any dish that falls within this style of cuisine. Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Korean, Asian fusion and more - you can order takeout or sit down to a multi-course meal to enjoy food from this region. Because there are so many great restaurants in Philadelphia that serve Asian food, this is just a small sample of some of the best.
Buddakan
325 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 574-9440
www.buddakan.com
Buddakan has a reputation as being one of Stephen Starr's absolute best restaurants. Serving modern Asian fusion, the Old City spot is known for its swanky atmosphere, 10-foot tall golden Buddha and a large selection of dumplings—the $14 edamame dumplings are the most popular. Other favorite dishes include the $29 miso black cod with ungagi sauce and jumbo shrimp Pad Thai. And no meal would be complete without the "dip sum" doughnuts. The miniature cinnamon sugar doughnuts are served with chocolate sauce, blackberry jam and cream cheese frosting for dipping. If you're looking for a deal, visit during lunchtime to enjoy the three-course bento boxes that run $15 to $20, plus $5 extra for dessert. Buddakan also offers delivery service.
Circles Contemporary Asian Cuisine
1514 Tasker St.
Philadelphia, PA 19145
(267) 687-1778
www.circlesthai.com
Owner and Chef Alex Boonphaya has had a love for food since he was a young boy growing up in Bangkok. His family moved to the United States in 1989 when Boonphaya was 10, he was working in a restaurant by the time he was 14 and enrolled in Le Cordon Blue at 17. In 2009, he opened Circles in South Philadelphia, fulfilling his dream of serving authentic Thai cuisine to Philadelphia diners. A Northern Liberties location followed in 2011. Circles is known for dishes such as coconut soup, tofu corn fritters and an assortment of rolls and curries. The choo chee salmon with Penang curry is a standout favorite. Circles offers takeout and delivery with convenient online ordering.
Morimoto
723 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 413-9070
www.morimotorestaurant.com
When you team up big names like Iron Chef Morimoto and restaurateur Stephen Starr, it's no surprise that you get a restaurant that receives honors such as being included in Conde Nast Traveler's "50 Hot Tables in America" and named "Best Restaurant In America" by Gourmet Magazine. With a sleek, modern atmosphere to match, Morimoto offers upscale contemporary Japanese cuisine such as Koji-marinated Chilean sea bass, black cod miso and broiled spicy king crab along with sushi and raw bar. For a real treat, order the multi-course omakase, also available with drink pairing.
Related: Top Thai Food In Philadelphia
Pod Restaurant
3636 Sansom St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 387-1803
www.podrestaurant.com
Pod is a University City spot from Stephen Starr, serving Asian fusion cuisine in a unique, futuristic setting complete with neon lights and a sushi bar that operates on a conveyor belt. While hand-rolled sushi and sashimi is typically the main draw, the $18 crab fried rice is another favorite. And you'll want to save room for dessert. The fluffernutter spring rolls are a creative dessert version of the classic appetizer, made with melted marshmallow and warm peanut butter and served with chocolate dipping sauce.
Sampan
124 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 732-3501
www.sampanphilly.com
Chef Michael Schulson serves creative modern Asian dishes at this vibrant Midtown Village spot. Standout favorites include the edamame dumplings, chicken bao bun, crispy Brussels sprouts, Korean BBQ beef satay, Peking duck and stir fry noodles. To get the full experience, go for the chef's tasting menu. At $45, you choose seven courses, picking dishes from the various sections of the menu. Complete your meal with homemade soft serve ice cream in unique flavors like vanilla Starburst. Those with dietary restrictions will also love that ordering is made easy with vegetarian and gluten-free menus available.
Michelle Hein is the social media editor for a women's fashion company in Bucks County by day and a self-proclaimed food and drink fanatic by night and weekend. She enjoys attending wine classes, trying new recipes in the kitchen and going to old favorites and new restaurants alike in the Bucks County and Philadelphia area. If the writing gig doesn't pan out, she constantly dreams of owning her own bakery…perhaps connected to the restaurant/bar that her lawyer husband would love to open.
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