Best Chinese Food at 18th and Spring Garden – A Hidden Gem in Philadelphia

Introduction

If you’re craving authentic Chinese food near 18th and Spring Garden in Philadelphia, you’re in for a treat! This neighborhood is a culinary hotspot, home to some of the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Whether you’re after sizzling Sichuan dishes, comforting Cantonese classics, or late-night dim sum, you’ll find it all here.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into:

• The best Chinese restaurants at 18th and Spring Garden
• Must-try dishes for an unforgettable meal
• Insider tips and local favorites
• How to get there and where to park

Let’s get started!

The Charm of 18th and Spring Garden

Why This Neighborhood Stands Out

Philadelphia is famous for its food scene, and 18th and Spring Garden is no exception. Located in the Fairmount area, this neighborhood is home to a diverse mix of cultures, attracting food lovers from all over the city.

The Chinese restaurants here range from family-run gems to modern fusion spots, each offering a unique take on traditional flavors. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout, you’ll find top-notch quality at affordable prices.

Best Chinese Restaurants Near 18th & Spring Garden

Here’s a breakdown of the top spots to grab authentic Chinese food in the area.

E Mei Restaurant

• Specialty: Sichuan Cuisine
• Address: 915 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
• Price Range: $$
• Why It’s Great: Known for its bold spicy dishes, E Mei is a favorite among Sichuan food lovers.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Mapo Tofu – Silky tofu in a spicy, numbing sauce.
• Chongqing Chicken – Crispy chicken chunks coated in Sichuan peppercorns.
• Dan Dan Noodles – Rich, nutty, and slightly spicy noodles.

Pro Tip: If you love spicy food, ask for the extra heat level!

Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House

• Specialty: Hand-Pulled Noodles
• Address: 1022 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
• Price Range: $-$$
• Why It’s Great: Their noodles are made fresh daily, offering an unmatched chewy texture.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Beef Brisket Noodle Soup – Rich broth with melt-in-your-mouth beef.
• Spicy Cumin Lamb Noodles – Bold flavors with hand-pulled noodles.
• Scallion Pancakes – A crispy, flaky classic.

Did You Know? Hand-pulled noodles originated over 4,000 years ago in China!

Dim Sum Garden

• Specialty: Shanghainese Dim Sum
• Address: 1020 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
• Price Range: $$
• Why It’s Great: One of the best places for Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings).

Must-Try Dishes:

• Soup Dumplings – Juicy pork-filled dumplings with a burst of broth.
• Pan-Fried Pork Buns – Crispy bottom, soft top, and flavorful filling.
• Shrimp Siu Mai – Delicate dumplings packed with fresh shrimp.

Local Favorite: Pair your dim sum with their black vinegar dipping sauce for extra depth.

Must-Try Dishes

Here’s what you can’t miss when dining in this area.

Popular Chinese Dishes You Should Try

Dish	Description	Best Place to Try
Peking Duck	Crispy duck with hoisin sauce & pancakes	E Mei Restaurant
Soup Dumplings	Pork-filled dumplings with a hot broth inside	Dim Sum Garden
Dan Dan Noodles	Spicy, peanut-flavored noodle dish	E Mei Restaurant
Scallion Pancakes	Crispy and flaky pancakes with scallions	Nan Zhou Noodles
Mapo Tofu	Spicy tofu dish with ground pork	E Mei Restaurant

Insider Tip: Many restaurants have secret menus – ask your server for recommendations!

Local Tips & Hidden Gems

Where to Find the Best Late-Night Eats

• Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House – Open until late for a comforting bowl of noodles.
• Dim Sum Garden – Great for a midnight dumpling fix.

Secret Menu Items Worth Asking For

• At E Mei, ask for the “Off-Menu Sichuan Hot Pot” – a local favorite.
• At Nan Zhou, request the hand-cut noodle option for an extra chewy bite.

Best Takeout Spots

If you’re grabbing food on the go, these places offer quick service and high-quality meals:

• Terakawa Ramen – Though not Chinese, their beef ramen is top-notch.
• Sang Kee Peking Duck House – Fast service and legendary roast duck.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best Chinese restaurant at 18th and Spring Garden?
E Mei Restaurant is highly rated for its authentic Sichuan cuisine and spicy flavors.

2. What are the best late-night Chinese food spots in the area?
Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House and Dim Sum Garden offer great late-night dining options.

3. Are there vegetarian-friendly Chinese restaurants near 18th and Spring Garden?
Yes! Many places, like E Mei and Nan Zhou, have vegetarian-friendly options like Mapo Tofu (without pork) and stir-fried greens.

4. Where can I find the best dim sum in the neighborhood?
Dim Sum Garden is famous for its soup dumplings and other classic dim sum dishes.

5. Is there parking available near these restaurants?
Yes, several parking lots and garages are nearby, such as Parkway Garage and EZ Park Lot. Street parking is also available.

Final Thoughts & Recommendations

Whether you’re a dim sum enthusiast, a noodle lover, or someone craving bold Sichuan flavors, 18th and Spring Garden has something for you.

Our Top Picks:

• Best for Spicy Food: E Mei Restaurant
• Best for Noodles: Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodles
• Best for Dim Sum: Dim Sum Garden

Next time you’re in the area, try one of these amazing spots and let us know what you think! Where’s your go-to Chinese spot in Philly? Drop a comment below!