Sadie Daniel (283) and Bao Chao (283)

From late night Matcha to Szechuan galore, Chinatown has it all. 

Chinatown has long been a center of student life for Central, however, in recent years, Central’s presence in the neighborhood has decreased. In hopes of bringing Central-driven business back to Chinatown, here is a short list of our recommended eating, hang-out, and fun spots to check out in Philadelphia’s Chinatown.

1. Matcha Maiko (good for small groups, study-dates, and a late-night treat) 

• From matcha soft serve to shaved-ice topped with red beans, Matcha Maiko is a perfect spot for late-night treats. Found on Race street, Matcha Maiko is easy to spot with its large, matcha-colored sign on the face of the building. The shop is small, but it’s full of stools and tables for students trying to hit a deadline and for young couples and friends wanting to have a nice end to their hangout. They have new temporary flavors every month, so be sure to check them out!
• Our recommendation!
  • Sadie: Ube soft serve topped with strawberry puree 
  • Bao: Kokuto matcha latte float 

2. Tea-Do (good for groups and short hangouts)

• For those looking to enjoy some boba and a quick bite, Tea-Do is the spot. Situated one block past the Chinatown gate, Tea-Do occupies a space amidst the bustling streets of Chinatown, surrounded by a fire station, markets, and street sellers. It serves as a great pit stop for those craving refreshment or simply seeking a treat to grab-and-go! 
• Our recommendation!
  • Sadie: Mango black tea with passion fruit popping boba and mango jelly
  • Bao: Oolong Milk Tea
  • Emily Vu’s (283) pick: “‘First love’ and ‘Sakura Milk Tea’”

3. Terakawa (good for small groups, long talks, and solo-eating)

• Looking for a hot bowl of ramen? Terakawa is where it’s at! Found on 9th and Race Street, Terakawa sits near the edge of Chinatown. However, the menu extends beyond ramen, offering pork and chicken buns, curry rice platters, and more! Terakawa is small-scale, making it ideal for small groups. Individuals who prefer to dine alone can make use of the sit-alone bar along Terakawa’s kitchen!
• Our recommendation!
  • Sadie: Tan Tan ramen with extra charshu and pan-fried gyoza
  • Bao: Spicy miso ramen and takoyaki 

4. Ting Wong (Daisy Chen’s (283) pick!)

• “A great spot for a quick bite, they also have really great roast pork and duck, my favorite is the 叉烧肉面, or roast pork noodle soup. It is great for takeout; I like to take it to Franklin Square with friends and have a picnic.”

5. Oishii Poke (Great for small groups, takeout, and studying)

• Oishii Poke can be considered the “Chipotle” of sushi. This spot offers a build-your-own sushi burrito or bowl with protein choices like raw salmon, spicy tuna, chicken, and more! Similar to Chipotle, there are options between brown rice and white rice, along with a variety of sauces and sides. It’s an excellent choice for a filling, quickly-made, and healthy meal with friends! Additionally, free WI-FI is available, making it a great environment for studying.
• Our recommendation! 
• Sadie: Bowl with white rice, fried-tofu, corn, edamame, red onions, mango, avocado, spicy aioli, and wonton crisps 
• Bao: Bowl with white rice, tuna, salmon, lettuce, cucumber, crab salad, corn, spicy aioli, sweet and spicy chili, and peanuts

6. Chu Shang Spicy (good for big groups and gossip) 

• Self-labeled as “The Taste of Szechuan,” Chu Shang Spicy stands as the center of Szechuan food in Chinatown. Here, there are endless options for creating a personalized Szechuan noodle bowl. The service is run by a small robot who delivers the food, but be careful! The soups’ hot and the robot is quick! 
• Our recommendation!
  • Sadie: Mei Fun noodles, sliced beef, enokitake, bean curd, napa cabbage, bok choy, and quail eggs with a medium spice Ma La soup base 
  • Bao: Sadie’s recommendation but add fish cakes