
A couple strolls along Chinatown’s main drag. (Visit Philadelphia)
Philadelphia’s Chinatown is a historic, bustling hub of Asian American life in the city.
From mouthwatering ramen and adorable Hello Kitty gear to eclectic street festivals and theater shows, Philadelphia’s Chinatown is brimming with Asian American culture not just from China, but also Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Burma, and other countries across Asia.
The Center City neighborhood’s history stretches back to 1871, when Chinese immigrants established what remains Pennsylvania’s only Chinatown as a refuge from the anti-Chinese racism of the era. Due to immigration restrictions, Chinatown in its early days was predominantly populated by men. But after the U.S. liberalized immigration policies following World War II, Chinese American and other Asian American families began moving in, laying the foundation for a vibrant, family-friendly Chinatown.
Today, Philly’s Chinatown draws visitors with award-winning restaurants, colorful community festivals, independent art, and locally owned shops. Beneath the hustle and bustle, you’ll sense the vitality of the neighborhood and the strong thrum of activism and resistance that has shaped its identity for decades.
We’ve put together a guide to 10 of our favorite places in Philadelphia’s Chinatown, but don’t stop there—dozens of local businesses help make this a thriving, tight-knit neighborhood. To find them, just take a leisurely stroll and see what catches your eye.
1. Friendship Gate
Built in collaboration with Philadelphia architect Sabrina Soong and tile artisans in Tianjin, China—a sister city of Philadelphia—Chinatown’s Friendship Gate made its debut in 1984. Inspired by the art and architecture of the Qing dynasty (1644–1912), the colorful, 40-foot-tall gate marks the entrance to Chinatown at the intersection of Arch St. and 10th St. It presides over the daily hubbub as well as special events like the annual Lunar New Year parade and YèShì Chinatown Night Market.

The 40-foot-tall Friendship Gate marks the entrance to Philadelphia’s Chinatown. (G. Widman/Visit Philadelphia)
2. Vietnam Restaurant
Chinatown’s Vietnam Restaurant won the 2024 James Beard America’s Classics Award, which, according to the James Beard Foundation, is presented to “locally and independently owned restaurants with timeless appeal and beloved in their region for food that reflects the character and cultural traditions of its community.” You’ll indeed find timeless appeal at this beloved restaurant, which has been a Chinatown mainstay for more than 40 years. You can order Vietnamese classics such as vermicelli noodle bowls, pho, and crispy spring rolls, as well as a wide variety of other home-style dishes.

Vietnam Restaurant, which also has a location in University City, won a James Beard Award for food that “reflects the character and cultural traditions of its community.” (C. Smyth/Visit Philadelphia)
3. Asian Arts Initiative
Located in the northern part of Chinatown, the Asian Arts Initiative uses art to inspire conversation and community. The initiative hosts art exhibits, concerts, theater performances, youth workshops, and other community programs to support Asian American artists. Besides regular events—like shows in the black box theater—a free art gallery is open in the afternoons every Thursday through Saturday. Currently, you can visit the gallery to see “Crescendo: How Art Makes Movements (1981–1999),” which examines the role of art in Asian American social justice movements of the 1980s and 1990s.
4. Sang Kee Peking Duck House
Sang Kee Peking Duck House is a Philadelphia Chinatown staple, having first opened in 1980. It’s one of the oldest Chinatown restaurants still in operation, and in fact was the first to introduce the dish of Peking duck to the city. Check out this favorite Philly institution for many more Cantonese eats like noodle soups and chow fun.

Sang Kee Peking Duck House, a mainstay of the neighborhood, is one of the oldest restaurants still operating in Chinatown. (R. Rabena/Visit Philadelphia)
5. Happy DIY
Happy DIY is a cute little craft store specializing in decoden—the Japanese art of decorating accessories (especially phone cases) using rhinestones, silicone cream, and other fun ornaments. Bring some more whimsy into your life by creating your own project at the shop with its wide selection of beads, charms, stickers, and more.
6. Hop Sing Laundromat
Hop Sing Laundromat may be an authentic speakeasy, but the secret’s out. The popular cocktail bar serves exquisite drinks that you can only enjoy if you follow the rules, like refraining from taking photos or being too loud. If you break the rules or leave a bad tip, you might be banned for life. It’s all part of the charm at what the owner lovingly calls “the world’s best North Korean cocktail bar.”
7. Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House
Noodle heads, rejoice. As the name suggests, the noodles at Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House are pulled by hand for the restaurant’s array of noodle soups and stir-fry dishes. Alongside your noodles, you can also order quality dumplings and delectably flaky scallion pancakes. The Chinese restaurant may have earned fans for its food, but long-time customers also keep coming back to Nan Zhou for the warm atmosphere and friendly staff.
8. Yakitori Boy
Japanese restaurant Yakitori Boy is a karaoke restaurant where you can enjoy being serenaded by strangers or rent your own karaoke room to privately serenade your friends. It’s one of several karaoke joints in Chinatown that attract a lively, late-night crowd. Foodwise, the izakaya (Japanese pub) serves yakitori (grilled skewers) and other dependable Japanese small plates.

Yakitori Boy is a favorite destination for karaoke and Japanese small plates—what the restaurant calls “japas.” (R. Rabena/Visit Philadelphia)
9. You & Me
You & Me is a mini mart where you can grab adorable imports like all the gear from Sanrio—the makers of Hello Kitty and friends—that you can carry. You can also pick up snacks, cosmetics, and other gifts downstairs, where you’ll find a massive Asian grocery store. Get prepared to munch on several different flavors of Pocky!
10. Terakawa Ramen
Japanese ramen shop Terakawa Ramen simmers its broth for two whole days, allowing the most complex flavors to develop. It’s this attention to detail and taste that ranks Terakawa as perhaps the best ramen in the city. It offers two different types of handmade ramen noodles, as well as a variety of broth styles, including shoyu (soy sauce), miso, mayu (black garlic oil), vegetarian options, and the restaurant’s signature blend. Besides ramen, you can also order donburi (Japanese rice bowls), curry platters, and udon noodles. The restaurant is small and quite popular, but the service is quick.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
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