The Best Ethnic Cuisine In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Lauren Gruber

Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvania, boasts an array of exciting and diverse immigrant populations, including numerous West African and Southeast Asian communities who come together to form the city’s vibrant cultural and culinary quiltwork. From quaint Cambodian kitchens to restaurants serving Israeli delicacies, read ahead for our guide to the best ethnic cuisine in Philadelphia.

Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Philadelphia I

Khmer Kitchen

Khmer Kitchen is an extremely popular Cambodian restaurant, and is a favorite of South Philadelphia. Dishes are made to order and carefully prepared using handmade ingredients; one of the best being the prah-hok kahteeh, or ‘grandma’s dish’, a choice comprised of fermented monk fish which is curried with coconut and served with a crudite of vegetables. A top choice for an appetizer to share is the fried shrimp with lemongrass and coconut curry dip, as well as the grilled meatballs. Flavors are exotic, but are gentle enough to entice even diners who are not inclined towards spicy food.
Address and Telephone: Khmer Kitchen,1700 S 6th St Philadelphia, PA 19148 215-755-2222

Hardena Restaurant

The inconspicous corner of Hardena Restaurant I

Kilimandjaro Restaurant

One of the most beloved West African restaurants in the city, Kilimandjaro features classic and scrumptious Senegalese cuisine. The yassa fish is a traditional tilapia staple, sautéed with caremlized onions and pan fried, and should not be missed. The dibi lamb is also a top choice, comprised of pieces of grilled lamb served with a tangy onion salsa on top. Enjoying rave reviews from customers and boasting lines filing out the door most days, the fresh food and quality service here quite rightly make Kilimandjaro a West Philadelphia favorite, with its eye-catching African artwork and warm ambience adding to its overall splendor.
Address and Telephone: Kilimandjaro Restaurant, 4317 Chestnut St Philadelphia, PA 19104 215-387-1970

Zahav

The casually upscale Zahav, a restaurant idyllically situated in the Old City, deliciously reflects the unique character and flavors of Israel. This critically-acclaimed favorite boasts a flavorful menu of small plates which allows guests to sample a large variety of diverse cuisines in one sitting, including delicacies from Eastern Europe, North Africa and Persia. Adventurous diners are well catered for here and can try roasted duck hearts with red plums; and the grilled halloumi served with peaches and other vegetables is melt-in-the-mouth and incredibly moreish.
Address and Telephone: Zahav, 237 St James Pl Philadelphia, PA 19106 215-625-8800

The popular hummus, a perfect sharing and mezze plate at Zahav I

IndeBlue

The upscale Indian restaurant of IndeBlue serves a wide array of both modern and traditional Indian dishes, and is a top spot to sample sumptuous spicy cuisine in the heart of Philadelphia. The menu consists of small chaat plates as well as classic moilee, masala and lamb biryani choices. The chef’s tasting menu is a tasty culinary option comprised of four courses, including an entree, a chaat choice (savory snack) and a shuruvat (appetizer). The restaurant hosts a popular happy hour from 5pm until 7pm on weekdays, with a range of colorful cocktails and beers available at discounted prices.
Address and Telephone: IndeBlue, 205 S 13th St Philadelphia, PA 10107 215-545-4633

Indeblue’s bar hosts a fantastic happy hour I

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article