As a bustling city with a rich history and diverse culture, Philadelphia, PA is known for its iconic cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, and hoagies. But beyond these classic dishes, the city also offers a wide array of Chinese cuisines that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
The Influence of Chinese Cuisine in Philadelphia
Philadelphia has a long history of Chinese immigration, dating back to the 19th century when Chinese immigrants came to the city to work on the railroads and in factories. Today, the city is home to a vibrant Chinatown that is filled with authentic Chinese restaurants, markets, and shops. The influence of Chinese cuisine can be seen throughout the city, from traditional dishes like dim sum and hot pot, to fusion dishes that combine Chinese flavors with local ingredients. And of course, no meal is complete without a delicious Chinese dessert.The Sweet Side of Chinatown
Located in the heart of Philadelphia's Chinatown is Terakawa Ramen, a popular restaurant known for its delicious ramen bowls.But what many people don't know is that they also offer a variety of Chinese desserts that are worth trying. One of their most popular desserts is the Mango Pudding, a creamy and refreshing treat made with fresh mangoes and topped with whipped cream. Another must-try is their Taro Milk Tea, a sweet and creamy drink made with taro root and served with chewy boba pearls. For those looking for a more traditional Chinese dessert, Dim Sum Garden is the place to go. This restaurant is known for its delicious dim sum, but their Egg Custard Tarts steal the show. These flaky pastries filled with a rich and creamy egg custard are a staple in Chinese bakeries and are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Fusion Desserts in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is also home to several restaurants that offer unique fusion desserts that combine Chinese flavors with local ingredients.One of these restaurants is Bing Bing Dim Sum, which offers a modern twist on traditional dim sum dishes. One of their most popular desserts is the Sesame Balls, a traditional Chinese dessert made with glutinous rice flour and filled with sweet red bean paste. But at Bing Bing Dim Sum, they add a twist by filling the balls with peanut butter and serving them with a side of chocolate sauce for dipping. Another fusion dessert to try is the Mochi Ice Cream at Cheu Noodle Bar. This Japanese-inspired dessert features small balls of ice cream wrapped in a layer of chewy mochi, and at Cheu Noodle Bar, they offer unique flavors like green tea and black sesame.
The Sweet Side of Philadelphia's Food Trucks
In addition to restaurants, Philadelphia's food truck scene also offers some delicious Chinese desserts. One of the most popular food trucks is The Cow and The Curd, which specializes in fried cheese curds.But they also offer a unique dessert called the Chinese Donut, which is a deep-fried dough ball coated in cinnamon sugar and served with a side of sweet condensed milk for dipping. Another food truck to check out is Chewy's, which offers a variety of Asian-inspired dishes, including their famous Bubble Waffle Sundae. This dessert features a crispy bubble waffle filled with ice cream, fresh fruit, and toppings like chocolate sauce and whipped cream.
