Philadelphia is starting to rival New York City with its high caliber restaurants and large variety of ethnic groups. These groups have lent their hand in raising the bar for the city's restaurant scene. There are a plethora of ethnic restaurants just waiting to be discovered. Here are some of my favorites:



Rangoon
This is a Burmese restaurant located in the Chinatown section of Philadelphia, on 9th Street. The country of Burma is located in close proximity to India and Thailand, and because of this, Burmese cuisine borrows flavors from these two countries along with infusing their own unique flavor. My favorite dishes are The Chicken Mint Kebab,(not quite sure why it's called Kebab as there are no Kebab skewers involved), with it's delicious blend of tomatoes and spicy seasonings and the Beef Salad, which has a wonderful blend of seasonings that will please any palate. I am also obssessed with their coconut rice.





The three ladies that own the restaurant are super friendly and are eager to help patrons select from their vast menu. On a cold winter day, don't forget to ask for the Burmese hot tea, which is so sweet and delicious sometimes I have by itself for dessert.




Lemongrass
A small and quaint Thai restaurant located in University City on 36th Street, this is where I go when I need comfort food of the non traditional variety. Their Chicken Mussaman Curry, with it's thick Coconut broth, full of hearty portions of carrots, potatoes and chicken, served over rice, has soothed many sad and tearful days. They also serve an appetizer called Tulip Dumplings, which are the best steamed dumplings I have ever tasted.





Tandoor
A tiny Indian buffet restaurant on the University of Pennsylvania's campus on 40th street. What this restaurant lacks in looks it makes up for in it's absolutely delicious and fresh food.

This is just a small tour of the delicious possibilities that Philadelphia has to offer.

by Kardia Williams