Sakura Mandarin
1038 Race St.
Philadelphia , PA 19107
215-873-8338
Neighborhood: Center City
Parking: Parking discounted at lot in building Monday through Friday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. ($5 for 2 hours), 5 to 10 p.m. ($10).
Handicap access: Wheelchair accessible (through back door in parking garage).
Handicap access: Wheelchair accessible (through back door in parking garage).
Related reviews:
Shanghai and Szechuan fare blossoms, and the "juicy buns," scallion pancakes, and sushi are some of Chinatown's best.
It seems that duck tongue is every Chinatown foodie's double-dare dish these days. Its mere presence has become a sort of hallmark of authenticity in the neighborhood's new guard of regional-minded restaurants.
This is one delicacy, however, that I clearly wasn't meant to savor. It's not that I'm unadventurous. And I believe Sakura Mandarin owner Jack Chen when he says that nothing evokes a Shanghai snack quite like munching the wine-poached taste buds off those bony little cluckers. » Read more
This is one delicacy, however, that I clearly wasn't meant to savor. It's not that I'm unadventurous. And I believe Sakura Mandarin owner Jack Chen when he says that nothing evokes a Shanghai snack quite like munching the wine-poached taste buds off those bony little cluckers. » Read more
Cuisine type: Chinese; Japanese
Meals Served:
Lunch - Mon. thru Sun.
Dinner - Mon. thru Sun.
Style:
This cheery green corner room in the former Ong's is quickly becoming a Chinatown favorite for a wide-ranging menu that has an authentic Shanghai touch, from "juicy buns" (soup dumplings) to wine-poached duck tongues, braised pork shoulder, and the city's best scallion pancakes. A surprisingly artful sushi bar plus some excellent Szechuan dishes, as well as friendly and attentive service, add to this newcomer's pleasant appeal.
Specialties:
Scallion pancakes; spicy beef and tripe; Shanghai steamed "juicy buns" ("xiao long bao" or soup dumplings); braised pork shoulder; double-cooked pork; pork with garlic sauce; beef dried bean curd and pepper; diced chicken with cucumbers and pepper; Lion's Head meatballs; Szechuan string beans (with pork); eggplant with garlic sauce; Peking-style minced pork noodles. Sushi rolls: "new" Sakura; Angry Dragon; Monster roll.
Alcohol:
BYOB.
Weekend noise:
A lively but manageable 79 decibels. (Ideal is 75 decibels or less.)
Hours: Entire menu available Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday until 10:30.
Reservations: Recommended
Prices:
$
Memorable food (I'll dream about the scallion pancakes, soup dumplings and pork shoulder), affordable prices (2 people, huge meal, <$20 per person) and a friendly staff who were happy to talk us through the trickier menu items, make Sakura a can't miss. I'll be back...soon.