Sichuan Mathai

There’s no shortage of street-corner takeout spots in Philadelphia. But if you’re looking for the real deal rather than the Americanized basics you’re used to (and don’t feel like making the trek to Chinatown), this West Philly establishment fits the bill. Sure, you can still order General Tso’s chicken and sesame tofu, but the main draw is really the Szechuan, Malaysian and Thai fare. 

As someone who’s eaten here a number of times, I think the Szechuan food is the real star. All my favorite appetizers are Chinese, from the delightfully greasy, pillowy scallion pancakes to the silky, nutty dan dan noodles to the superbly tender pork dumplings, lacquered in scarlet chili oil. As for mains, the dry chili pepper stir fry chicken is a go-to, thanks to its punchy, nuanced heat and shatteringly crisp texture. But my favorite main dish is hands-down the poached pork, a fatty, savory bounty of meat swimming in a pool of numbing Szechuan sauce. (You’ll want to order a second side of rice to sop up every drop, trust me.) If you’re eating with a crowd, consider the BBQ whole fish with mixed seafood and lotus root, or the dry-braised whole fish for a crispier experience. You can’t go wrong with the melt-in-your-mouth braised pork belly either, or any of the noodle soups. (I’m partial to spicy beef, but there’s tomato and egg or cucumber egg drop for the vegetarians.)

In terms of Malaysian food, there’s a selection of aromatic curry stir fries—all of which are equal parts scrumptious and photogenic—noodle dishes and rice-and-protein entrees. Take the rich sizzling black pepper beef, the pungent shrimp paste fried rice or the starry tofu, complete with snow peas, bean curd and carrots. As for Thai food, the menu includes all the essentials, like coconut-kissed green and red curries, tom yum soup and a slew of noodle dishes. Go with pad si ew for sweet, pad kee mao for sour and spice or pad thai for savory. 

The vibe: Casual, simple sit-down on West Philly’s main drag

The food: Szechuan, Malaysian and Thai dishes

Time Out tip: If you go the spicy route with your entrée, do yourself a favor and order the crispy cucumber appetizer as a side. It’s refreshing, nutty and savory, but most importantly, it’s served cold, so it’s a great way to combat the heat as you’re eating.