Global Flavors: Explore Delco’s International Food Scene

One of the best things about living in Delco is that you don’t have to travel very far to taste cuisines from around the world. From Korean stews to Indian curries to Vietnamese pho, the county’s dining scene reflects our many cultures and communities.

 

Ready to explore international delights in your own backyard? Some of Delco’s most interesting international food can be found in casual neighborhood restaurants, takeout spots and small family-run businesses. We recommend starting with these eight local favorites:

 

The aroma of rotisserie chicken hits you before you even get through the door at H&B Peruvian Food, a casual Drexel Hill spot. The pollo a la brasa — Peruvian-style roasted chicken — is the star, served with two sides and a bright, flavorful salsa verde. Other menu favorites include lomo saltado, with sautéed beef, onions and tomatoes served alongside fries and rice, plus arroz chaufa (Peruvian-style fried rice). Portions are generous, making this a particularly good spot to visit when you’re hungry or want leftovers for tomorrow!

3905 State Rd., Drexel Hill; (484) 453-8156.

 

 

Some of Delco’s most exciting food comes from the smallest kitchens, and Nom Nam House is a perfect example. This cute takeout window is run by a two-person team that makes most of its menu from scratch, including handmade dumplings, spring and summer rolls, vermicelli bowls and banh mi sandwiches. The pho broth is made fresh daily, too (in fact, this is one of the top spots for pho in Delco!). There isn’t a traditional dining room, but outdoor seating is available, so order ahead, grab your food and settle in for a meal that’s crafted with care.

433 Manchester Ave., Media; (215) 870-3362.

 

 

At El Rinconcito, a cozy Ecuadorian restaurant and bakery in Upper Darby, the menu ranges from baked goods to hearty soups and stews to ceviche to traditional rice dishes. Start with empanadas de verde — mashed green plantain mixed with cheese— then dig into shrimp ceviche, grilled pork chops or the restaurant’s popular sopa marinera, a traditional seafood soup. There’s also chaulafán, Ecuadorian-style fried rice, with sweet plantain, chicken, shrimp, and eggs, plus a selection of milkshakes and desserts, making this a great place to explore a cuisine that might be new to you.

7001 West Chester Pike, Unit-C & B, Upper Darby; (610) 713-6313.

 

If you’re looking for Korean food that feels homemade rather than trendy, Nagwon Garden is the place to know. This small Upper Darby restaurant serves traditional Korean soups, stews, rice dishes and barbecue, along with the assortment of little side dishes known as banchan that arrive with many Korean meals. Try the bibimbap, a comforting beef and rice bowl, or the seafood and green onion pancake. For something especially warming, the restaurant’s soft tofu, kimchi and soybean soups are excellent choices. It’s an unassuming spot, but longtime fans consider it one of the area’s best places for authentic Korean cooking.

7650 W Chester Pike, Upper Darby; (610) 449-1800.

 

 

For a livelier Korean experience, head to Pocha Street. The restaurant takes its inspiration from Korean pocha, or street stalls, bringing together market-style comfort food, Korean BBQ and late-night fare in a social setting. The menu includes meat sets to be grilled at the personal table-grills, Korean fried chicken, small plates like potstickers, edamame and deep-fried rice cakes, kimchi stew, spicy rice cakes, shareable soups, stews and more. It’s an especially fun spot for sharing, so roll in with a group and order a few things for the table. The drinks menu offers a variety of soju (a Korean rice-based spirit), imported beer and interesting wines.

7260 Marshall Rd., Upper Darby; (267) 815-1322.

 

 

In both Media and Glen Mills, you’ll find outposts of Shere-E-Punjab, a comfy restaurant serving an extensive menu of Indian classics. There’s plenty to choose from, including samosas, pakora and naan to start, tandoori specialties, biryani, and seafood and a long list of vegetarian options. Chicken tikka masala and lamb korma are local favorites; for something sweet, try a mango lassi, then finish with an Indian dessert like gulab jamun (milk balls in honey syrup) or kheer (rice pudding). The Media location offers a packed calendar of live music, and the Glen Mills spot serves up a generous lunch buffet every Sunday.

210 W. State St., Media; (610) 891-0400; 301 Byers Dr., Suite 15, Glen Mills; (484) 841-6345.

 

For classic Thai flavors in a casual setting, make a stop at Viman Thai Cuisine in Folsom. This hidden gem offers an extensive menu that covers everything from chicken satay and spring rolls to pad Thai, pad see ew and drunken noodles. Pineapple fried rice, tom yum noodle soup and panang curry are also popular menu items. Whether your preferred spice level is mild or fiery, Viman lets you customize the spice level to suit your taste!

500 E. MacDade Blvd., Folsom; (484) 494-0525.

 

 

Manny Vibez is an all-day cafe in Norwood founded by Christiana Ruiz as a tribute to her late brother, Manny. She deftly weaves together influences from several cuisines across its menu, with the Ruizs’ Colombian heritage shining through. One of Manny Vibez’s signature dishes is bandeja paisa, an epic brunch tower with white rice, Spanish beans, sirloin steak, ground beef, Colombian chorizo, fried pork belly, plantains, avocado and a fried egg. The menu also includes carne asada, empanadas, breakfast fried rice, tacos, burritos and other creative combinations. Come hungry and plan to take your time at this family-run BYOB.

11 E. Winona Ave., Norwood; (484) 494-6017.

 

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Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA. They say we’re A LOT…and they’re right! Contact us at (610) 565-3679, by email or online.

– Emily Kovach

 

Featured photo courtesy of Pocha Street