It’s Soup Season: Delco’s Go-To Spots for Pho and Ramen

When it gets to that point in winter when it feels like spring might never come, one surefire way to chase the doldrums away is tucking into a steaming bowl of pho or ramen. Delaware County’s dining scene continues to grow more diverse, and locals are lucky to have a fantastic lineup of restaurants serving these beloved Asian noodle soups. 

 

Pho (pronounced like “fuh”) is a fragrant Vietnamese soup, usually made with slow-simmered, aromatic beef broth. It’s filled with rice noodles and proteins, like chicken or beef, and topped with green herbs, bean sprouts, lime juice and chilis. Ramen is a rich, savory Japanese soup, typically with a pork bone broth base, which simmers for hours, or even days, to develop the flavor. The large bowls are filled with chewy wheat noodles, various proteins (chashu, or sliced pork, is traditional), and toppings like fish cakes, pickled mushrooms, soft boiled eggs, seaweed and aromatic oil. Both types of soup are endlessly customizable, and can often be made vegetarian or vegan. 

 

 

Looking to slurp up some pho or ramen in your neck of the woods? There are plenty of local destinations to try both! Grab your chopsticks and bring your appetite—we’re diving into some of the best places in Delco to enjoy pho and ramen.

 

 

Nom Nam House, a tiny little takeout spot serving up big flavors, has quickly built a loyal following in Media. Its traditional pho is a standout, featuring aromatic broth that’s made fresh each day; add your choice of protein, including tofu, shrimp, beef meatballs or brisket, to pair with the tasty toppings, like Thai basil, sriracha and hoisin sauce. Not super hungry? Try the Sip’n Go Pho Broth, a to-go cup of warm beef or vegetarian broth. Beyond pho, the Nom Nam House offers appetizers, like dumplings and spring rolls, as well as banh mi sandwiches and vermicelli bowls. There are ample vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well!

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

 

A hidden gem near the waterfront, Pho Philly takes a no-frills approach to building authentic flavor in its rich, clear broth. One popular choice is the Pho Philly Special, loaded with filet mignon, well-done flank, brisket, oxtail and beef meatballs. Friendly, attentive service and quick turnaround times make this a great lunch stop for locals and travelers, alike. Don’t overlook the beverage menu, which goes well beyond the typical iced tea and sodas, with choices like sea salt coffee, avocado smoothies, taro boba tea and fresh coconut juice. 

118 Powhattan Ave., Essington; (484) 497-6280.

 

Known for generous portions and traditional recipes, Pho & Cafe Anh Hong in Upper Darby’s bustling Terminal Square, has long been a favorite among locals looking for Vietnamese comfort food. Its pho is a must, and its menu helpfully breaks down all the combinations of proteins and toppings you can experiment with. If you’re going with a group, consider sharing a few of the authentic dishes on the menu that you might not find elsewhere, such as Rice Flake (steamed sheets of wide rice noodles topped with meats, bean sprouts, lettuce, cucumbers and shallots) or salty fish fried rice. The relaxed environment and affordable prices make it a dependable neighborhood staple that keeps regulars coming back for more.

7036 Terminal Square, Upper Darby; (610) 713-9118.

 

 

Hanoi’s Pho is Havertown’s go-to destination for Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant’s signature pho showcases a long-cooked broth, piled high with fresh herbs and quality proteins—the Pho Ga (chicken pho) and Bun Bo Hu (spicy beef pho) are both popular options. For lighter options, you can’t go wrong with Hanoi’s shrimp summer rolls and flavorful bun (rice vermicelli) bowls. There’s plenty of seating in the restaurant’s dining room, and they also do a brisk takeout business.

1501 West Chester Pike, Havertown; (484) 454-5105.

 

Grab a table in the quirky, colorful dining room at Aoyama Ramen and dig into its delicious and hearty Japanese fare. There are over a dozen kinds of ramen to choose from, like creamy tonkotsu ramen made with 15-hour pork broth, spicy miso ramen topped with ground pork, curry ramen, chicken wonton ramen and more! Other menu-musts include karaage chicken (fried chicken cutlet, bang bang shrimp, and crispy scallion pancakes. 

4751 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square; (484) 422-8196.

 

 

Located right in the heart of Media’s charming downtown, Mr. Noodle Cafe offers a diverse menu of Asian noodle favorites. Its ramen selection has all the classics and some vegetarian takes as well, like the Tsuyu Dashi veggie ramen and the miso veggie ramen. Come hungry so you can dig into a few apps, like the dim sum-style fried pork buns and steamed shrimp dumplings; stay for a heavenly slice of matcha crepe cake or creamy mango milk swirl. Or, if you love a great deal, check out the lunch special, which includes a bowl of ramen, a free egg roll and a brown sugar bubble tea.

14 West State St., Media; (267) 803-3000.

 

While Kawa is well known for its amazing sushi, its ramen deserves equal attention! The traditional Black Tonkotsu ramen is a slam dunk, but the other variations, like shoyu ramen and tom yum ramen are also worth a shot. The rest of the menu is equally as creative and exciting; order up some Japanese sweet potato fries, fried oysters and shrimp tempura buns to see what we mean!

821 W. Sproul Rd., Springfield; (484) 471-3300.

 

Sapporo Soul Ramen & Sushi brings creative energy to Boothwyn, with a ramen lineup that features richly layered broths, inventive toppings and perfectly cooked noodles. From black garlic ramen to chicken katsu ramen to salmon ramen, the options go beyond the expected! The menu also includes dim sum, sushi, teriyaki and Korean fried chicken, giving diners plenty of ways to mix and match dishes. With stellar online reviews from locals and, this welcoming spot is emerging as a destination-worthy Asian-fusion dining experience in southern Delco!

627 Conchester Hwy., Boothwyn; (484) 490-6123.

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– Emily Kovach

 

Featured photo: Pixabay