Exploring International Cuisine in West Philly
Philadelphia is incredibly diverse, and while South Philly is famous for Italian food, West Philadelphia (particularly near University City) is a massive hub for incredible international cuisine. Driven by the immigrant communities and the massive universities (UPenn and Drexel), you can find highly authentic Ethiopian, Middle Eastern, and Asian food here.
Injera and Wat
West Philly has a massive Ethiopian population. Restaurants like Abyssinia on Baltimore Avenue serve incredible, deeply spiced stews (wat) served on massive, spongy platters of injera bread. It is highly communal, intensely flavorful, and you eat entirely with your hands.
Massive Shawarma
Saad's Halal Restaurant is an absolute institution for the local university students. The lines are long, but they serve absolutely massive, incredibly cheap chicken shawarma wraps and fantastic falafel. It is heavy, fast, and flawless.
Numbing Heat
While they now have multiple locations, the Han Dynasty outposts in University City and Old City serve incredibly authentic, aggressively spicy Szechuan cuisine. The Dan Dan Noodles and Dry Pepper Chicken will completely numb your mouth.
Authentic Mexican
West Philly also boasts fantastic, highly authentic Mexican food. Don Barriga serves incredible, cheap street tacos (the Al Pastor is fantastic) and massive, heavy tortas in a highly unpretentious setting.
The Market-Frankford Line
To reach West Philly from Center City, take the SEPTA Market-Frankford Line (the blue line) westbound. It is fast, cheap, and drops you right in the heart of the University City dining district.
World Cup 2026 Philadelphia Tips
Lincoln Financial Field is located in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. Unlike many other NFL stadiums, the Linc is highly accessible via public transit. You must take the SEPTA Broad Street Line (the orange line) south to NRG Station. It drops you off literally steps from the stadium. Do not attempt to drive or take an Uber to the stadium on matchday; the traffic on Broad Street and I-95 will be catastrophic.