Tabachoy

Philadelphians are lining up for Tabachoy. And that's saying a lot, considering we’d only line up for a photo-op with Joel Embiid, free water ice, or when the Broad Street run begins. What started as a food cart serving rice bowls, cheesesteaks, and chicken sandwiches is now a funky Bella Vista brick-and-mortar serving a Filipino menu of life-altering dishes.

photo credit: GAB BONGHI

If you’re dining solo, grab a seat at the chef’s counter next to the saint-like drawing of Anthony Bourdain. The casual dining room has a neon yellow glow thanks to the pig-shaped strip light hanging above the open kitchen. After cracking open a bottle at the BYOB, you might wonder if the pig is dancing along to the T-Pain tracks playing overhead, or if he’s just excited by the plates of aromatic crispy chicken that keep whizzing by. There are only a handful of tables and it’s always packed, so the space feels super cozy—you’ll likely overhear someone on a date wondering if that shade of yellow should be their wedding color. There’s a community fridge in case you forgot a bottle, the chef/owner brings food to your table, and the warmth and hospitality makes you feel as special as appearing on the jumbotron at the Wells Fargo Center.  

photo credit: GAB BONGHI

The menu includes shareable small plates like shrimp and carrot fritters and hearty, comforting mains. But calling them “small plates” is misleading—they can feed four or more. From the pancit noodles to pork belly, there’s an element to each dish that’s surprising, like the spiced vinegar glaze giving each bite of pork a hint of sourness. We like everything here, but you can’t miss the spring rolls or Chance’s twice-fried chicken. Just try to save room for the rotating soft serve ube sundae we think about daily. 

photo credit: GAB BONGHI

You may begin the night curiously looking up which wine pairs with pickled green papaya (FYI: it’s a Chenin Blanc). But by its end, you’ll have eaten excellent, filling food in a space as laidback as your best friend’s house (and just as hard to leave).

Food Rundown

photo credit: GAB BONGHI

Lumpia

Served with a chili and caramelized sugar sauce, these pork spring rolls pack a subtle spice. The hint of garlic and tender pork inside the crisp wrapping make each bite more satisfying than the last.

photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO

Ukoy

The sweet potato and carrot fritters are thin and chip-like, so this is a great starter before heading to heartier mains. The shrimp are supersized and beautifully cooked, and come with a chili vinegar you can dunk each bite in.

photo credit: GAB BONGHI

Pancit Bihon

Noodle lovers, gather round. Made out of rice, each strand is light and is tossed with scallion, carrot, napa cabbage, and snap peas. It’s a plate that ideally balances sweet and tangy citrus.

photo credit: GAB BONGHI

Lechon Kawali

Six juicy, thick-cut pork slabs are served with sweet and tart spiced vinegar. This dish is a must try, and if you come with a group, you’ll want to grab two or three orders.

photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO

Chance’s Fried Chicken

This is the best thing on the menu. You’ll want multiple pieces of the incredibly tender, lightly fried, and crispy chicken (think Peking duck rather than breaded cutlets). It comes with a bowl of savory brown gravy that’s perfect. No notes.

Ube Sundae

This sundae has scoops of sweet and creamy purple yam ice cream. It’s addictive, so it won’t last long. But like whoever dated Rihanna in high school, you’ll just be happy life brought you together briefly.