Gerald S.
Yelp
Chinatown Square on Race Street between 10th & 11th, is a nice attempt to bring Asian street food malls to Philly. It is a tiny version of these emporiums found on a grand scale in Flushing, NY, Toronto, and other major Chinese population centers. When done right in a large enough space, there are dozens of mini fast food outlets surrounding a central communal dining area where a group effort is required to scout for seats while the rest line up for the desired treats, and bring everything back to the demarked table. They are wildly successful.
It remains to be seen if Chinatown Square has the critical mass of enough choices balanced with adequate seating to make it. But, my first visit was fun and tasty, and will bring me back for more when in the mood for snacks reminiscent of all those delights experienced in travels through China, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. There, when the sun goes down, the streets fill with bicycle kitchens setting up curbside cafes to grill the delicacies you select from the table spread in front of you, and served on miniature tables and stools on the sidewalk. Such a kick!
The Cambodian sausage and BBQ beef on a stick from Khmer Grill were both greasily excellent. Tart/sweet marinade, just enough firing to cook everything without drying out, and timely delivery into a styro take out container, made for a delicious bite and chew.
The other counters serving buns, gyros, Thai ice cream, etc., were all busy with happy folk talking or eyeing their phones. There is even a karaoke bar upstairs.
Kudos to the developer who put this together. She is on to something that should be popular and lead to copycats all over Chinatown and the surrounding streets.
This is just the beginning.