Chu Shang Spicy - Philadelphia

The broth here is incredibly flavorful—it's rich and creamy without being overwhelming, and just the right amount of spice. I've visited twice: the first time, I tried the medium spice, and on my latest visit, I opted for the spicy level. While I don't have a very high tolerance for heat, I can handle some spice, and I found the spicy option to be perfectly balanced—not too intense, just right for my taste. It was a chilly, rainy autumn night, and this dish truly hit the spot. The portions are quite generous, making it easy to share with a friend—just be sure to order double noodles and double meat. It’s not a place that attracts many tourists, which gives it a hidden gem feel. I'm surprised I never discovered it growing up near Philadelphia. I'll definitely be returning, and I plan to bring more friends next time!

I have been visiting this restaurant with my family for over four years, making it a tradition to dine here every Christmas Eve and Mother's Day. The menu features authentic Chinese cuisine alongside Chinese American dishes. All the food is made in-house and prepared fresh upon ordering. The service is outstanding; the staff goes above and beyond to ensure your dining experience is enjoyable. Their General Tso's chicken is the best I've ever had, and the egg rolls are also freshly made and cooked to order. I highly recommend trying them out soon. Situated in the heart of Philadelphia's Chinatown, this restaurant offers a great location and a wonderful atmosphere.

Amazingly generous portions, good flavor, large variety, quick delivery. Saw some poor reviews about wait time, freshness, and portions. I did not find these to be the case

The experience was unique (a departure from the standard American 'Chinese ' food experience) and while you can order standard Amer-Chinese food here, I highly suggest trying their special menu for the dry spicy pot and the ma la soup. My group ordered both and shared between the three of us. It was fantastic! I truly enjoyed the food and the experience of the 'build your own dish ' that comes with both the ma la soup and the dry spicy pot. I highly recommend this restaurant!

The portion of fried squid is actually twice the amount shown in the picture. We had already eaten half of it before snapping the photo. Overall, this portion is more than enough for one person, so be mindful of how much you actually need. Additionally, it's quite spicy, classified as mid-spicy. For most people, a milder option might be more appropriate. I can usually handle a decent level of spice, but this one was on the spicy side.