In 2011, head chef and his partner, took over the cozy space at 915 Arch Street in Philadelphia's Chinatown and called it EMei or, named after one of the four biggest mountains in China and an icon of the Szechuan (Sichuan) province. Popular in China for its hardcore heat and bold flavors, Sichuan style cuisine has grown in popularity among US citizens in the past decade.
While various styles of Sichuan cooking exist in today's market, EMei keeps it completely authentic. Opening our doors without much advertising, EMei became an instant success, with lines of customers hoping to get a taste of Chef Zhao's genuine Sichuan cuisine.
While various styles of Sichuan cooking exist in today's market, EMei keeps it completely authentic. Opening our doors without much advertising, EMei became an instant success, with lines of customers hoping to get a taste of Chef Zhao's genuine Sichuan cuisine.
Reviews (24)
Vickie W.
Jan 25, 2022
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We've tried quite a few different dishes here now, and they've all been excellent! Some of our favorites have been the spicy fish soups -- the fish is super flavorful, which I feel like doesn't always happen at other restaurants!
Overall, the prices are a bit higher than other places in Chinatown, but super worth it because the portion sizes are generous (we always have leftovers to take home) and the flavors are really great. The inside of the restaurant is pretty nice too and they give complimentary peanuts at the beginning haha
Overall, the prices are a bit higher than other places in Chinatown, but super worth it because the portion sizes are generous (we always have leftovers to take home) and the flavors are really great. The inside of the restaurant is pretty nice too and they give complimentary peanuts at the beginning haha
Frank B.
Jan 16, 2022
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I ordered delivery. Blackened chicken. There is a difference between chicken on the bone and being served kitchen scraps. I was served kitchen scraps / garbage. There is more chicken on a HALF of a McNugget than on the bones and cartilage I was served. This is not an exaggeration. The peppers/onion/veg in the dish also seemed like scraps. The flavor of the dish was fine. But I only ate a few bites before I started hunting and pecking around for actual food ingredients, realized what was done, and threw the rest out. I don't understand how the reviews could be so good and the
Christy Q.
Dec 20, 2021
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Fancy decor and nice ambiance, but food could be improved. The Pork Skin with Long Hot Pepper was both texturally and flavor-wise unsatisfying. The Pork Skin was cut too small, and once the dish sat out for a while and got cold, there was barely any flavor left to it. The noodles were probably the best out of the dishes we ordered.
Ju L.
Dec 17, 2021
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All these years of living in Philly, we never thought to check out EMei. But after reading so many acclaimed reviews of EMei, we just had to check it out for ourselves.
We stopped by for lunch with a group of friends last Sunday. I made a reservation for 12pm, but it wasn't busy. From the outside of the restaurant, you would not expect the interior to look the way it did. Inside, it was farmhouse décor with mid-century modern furniture, and felt like you're in a little village, in a cute way.
As for the food, the food was freakin delicious. I was under the impression EMei was a Szechuan
We stopped by for lunch with a group of friends last Sunday. I made a reservation for 12pm, but it wasn't busy. From the outside of the restaurant, you would not expect the interior to look the way it did. Inside, it was farmhouse décor with mid-century modern furniture, and felt like you're in a little village, in a cute way.
As for the food, the food was freakin delicious. I was under the impression EMei was a Szechuan
Megan Z.
Dec 12, 2021
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I went off the Yelp reviews and ordered the cumin lamb and chongqing spicy chicken. The cumin lamb was tender and had a lot of flavor and heat, I've never had a dish like that before and was pleasantly surprised. The spicy chicken was the standout, my friend and I kept going back for more even as we were sweating from the chiles. We got the sautéed snow pea leaves and they were a good break from all the spice, and the crunch was refreshing. We also got the boiled wonton in the hot oil. The hot oil wasn't too spicy but was packed with flavor! The interior of the restaurant is very modern
Neftali R.
Dec 10, 2021
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My entire experience was very underwhelming. I ordered a beef dish and the meal was probably about 40-50% fat and thus inedible. I had to use a second plate just to put all the fat on. Also towards the end of the meal I saw a roach in the wall next to me. I notified the waiter and instead of killing the roach right away he continued serving other customers, leaving me to watch as this roach just crawled around the wall looking for somewhere to go.
Eventually he came and killed it but he tried to act like nothing happens. Overall it was a very poor experience. I've been to many places in Chinatown
Eventually he came and killed it but he tried to act like nothing happens. Overall it was a very poor experience. I've been to many places in Chinatown
Kevin L.
Nov 14, 2021
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Review only reflective on food received from delivery.
I had heard from some people that e mei was quite good for Sichuan food, and wanting to branch out a bit I decided to give it a shot. Got three standard dishes, cumin lamb, Mapo tofu, and fish-flavored eggplant.
Overall the food is a bit more mild and middle of the road in flavor, nothing too fiery or salty. That being said, I thought it was a bit too under seasoned for all dishes and needed a dash or salt in each. The Mapo tofu also lacked the signature peppercorns, and the cumin lamb was pretty bland and the color was quite gray.
Saving
I had heard from some people that e mei was quite good for Sichuan food, and wanting to branch out a bit I decided to give it a shot. Got three standard dishes, cumin lamb, Mapo tofu, and fish-flavored eggplant.
Overall the food is a bit more mild and middle of the road in flavor, nothing too fiery or salty. That being said, I thought it was a bit too under seasoned for all dishes and needed a dash or salt in each. The Mapo tofu also lacked the signature peppercorns, and the cumin lamb was pretty bland and the color was quite gray.
Saving
Kira M.
Oct 27, 2021
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So delicious! EMei is always my go to place whenever I'm in Philly's Chinatown and I ALWAYS order the the fried fish with dry red peppers. Don't get me wrong, I've ordered lots of other dishes and I'm never disappointed, but the red pepper fish is amazing.
Beyond the food (which, I may have mentioned, is fantastic), the staff is always extremely friendly, fast, and courteous.
Bonus: Their menu includes a lot of really great pictures of most of their dishes. I'm assuming this is in case you're like me and tend to be more food adventurous if I can see it first.
Beyond the food (which, I may have mentioned, is fantastic), the staff is always extremely friendly, fast, and courteous.
Bonus: Their menu includes a lot of really great pictures of most of their dishes. I'm assuming this is in case you're like me and tend to be more food adventurous if I can see it first.
Ipsy Banerjee
Oct 22, 2021
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Yc Boey
Oct 13, 2021
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It's a very decent restaurant.. came to visit from Singapore and after 4 days looking for quality Chinese food.. excl Mala style and found this here.
Found the hot plate meats, sweet sour whole de boned fish very very good a highlight and fresh. Portions are big and veges esp the dou miao very nicely done.. 4 dishes and for 4 pax at less than USD90 was v good.
So overall a 4 and visited a second time in 3 days..
By the way, cockage is 10 usd.. OK..
Found the hot plate meats, sweet sour whole de boned fish very very good a highlight and fresh. Portions are big and veges esp the dou miao very nicely done.. 4 dishes and for 4 pax at less than USD90 was v good.
So overall a 4 and visited a second time in 3 days..
By the way, cockage is 10 usd.. OK..
Sien Oktavia
Oct 11, 2021
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The place was nice, new, clean. The food look good, but missing the taste. And also kind cold temperatures.
No soy sauce, no hot oil, no salt & pepper on the table. Only 2 waitresses, they look work super hard back & fort many tables. Appreciate those but…you need anything like soy sauce, I guess he forget my soy sauce until done ate.
No soy sauce, no hot oil, no salt & pepper on the table. Only 2 waitresses, they look work super hard back & fort many tables. Appreciate those but…you need anything like soy sauce, I guess he forget my soy sauce until done ate.
Ricky F.
Oct 10, 2021
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Dave C.
Sep 14, 2021
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Needed to Update my Previous Review
I've been to E Mei a few times since my last review and the meal and service has been consistently good, if not great. I applaud them for their efforts during the pandemic. Also, I love their interior renovation. It looks unique from other Chinatown restaurants now.
It's authentic Szechuan food and well done with great service. I honestly can't add anything more than to say it's probably one of my go to spots in Chinatown.
I've been to E Mei a few times since my last review and the meal and service has been consistently good, if not great. I applaud them for their efforts during the pandemic. Also, I love their interior renovation. It looks unique from other Chinatown restaurants now.
It's authentic Szechuan food and well done with great service. I honestly can't add anything more than to say it's probably one of my go to spots in Chinatown.
Chris Chough
Aug 17, 2021
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Maria J.
Aug 13, 2021
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I really enjoy every time I have eaten here. I have dined-in and gotten take out from E Mei.
Dining in- the portions are huge. The ambiance is great with great service. I would recommend dining in if you have that choice, but food is the same quality and taste overall.
Delivery- The portions are big but not as much as Dining in. I liked how hot the food was when it was delivered.
I always get my food at "Spicy" because I just enjoy the experience better. If you are someone who cannot handle spicy food, get mild or the lowest setting.
The food I have tried:
-Scallion Pancakes: 5/5
Dining in- the portions are huge. The ambiance is great with great service. I would recommend dining in if you have that choice, but food is the same quality and taste overall.
Delivery- The portions are big but not as much as Dining in. I liked how hot the food was when it was delivered.
I always get my food at "Spicy" because I just enjoy the experience better. If you are someone who cannot handle spicy food, get mild or the lowest setting.
The food I have tried:
-Scallion Pancakes: 5/5
Tiffany Z.
Aug 12, 2021
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One of our top usual Szechuan restaurant!!
Casual go-to dish: Cold Noodles w/ Sesame Sauce
For spicy lovers: Cold Noodles w/ Spicy
(There's sliced cucumbers on the bottom so don't order a cucumber appetizer if you are ordering this one)
Century Eggs w/ Eggplant: SO GOOD especially if you are a fan of hot oil, garlic, century eggs & eggplants. The flavors is just so perfect
Cumin Lamb: YOU MUST TRY THIS.
They also opened a spot called General Tsao in Center City, Samson St. It is also worth trying, but be aware it's slightly harder to find parking
Casual go-to dish: Cold Noodles w/ Sesame Sauce
For spicy lovers: Cold Noodles w/ Spicy
(There's sliced cucumbers on the bottom so don't order a cucumber appetizer if you are ordering this one)
Century Eggs w/ Eggplant: SO GOOD especially if you are a fan of hot oil, garlic, century eggs & eggplants. The flavors is just so perfect
Cumin Lamb: YOU MUST TRY THIS.
They also opened a spot called General Tsao in Center City, Samson St. It is also worth trying, but be aware it's slightly harder to find parking
Jeremy Yowell
Jul 30, 2021
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Stopped by EMei for an early Friday dinner after searching for a good spot in Chinatown to try.
Quick note: When you walk into the restaurant there is a ATM, however the restaurant is not cash only.
When we sat down, we were immediately served complimentary tea and given very large menus. There is a full bar at EMei, which was a pleasant surprise.
In terms of food, we ordered 3 dishes which resulted in plenty of leftovers: a cold noodle appetizer, their signature chicken dish, and the house fried rice. While we weren't fans of the cold noodle dish, the signature chicken and fried rice were great
Quick note: When you walk into the restaurant there is a ATM, however the restaurant is not cash only.
When we sat down, we were immediately served complimentary tea and given very large menus. There is a full bar at EMei, which was a pleasant surprise.
In terms of food, we ordered 3 dishes which resulted in plenty of leftovers: a cold noodle appetizer, their signature chicken dish, and the house fried rice. While we weren't fans of the cold noodle dish, the signature chicken and fried rice were great
Natalia Spinelli
Jul 21, 2021
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This is an authentic Szechuan Chinese restaurant. Their loyal customers are Chinese natives. They do have American Chinese options on the menu as well (the last few pages). The food is fresh. The place is VERY clean. After dinner go to get some dessert at “la mousse” which is within walking distance or “Frozen” for some rolled up Ice cream! One complaint - we ordered a beef tendon appetizer and we were charged for the beef tendon meal which costs DOUBLE!!!! Kinda odd.... but the food was quality and the service was good. It was probably a misunderstanding (I hope...????!!!)
Michael A.
Jul 09, 2021
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Surprisingly good takeout. My usual go to was closed for the holiday, but I was craving some American Chinese. They specialize in Sichuan, so I was a bit nervous since I was mostly skipping that portion of the menu. I got Spring Rolls, Creamy Jumbo Walnut Shrimp, General Tao's Chicken, House Lo Mein, and figured I throw in one Sichuan specialty for good measure, Dan Dan Noodles.
I was quite a fan of how it turned out. 1st- Portions are huge, 2nd - I loved that they separated the creamy walnut sauce and Dan Dan sauce for takeout so everything didn't get soggy.
Each sauce was so good
I was quite a fan of how it turned out. 1st- Portions are huge, 2nd - I loved that they separated the creamy walnut sauce and Dan Dan sauce for takeout so everything didn't get soggy.
Each sauce was so good
Jan Klincewicz
Jun 24, 2021
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I've been so tired of lackluster Dan Dan noodles living on the Main Line. These were not just "la" but "mala." The Szechuan peppercorns were numbing allowing the extreme heat from the peppers to easily slide through the lips. Not TOO oily (people need to understand chili oil is essential to this cuisine.) The shredded beef with long peppers was brilliantly "feathered" with cornstarch making the tough but flavorful round tender with the classic texture only the Chinese seem to be able to achieve. Portions were enormous, especially for the price. Dan Dans would easily serve three as an app. I took
A. ACe Ce
Jun 23, 2021
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Good Sichuan food in a very spacious nicely furnished restaurant. Communicating with the staff is easy. The menu is 90% Sichuan with the last couple of pages for 'American Chinese' for the one boring non-adventerous friend in your group. The menu has pictures so you can see what you are ordering and the food served looks as great as the pics and is delicious. Quantity is great - not college town restaurant size - but enough to take home.
Carrie S.
May 16, 2021
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Went to Chinatown with the sole purpose of eating at a place we never tried. Didn't even look at reviews.
This place is easy to walk by. We looked in the windows and saw a lot of full tables. Decided to check it out.
The food and service was very good. We tried the ear, tongue and tofu appetizer; wontons in hot oil; egg roll and spring roll; seafood casserole; Chongqing spicy chicken; and the Yangzhou fried rice.
I could not eat the wontons or chicken due to the spice. I tried but nope...
Loved the tongue and tofu in the appetizer. Wasn't a big fan of the ear. I can honestly
This place is easy to walk by. We looked in the windows and saw a lot of full tables. Decided to check it out.
The food and service was very good. We tried the ear, tongue and tofu appetizer; wontons in hot oil; egg roll and spring roll; seafood casserole; Chongqing spicy chicken; and the Yangzhou fried rice.
I could not eat the wontons or chicken due to the spice. I tried but nope...
Loved the tongue and tofu in the appetizer. Wasn't a big fan of the ear. I can honestly
Diane A.
Mar 15, 2021
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Szechuan is one of my favorite cuisines - and EMei will now be a staple in my diet.
Before we get into specific dishes, my feedback overall is: if you are used to spicy food / if you order 8-10 at Han, make sure you specify you want spicy. The food was DELICIOUS and it had great Szechuan peppercorn / chili oil flavoring, but I would have liked everything a bit spicer. I didn't specify any spice level as I wanted to try as-is for my first time.
Must order:
Dan Dan - really great flavor. The noodles are much thinner than what I'm used to from other dan dan recipes, and it's
Before we get into specific dishes, my feedback overall is: if you are used to spicy food / if you order 8-10 at Han, make sure you specify you want spicy. The food was DELICIOUS and it had great Szechuan peppercorn / chili oil flavoring, but I would have liked everything a bit spicer. I didn't specify any spice level as I wanted to try as-is for my first time.
Must order:
Dan Dan - really great flavor. The noodles are much thinner than what I'm used to from other dan dan recipes, and it's
Shirley Z.
Nov 19, 2020
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This place is fantastic! The flavors are on par with what I expect Sechuan food to taste like.
The online ordering is super easy and user friendly. You place the order, tip right then, and pick up when it's ready. I got home with a big bag of food, and was pleasantly surprised by the quantity of food there was.
I tried the eggplant and the mapo tofu, and both were splendid. I especially liked how they didn't skimp on the spice for the tofu, especially since I wasn't familiar with their spice levels. The eggplant was delicious, but slightly firm for my liking. For two dishes and
The online ordering is super easy and user friendly. You place the order, tip right then, and pick up when it's ready. I got home with a big bag of food, and was pleasantly surprised by the quantity of food there was.
I tried the eggplant and the mapo tofu, and both were splendid. I especially liked how they didn't skimp on the spice for the tofu, especially since I wasn't familiar with their spice levels. The eggplant was delicious, but slightly firm for my liking. For two dishes and
