Awesome Asian-Fusion Restaurants & Takeout in Delco

Spicy, sweet, savory: Asian-fusion cuisine is all about layering flavors and blending tradition with innovation. This cooking style combines ingredients, dishes, and cooking techniques from different Asian cuisines (and sometimes other cuisines, like American, French or Italian). The term can also refer to a restaurant that offers classic dishes from multiple Asian countries, which makes them a great option for both adventurous eaters and those who prefer to stick to familiar favorites. 

In Delco, we’ve got Asian-fusion cuisine aplenty, ranging from tiny takeout joints to fabulous fine dining restaurants, offering everything from tempura to Pad Thai, sashimi to saketinis, ramen to crab rangoons. If you need a break from cooking, or you’re in the mood to try something new and exciting, check out one of these awesome Asian-fusion spots in Delco:  

 

Thai Fusion Kitchen

This takeout-only counter on a humble corner in Folsom is practically the definition of “hidden gem.” There are so many delicious dishes that outshine the no-frills environment; locals love the Pad See Ew, Panang Curry, crab fried rice, and of course, Pad Thai. But there’s more—a lot more—to try! On the appetizers list, find the usual spring rolls and wontons, as well as unique offerings, like Winter Shrimp (shrimp and ginger wrapped in rice paper and fried) and super-savory Thai sausages. The Chef’s Special section of the menu leans into the “fusion” part of the restaurant’s name, with dishes like sweet and sour chicken, orange chicken and crispy duck with ginger and plum sauces.

1600 MacDade Boulevard, Folsom; (484) 494-6376.

 

Qing Mu

You might not know from looking at this rather unassuming storefront on West Chester Pike, but it’s serving up top-notch sushi and other Japanese classics, like chicken teriyaki, hibachi steak, agedashi tofu and shrimp tempura. The menu goes beyond sushi to include familiar Chinese takeout dishes, like General Tso’s chicken (locals say it’s some of the best in the area) and broccoli with beef. Sushi lovers, however, will do well to stick to the raw side of the menu; there are dozens of kinds of maki rolls, sushi and sashimi to choose from. Keep it simple with hamachi or crab stick rolls, or explore the Chef’s Selection section for creative combos, like the Snow White roll (spicy tuna and mango topped with seared white tuna and wasabi mayo) or the Fantasy Roll (fresh tuna, salmon, yellowtail, cucumber, avocado, scallion and tobiko in a soybean wrap). The interior is tiny, with just a few tables, so takeout is your best bet here.

1009 West Chester Pike, Havertown; (610) 536-6588.

 

The Blue Elephant 

Celebrate your next life milestone in absolute style at The Blue Elephant, a fine dining Asian-fusion restaurant in lovely Wayne. From the stunning, light-filled interiors to the vintage-inspired light fixtures to the work-of-art plates, every detail of this chic spot is fine-tuned. The Asian-inspired flavors make their way into the cocktail list (try the Miso Old Fashioned or the Saketini), and across the brunch, lunch and dinner menus. The flavors are a true fusion, with nods to different countries’ cuisines creatively woven into unique dishes. Examples include the wasabi caesar salad, the tuna bruschetta, wok-fried drunken noodles and green curry lobster pasta. There is an extensive sushi menu, as well. Insider’s tip: stop in for happy hour (Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. at the bar) for budget-friendly bites and sips. 

110 North Wayne Ave., Wayne; (484) 580-6142.

 

Teikoku 

You may know Teikoku as a sushi-lover’s paradise, but if you delve into the menu beyond the exquisite hand rolls and sashimi, you’ll find culinary delights from Thai cuisine, too. Shrimp Pad Thai, green curry fried rice, Thai Basil lamb chops and Panang beef are just a few of the dishes that might encourage your palate exploration. Don’t miss the unique snacks and “Asian tapas,” like lobster tempura fondue and spring rolls with marinated chicken and pineapple salsa. To sample a little of everything Teikoku has to offer, check out its Sunday brunch, a prix fixe buffet piled with dumplings, sushi, noodle dishes, selections from the grill (think: filet mignon tails) and so much more.

5492 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square; (610) 644-8270.

 

Panda Asian Fusion

Craving sushi? Chinese-American food? Spicy Thai curry? Salmon poke bowl? Panda Asian Fusion has all of that, and more, on its epic menu. There are dozens upon dozens of dishes to choose from; start with appetizers like steamed dumplings, seaweed salad and edamame before making the nearly impossible decision of what to order as an entree. You can stick with Chinese crowd-pleasers like lo mein, home style tofu and shrimp with garlic sauce, or venture into the Japanese and Thai sections of the menu. Bargain hunters will be psyched to discover the lunch special (offered Monday through Saturday from 11:15 a.m. all the way until 3 p.m.), with hibachi, Chinese, sushi and bento box specials, many coming in under $12.

2117-19 MacDade Boulevard, Holmes; (610) 583-8888.

 

Noodle Eighty Eight

One of our favorite places in Delco to bring the kids to expand their horizons, Noodle Eighty Eight strikes the perfect balance of casual and gourmet. The menu indeed features plenty of noodle dishes, like Dan Dan noodles, kimchi noodles and sesame cold noodles; there are also numerous other things to try spanning Chinese-American, Sichuan and Thai foodways. One highlight here is the selection of vegetarian dishes: simple, but elevated, preparations of vegetables, like broiled eggplant with scallion and ginger, steamed broccoli with truffle oil and garlic, and sauteed king mushrooms with lotus root and tender greens. 

1168 Baltimore Pike, Springfield; (484) 472-8777.

 

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Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA, and we’ve got you covered from Philly to the Brandywine. Find us at 1501 N. Providence Rd., Media, PA, 19063; (610) 565-3679 or online.

— Emily Kovach 

 

Featured photo courtesy of The Blue Elephant