Must-Try Foods in Delco, Round 3

Around every corner in Delco, there is phenomenal food waiting to be discovered. You can’t go more than a few steps, it seems, before encountering mouthwatering bites. We’re talking pizza, burgers, salads, sushi — and don’t even get us started on the cheesesteaks. Our towns, boroughs and communities are blessed with so much culinary talent! 

Because food is so subjective, we’re not much for “Best of” lists; that said, there are definitely some specific dishes in Delco that fall into the “must-try” category. We’ve already shared a number of these in two previous blog posts (find them here and here), and are back with a third installment for your dining pleasure. Bring your appetite and your sense of adventure to these fantastic local spots, and dig into these delicious dishes:  

 

Fried Chicken Sandwiches at Crisp Chik’n

A good fried chicken sandwich is a study in simplicity. In its purest form, it should be a great bun, a supremely crunchy, beautifully golden piece of fried chicken, a handful of pickles and a generous slick of mayo. And that is exactly what you’ll find at Crisp Chick’n, an affordable, fast casual joint on Lansdowne Ave. There are plenty of other options for dressing up your chicken sando here, with toppings like hot honey, bacon and Korean BBQ sauce. But, at least once, go for the straight-up classic to experience Crisp Chick’n at its best.

27 N. Lansdowne Ave., Lansdowne; (484) 461-2165.

 

Chicken Wings at Hunts Annex

Over 400 glowing Google reviews can’t be wrong! The chicken wings at Hunts Annex are the stuff pub grub legends are made of. Somehow super-crispy and juicy at once, these wings are available with 15 sauces and dry rubs. You can try them fiery-hot with Bite Me or Sweet Heat sauce, or keep things mellow with Zesty BBQ or the popular garlic parmesan option. This local haunt also has a full bar (cold beer and hot wings, anyone?), with TVs to catch the games, as well as frequent live music and DJs.   

1311 MacDade Blvd., Woodlyn; (610) 833-2344.

 

Mushroom Soup at Terrain Garden Cafe at Styer’s

While our neighbors in Chester County may be more famous for their mushroom soup, we cannot get over how incredible the version at Terrain’s Garden Cafe is. We know for a fact it’s even been known to sway mushroom-haters! So creamy, savory and satisfying, a bowl of this mushroom soup enjoyed in the cafe’s stunning dining room is an absolute delight. Terrain’s mushroom soup is currently available on both the brunch and dinner menus and makes a great accompaniment to the veggie sides, toasts and salads also on offer. 

914 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills; (610) 459-6030.

 

Spring Rolls at Little Saigon

Inside this cozy, no-frills eatery in the heart of Upper Darby, find some truly authentic Vietnamese food. Before tucking into a bowl of brothy Pho or a dish of pan-fried noodles, kick your meal off with Little Saigon’s beloved spring rolls. Available stuffed with minced chicken, pork, beef or vegetarian-style with vegetables and rice noodles, these are impossibly crunchy, with a shatteringly crisp rice paper wrapper. They’re a total steal, too, at just under $6 for an order of 3.  

113 Fairfield Ave., Upper Darby; (610) 352-1002.

 

Pancakes at Bittersweet Kitchen

Here in Delco, we do not mess around when it comes to breakfast and brunch. If you prefer to avoid the crowds and grab weekday brunch, Bittersweet Kitchen in Media has you covered! It opens every day at 7 or 8 a.m. with a thoughtfully crafted, eclectic menu filled with morning-time favorites. High on the list of regulars are the cafe’s perfectly thick and fluffy pancakes, which come in a few varieties. There are buttermilk pancakes, topped with chocolate chips,  blueberries or pecans and bananas with a caramel drizzle; vegan pancakes with bananas or blueberries; and the indulgent crème brûlée pancakes with burnt sugar tops and topped with vanilla pastry cream (these practically have their own fan club). Each comes served with real maple syrup, of course!

18 S. Orange St., Media; (610) 566-1660.

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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 Bittersweet Kitchen