Enjoy Delco’s Melting Pot of Ethnic Cuisine — Round 1

One of the things that puts the “Delco” in Delaware County, PA is the wide range of ethnicities that call our favorite county home. A cornucopia of denizens means we have some of the best restaurant selections you’ll find — anywhere!

Here’s the first installment of our roundup: These are ethnic offerings that you may think of first when you hear the words “ethnic cuisine.” Check back in to the blog for our second roundup featuring some really unique finds. Eat up!

 

Greek Cuisine 

The Mad Greek

The Mad Greek’s authentic moussaka

You’ll find a lot of what makes Mediterranean food amazing (plus American street food, too) at The Mad Greek. It’s Greek food with a twist. Look for fresh pork or chicken on gyros, souvlaki and kabobs; ripe veggies, Kalamata olives and feta on salads; and our favorite: authentic moussaka. It’s tender, fried eggplant layered with potatoes and ground beef, then baked in a béchamel sauce. Dig into can’t-resist savory spinach and feta spanakopita and rice-stuffed grape leaves (dolmades!) appetizers, and honey-licious baklava for dessert. Open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. BYOB. 2805 Chichester Ave, Boothwyn, (610) 494-0400.

Irish Cuisine 

Hanrahan’s Irish Pub

Live music. Sports on TVs. A beer list that’s summed up as “domestics, imports and Guinness.” Add solid pub grub and friendly staff, and you’ve got the consummate Irish pub! Belly up to the bar and order an Irish favorite such as shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, or bangers and mash. But, may we suggest you chase your favorite brew with Irish cheese fries: steak fries generously topped with bacon, Tipperary cheese and ranch dressing. Go ahead — it’s a no-judgement zone! Open Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. 690 Burmont Rd, Drexel Hill, (484) 462-3533.

Italian Cuisine 

Trieste Italian Restaurant

This restaurant’s mantra, “cooking fresh ingredients with a lot of love,” has kept locals saying “mangia” here since 1960. You’ll taste it in the authentic cuisine, including specialty pastas like tortellini rosa, tri-color cheese tortellini served in Trieste’s signature rosa sauce. Our favorite entree is chicken Catherine, medallions layered with eggplant, spinach and Italian cheeses, sauteed in tomato sauce. A nice touch: All dinners include not only a choice of house salad but also an escarole soup option. Open Monday through Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m., Friday from 4 to 10:30 p.m., Saturday from 3 to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday from 3 to 9 p.m. 41 Chester Pike, Prospect Park, (610) 534-8191. 

Japanese and Northern Chinese Cuisine    

Margaret Kuo’s Media and Margaret Kuo’s Wayne

Margaret Kuo’s royal Peking duck

This empire and its namesake — Margaret Kuo, a James Beard Foundation Featured Chef — is synonymous with fine dining in these cuisines. Indulge in a mouth-watering array of sushi (try the Sushi Bar Omakase in Wayne), dim sum and small plates (Monday through Friday lunch and Saturday and Sunday brunch in Wayne and Media) and entrees including one of the best royal Peking duck dishes around: a fresh Long Island duck specially roasted in a custom-built roasting pit and served with homemade spring pancakes and authentic trimmings. Margaret first introduced this delicacy to Philadelphia in 1974, but no need to travel outside Delco to enjoy it now! Hours vary by location, so call ahead to check and for reservations. 6 W. State St., Media, (610) 688-7200 and 175 E. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, (610) 688-7200.

Mexican Cuisine

Fiesta Maya Mexican Grill

You can savor all the usual authentic fare here (including the kids menu!) and rest assured that it’s fresh, homemade and creative. There are plenty of tacos, burritos and quesadillas from which to choose, plus taquitos, nachos and more. What catches our eye are the meats, particularly the grilled chicken al pastor: Chicken breast and thighs are marinated to perfection in a secret spice blend with chopped pineapple and then grilled. Save room for the Mexican flan, a next-level creme brulee-like confection. Open Monday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. 1178 Baltimore Pike, Springfield, (610) 604-9599.

Middle Eastern Cuisine

Desert Rose

Curious about this type of cuisine? Pop into this casual eatery and be wowed by an eclectic mix of Moroccan, Israeli and Iraqi delights with roots in street food, plus weekly vegan and vegetarian specials. We can’t resist the award-winning Desert Rose Chicken Shawarma: spiced and slowly grilled on a spit then served with amba, tahini, pickled eggplant, harif sauce, tomato and cucumber. Open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. BYOB. 305 W State St., Media, (484) 442-8012.

French Cuisine   

At The Table

At The Table’s Deconstructed Egg

Owners/Chefs Tara and Alexander Hardy continue to receive rave reviews for their elevated take on French techniques combined with imaginative plating. You might find the Deconstructed Egg, a truffled egg mousseline, caviar and shaved black summer truffle on their seasonally inspired menu. The menu changes frequently to reflect the freshest and best-quality proteins and local produce. Stop in for something a la carte, or a prix fixe gem, such as the chef’s six-course tasting menu or the four-course Sunday supper.  Bonus: At The Table is a BYOB with no corkage fee. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m.; closed Monday. Reservations are strongly encouraged. 11 Louella Ct., Wayne, (610) 964-9700.

Thai Cuisine

Viman Thai Cuisine

Fresh ingredients, thoughtful presentation and a modern interpretation of classic Thai dishes make this friendly spot a go-to when you’re in the mood for something different. You can’t go wrong with a signature dish, such as oh-so-spicy and crispy prig king duck sautéed with homemade chili sauce and served with crispy string beans. Vegetarian? There are ample entrees, but give cashew nut a whirl: cashews, onions, scallions and bell peppers sautéed in a light brown sauce. Open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9:30 p.m. 500 MacDade Boulevard, Folsom, (484) 494-0525. 

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.

Nina Malone