Pataya Grill-West Philly

One of the advantages of living on campus is the abundance of varied cuisines one has access to. Pataya Grill is conveniently located and priced too.

While the Pad Thai is a safe order, as with most Thai restaurants, my favorite is the Thai speciality sea food dish called Three Buddies. It is slightly on the spicier side but heavenly. The cashewnuts give a special taste to the dish.

Vietnam-West Philly

Located right by the Ethiopian restaurant in West Philly is the new kid on the block-Cafe Vietnam- owned by the people who run the friendly neighbourhood store, Fu Wah. The family runs a similar restaurant in China Town, but this is the one that is closest to the heart. They just moved to their newer bigger location and it was running at close to full capacity on Friday evening.

My first meal was going to be my initiation into Vietnamese food and so I decided to seek help from the server. He did not even blink an eye while recommending Pork Chops aka #48 on the menu. It comes with a generous helping of greens which are to be dipped or soaked with the orange sauce that comes with. Mind blowing!

Among other things, the Shrimp Basil is nice, so is the Shrimp Claypot, albeit slight spicy.

The hot coffee with the condensed milk added already is a good way to end the meal. FYI, all of the the server's recommendations have been winners but when ever we go there, he has #48 on the order down even before he seats us!