No New Friends? Don't Forget About Wa Gi Wah Fried Chicken and Philadelphia Chutney Co Dosas
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We have so many new hot restaurants popping up in Philly, its almost not even exciting anymore. Almost. I do love trying new places, but we gotta make new friend while keeping the old as they say. Speaking of friends, today's post is a refresher on two Philly standbys that have both been around since 2010 and that serve food from countries who don't really get along...
Wa-Gi- Wah in West Philly serves Pakistani food . It isn't the most welcoming restaurant. They don't even allow any alcohol in! Which is a shame because their best dish, lahori charga, is just begging for a beer pairing. This is the main item worth ordering here- deep fried whole chicken marinated in yogurt and a ton of spices. It's also skinless, but you don't miss the skin since the chicken meat gets super crispy.
Wa-Gi-Wah, 4447 Chestnut St, 215 921-5597
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Over in Center City, Philadelphia Chutney Company has a more lenient BYO policy, and Corner Foodery is only a block away. Chutney Co serves Southern Indian food, and though you will find your typical curries, the most exciting items are the South Indian specialties: chaat, kathi rolls, and dosas. Definitely order the pani puri. This is one type of chaat (crunch snack); in this case, crispy, hollowed balls filled with a tangy liquid and potatoes that you'll want to pop in your mouth one by one. Similarly fun to eat are the dosas, you can even create your own; I did a potato- paneer- spinach combo.
While Pakistan and India probably won't be friends any time soon, I will peacefully remind myself I can enjoy the food from both countries here in Philly.
Philadelphia Chutney Company, 1628 Sansom St., 215-564-6446