Bai Wei
About This Spot
Stepping into Bai Wei feels like entering a warmly familiar corner of Chinatown, where the buzz of the city softens into the inviting hum of a neighborhood kitchen. The space carries a comfortable, unpretentious energy — just lively enough to stir your appetite without overwhelming conversation or company. There’s a sense of quiet ritual here, as if each visit is part of a shared local story centered on rich, bold flavors and a well-curated balance of spice and comfort.
The pace unfolds gently, mirroring the unhurried pleasure of well-seasoned food and relaxed company. Friendly faces at the door and attentive servers moving with ease set the tone, making each guest feel seamlessly welcomed whether it’s a longtime regular or a curious first-time diner. The ambiance invites you to linger, to sip thoughtfully on a fragrant tea, and let the interplay of aromas build anticipation for what’s to come.
Bai Wei’s menu is a playground of distinctly Sichuan and Hunan influences, where fiery, deep flavors meet delicate dim sum textures. It’s less a barrage of options and more a curated experience celebrating bold spice — dishes arrive layered with heat and complexity that don’t just fill your plate but invite quiet discovery. Whether it’s the tender pang of braised pork, the fragrant richness of black truffle-infused dumplings, or the lively crispness of scallion pancakes, each bite feels purposeful and grounded in tradition.
For those who find joy in culinary exploration, Bai Wei offers a comfortable setting to share plates, teasing out spice levels and textures across the table. The atmosphere encourages conversation that drifts easily between meals, where memories of previous visits mingle with the warm anticipation of new favorites. Regulars cherish the little personal touches and cozy familiarity — the kind of corner spot where even a birthday can feel quietly celebrated with a simple slice of cake handed across the table.
In a neighborhood peppered with exceptional Chinese offerings, Bai Wei quietly holds its own through a mix of authentic seasoning, approachable spice, and a welcoming spirit. It doesn’t shout for attention but rather draws you back with the steady appeal of honest cooking and easy company — a local haven where every visit offers a fresh layer of culinary warmth and the steady rhythm of shared, flavorful moments.
What’s Available Here
-
Delivery
-
Takeaway
-
Dine-in
-
Fast service
-
Great tea selection
-
Serves local specialty
-
Lunch
-
Dinner
-
Solo dining
-
Wheelchair-accessible seating
-
Wheelchair-accessible car park
-
Alcohol
-
Beer
-
Comfort food
-
Healthy options
-
Late-night food
-
Quick bite
-
Small plates
-
Vegan options
-
Vegetarian options
-
Lunch
-
Dinner
-
Catering
-
Dessert
-
Seating
-
Table service
-
Toilet
-
Wi-Fi
-
Wi-Fi
-
Casual
-
Cosy
-
Trendy
-
Family friendly
-
Groups
-
Tourists
-
University students
-
Accepts reservations
-
Credit cards
-
Debit cards
-
NFC mobile payments
-
Good for kids
-
High chairs
-
Paid parking lot
-
Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM | |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM | |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
Brandon Fry 12 Jan 2026
Bai Wei is a perfectly decent spot for quality Chinese food on the edge of Chinatown, but I'm not sure it stands out above other options in the same neighborhood. Everything I had was good and I don't have any complaints, but I failed to see a reason to pick it again when options like Emei and Dim Sum Garden are right nearby. I was seated quickly and the staff were friendly. Although there is an ATM in the entryway, they do accept credit cards now! Information otherwise is out of date. The interior is simple and sparse, and there were a few bugs to deal with while I sat, but it was fine I'd say. I ordered the pork soup dumplings and then asked my waitress whether I should get the diced chicken with hot pepper, or if I should get the braised pork belly with dried beans which was listed as a "chef's special". I expected to be recommended the chef's special but was recommended the chicken on the day, which I knew I would have to judge against Emei's Chongqing spicy chicken, one of my favorite foods in the city. The soup dumplings were good, they had nice texture and were very fresh but weren't exceptional. The chicken was very enjoyable- rather than crunchy crispy fried they seemed to be almost beer battered making them light and fluffy and crispy. There was a small amount of Sichuan peppercorns that tasted very good but it certainly could have benefitted from more. I think it also could have had all the garlic, ginger, and scallion flavor integrated a bit more but I happily finished all of it. Overall, I was pleased I went. I also forgot to mention it is BYO which is a plus! If I ever go again I'm sure I'll enjoy my meal, but I may prioritize other spots first.
Jasmine Wang 28 Dec 2025
This restaurant was recommended to me by a friend. It was new to me that they charge 50cents for rice, it doesn’t come with the entrees. Their eggplant dish and Japanese tofu dish was super good!! I highly recommend to try those and portions were good sized. I got three entrees to share and one rice to share w three people and I would say I left pretty full.
Shuru Ye 26 Dec 2025
Bai Wei is my favorite spot for spicy food! The flavors are bold, authentic, and packed with heat — perfect for anyone who loves a good kick. The dishes are always fresh, well-seasoned, and full of variety. The staff are friendly and welcoming, and the restaurant has a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Every visit is a delicious adventure, and I always leave satisfied. Highly recommend for spice lovers!
Ryan 26 Dec 2025
The soup dumplings and vegetable dumplings are amazing! It was my birthday, and they gave me a complementary slice of cake! I’ve been coming here for years and always enjoy my experience.
Karley Bayer 22 Dec 2025
I'm addicted to duck, so if I'm in Philly and I'm not getting a cheesesteak, I'm definitely getting duck in Chinatown. This was the first restaurant that we stumbled across, and it had a ramp, so we went in and had some of the best Chinese food of my life. The shredded duck with steamed buns was everything I needed it to be. The pork belly dish was sweet and succulent. The Double Cooked Pork was tender, and the braised cabbage retained some crunch, which I adored. The only item I would consider "mid" was the truffle soup dumplings, but I think that was caused by user error. I couldn't fit the entire dumpling in my mouth at once, so I didn't get the whole bursting, filling the mouth with flavor. Because I cut mine it seemed fairly flavorless. This place is great. I totally recommend
D I 21 Nov 2025
Really love the food here. Probably one of the best food I had in Philiy in this trip. I ordered spicy beef noodles and sour doujiao with Chicken gizzards. The taste is very authentic and really reminded me of home. Will definitely come back again if I am ever in town.
Jason B 19 Nov 2025
Delicious food and comfortable atmosphere. My girlfriend and I loved the visit here! Great place to experience Hunan style food. Wonderful flavors, great if you like spice. For vegetarians and vegans I can recommend the dry hot pot with fries.
Rachel Barker 15 Oct 2025
A Gem in Philly's Chinatown 价格便宜,饭菜好吃 Tucked right at the corner of Chinatown, Bai Wei delivers an excellent dining experience. The space is spacious and clean, the service is friendly, and the prices are reasonable-but the real star is the food: authentic, flavorful, and downright delicious.