4. Restaurants

Han Dynasty

3711 Market St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
  • (215) 222-3711
  • Store is closed

Han Dynasty Menu

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  • Ramen F.

    Han Dynasty has come mighty far! From my first sight into the restaurant, I started counting the differences between this location and the Old City location. The one familiarity, the deep savory smell of delicious Sichuan food a-cooking! The ambiance is meant for University City - slick, young, and fast. Modern Asian with generic attempts at urban edginess. Props to Han for the fire pit out in the seating area in front of the restaurant. The service was friendly but not the same type of server at the Old City location. The waitstaff at this location proved to be a bit more green by forgetting two of our requests. While they were upbeat and meant well, I was sorely disappointed by their lack of knowledge about the cuisine. When asked why the dish was called "dry pot" style, the waiter responded "I really don't know, my best guess is because it has dry peppers and is made in a pot." Even if that is the right answer, customers shouldn't receive a best guess. Thus my docking the restaurant a point. Even though Han has never been known for his bedside manner, he has always prioritized the food and his waitstaff should do the same. The food is scrumptious and consistent with the other locations. My recommendations are unfortunately generic - beef and tripe in chili oil and the dan dan noodles. Stick with the authentic dishes and you can't go wrong. I will say that I am not a fan of the americanized Chinese dishes, finding them too sweet. As a whole, the food is a bit small portioned for its price. Random thought - While the ornate metal tea pots are beautiful, I don't know that it is enough to compensate for how difficult they are to maneuver.

    (4)

  • Yuna P.

    I dined at Han Dynasty without knowing what kind of food it served and how it was so well received by the Yelp community. Without knowing much about the restaurant, I was practically dragged here against my will. I'm sure you can only imagine my surprise and delight once I found out this was not an Americanized-Chinese take-out restaurant. I mean, one assumes the worst when it's near college campus, right? My friends did the ordering. I didn't know it at the time, but they ordered the dishes that every Yelper raves about. Among the dishes we ordered, I absolutely loved the Spicy Crispy Cucumber! I could not stop eating them. When our waiter brought it over, they didn't particularly look special, but boy, was I wrong. The sweet and spicy sauce was so addictive - I poured some over the rice and ate it together too (so good!) While the food was amazing, the service was not as impressive. Everything was very rushed. The moment we were seated, our waiter walked over and asked about our drink order. Obviously, we had to ask him to come back in a couple of minutes because none of us had a chance to look at their drink menu. Similar things happened when we were done with certain dishes/plates. Our waiter was really keen on taking the finished dishes away from our table.. except they weren't completely done. Like when he took my cucumber dish away - yes, I did eat all the cucumbers, but I still needed the sauce! The least he could have done was ask! He didn't even ask beforehand whether he can take it away. So yeah, I died a little inside as I saw my beloved cucumber dish being taken away.. :( but I'll be back for more!

    (4)

  • Lan H.

    I cannot forget my very first experience at Han Dynasty in Exton, but my first experience at Han Dynasty in University City validates my love of this dynasty of restaurants :-) Scallion pancakes: what? This was just a starter, of course, but was very appetizing because they stayed crispy throughout the meal. Mapo Tofu w/Minced Pork: I am a huge fan of tofu, and it usually doesn't matter what cooking style it is, as long as it's tasty and makes me want to have more during the meal and afterwards as leftovers. This dish did just that! Dry pepper style chicken: I believe that I had this dish at another Sichuan restaurant in Chinatown...and I actually didn't sense any difference in either one, which meant that they were equally yummy :P There was another chicken dish that we had in which the chicken was stir-fried with bell peppers (and probably other ingredients that I have totally forgotten since then). How can you resist bell peppers stir-fried to perfection with MEAT or SHRIMP, really? I would suggest having a non-spicy dish in the mix of dishes that you have if you are like me and prefer the balance of spicyness. I can go crazy, but only if I have something non-spicy besides water and rice to distinguish the flames in my mouth. I will admit that Han Dynasty has desensitized me ;-) So beware -- you may become a spicy food junkie after only a couple of experiences at a Han Dynasty!

    (5)

  • Krystal H.

    We had a party of 3 and we all ordered a few different things and passed them around. Dan Dan noodles were the table favorite. The dish one of my friends got was so salty it was not edible. We told the waiter who basically just shrugged. The string beans were good but also much too salty and I've made better spring rolls at home. Over priced and not nearly as good as I was hoping. I don't think I'll be heading back anytime soon.

    (2)

  • Teresa S.

    It was great. We especially loved the scallion pancake appetizer. Our server was awesome. The only reason we give it 4 stars, is that we ordered the garlic sauce meal with tofu because my husband is trying to be vegetarian. I am not a fan of tofu, so it probably wasn't their fault I wasn't a 100% fan

    (4)

  • Elizabeth D.

    I am so glad I finally got to experience Han Dynasty before I moved. It was completely worth the wait. We enjoyed a really great lunch here, with leftovers for dinner. Excellent beer selection (usual for Philly). Started with the dan dan noodles and the dumplings in chili oil. I could totally eat those noodles every day for a month. Tons of flavor and spice. The dumplings were perfectly cooked and the chili oil adds a nice kick. My husband had the dry pepper style with shrimp and said it was even better as leftovers. I had the scallion style because I was nervous about the spice level. Good, but wish I went with a dish with more kick! Prices, service, selection is top notch - will miss this not living in Philly!

    (5)

  • Ellis M.

    This is some of the best Chinese food I've ever had. We went on a not too busy Saturday night for a dinner outside. The service was very friendly and prompt. They have a full bar, so we ordered drinks. Here is what we ordered: For appetizer, mung beans with black bean sauce - very different, spicy, interesting, and probably the best thing we had I got hot sauce style tofu - spicy, garlic-y and yummy. With perfectly cooked tofu and celery and cabbage. Had plenty of leftovers. My boyfriend got dry pot style with pork and really enjoyed it. He says it was "edible spicy... like the good part of fried chicken..." Prices are reasonable, but more than you'd usually spend on Chinese. One of the best meals I've eaten in Philly.

    (5)

  • David C.

    I loved the place. Service was great, which is especially important here because the food is served in larger, "family but not quite family size" portions, and the food is incredibly spicy. Our waiter was great. This food is seriously spicy. I thought I liked spicy food, so I ordered an entree with a spice rating of 6. The next morning, my butthole was on fire. Great value. Dinner for two, with one drink, one appetizer, and two entrees was $50 with food leftover.

    (5)

  • Ted K.

    Outrageously good. Trendy atmosphere. The cocktails were very good albeit a little skimpy volume-wise. All the noodle dishes were outstanding, especially the Dan Dan noodles. Also highly recommend the beef dry pot style (while it is rated as a 10 and is quite spicy, it is not as numbingly hot as some other Szechuan restaurants I've been too. The spicy cucumbers and Ma Po Tofu were also excellent Highly recommended

    (5)

  • Andrew K.

    Excellent spicy Szechuan food. I have enjoyed everything I've had here. Service can be a little slow for lunchtime, but the food makes up for it. If you don't want MSG in your food (I don't), make sure to ask for no-MSG. I consider MSG to be cheating and I expected better from them. I honestly think the food tastes just as good without it.

    (4)

  • Ruben R.

    The food was excellent. I have rarely been challenged by Philadelphia 's so-called spicy dishes, but their 'dry pot' wok packed a punch much to my pleasure. Their bartender, however, was very miserly in her pour. If you hate 3 oz pours in $11 specialty cocktails as much as I do, order a damn beer!

    (3)

  • Aran B.

    Too bad I couldn't take more than a bite of my food because a 5 was beyond spicy. Wouldn't you think 5/10 to be middle of the road? Apparently not. I can handle some spice and my wife's 3 was not even a bit spicy to me. Edit: a friend who's been to Han Dynasty a few times tried my leftovers and put its spiciness closer to a 7 or 8.

    (3)

  • Rachel H.

    I go regularly just for the bok choy and black mushrooms dish. Wonderful ambiance with great servers. Never had a bad meal at any of their locations. And it is true. You must order the dan dan noodles.

    (5)

  • Sherry W.

    This place makes me sick. I mean really makes me sick. I tried the food 4 times, and each time it leaves me with- pardon- digestive distress the next day. I'm used to very hot food with no adverse effects. I assume it is the oil in everything and not the heat. I realize this is just me and not an indication of the food quality, but I would not try this place for the first time if you have things to do the next day. Which comes to my second gripe, while I know chilli oil is the hallmark of Sczechuan, other flavors are nice too. Everything tasted the same- The Dan Dan noodles, the dumplings, the hot pot. The cumin dish only had a bit of the damn oil in it, but it was there! If really seemed if you had one dish you had them all. Also, we ordered the rabbit was just chunked up whole on the bones. I love when I order meat and I get every tiny rib bone chopped up with it so I have to pick them out, don't you? It may be authentic, but a description that it was a scorching hot-pot and a pick as you go dish would be fair. The service is kind of sub-par. The servers are in a rush and I've had a hostess forget about us. All in all, I can't believe this is the same restaurant all my friends rave about.

    (1)

  • Payal P.

    wow this place is huge with tons of open windows and it has a nice bar that was busy when we went. also there is outside seating which i imagine will be amazing in the spring and fall but in the heat waves we have had lately, i am not into any further sweat then the meal already provides. shared the "usual" order - dan dan noodles, spicy crispy cucumbers and the dry pepper chicken...normally we add a fish hot pot but we were a person short and decided against it. delicious as always! parking was fairly easy on the side street and the staff was very nice. i look forward to going back!

    (5)

  • Alicia J.

    Han Dynasty. We love the one in proper Philladelphia so much, our excitement was unbounded upon hearing that one opened in West Philly. In short: The food is just as good at the new location. Immediate five stars. A bit longer: We ordered the Dan Dan Noodle, the Dry Pot Shrimp, and the Double Cooked Pork Belly. Dan Dan Noodle, is a delicious, spicy, noodley confection which has thousands of recipes online. Still, the ones at Han Dynasty (old and new) are the best, and we order them every time. The dry pot shrimp, flavored with hot peppers and ginger enough to make your tongue numb, was cooked properly and left me drinking the sauce at the end. The star of this trip was the double-cooked pork belly. I'm a sucker for pork belly, but the way this is prepared in thin slices with the slightly dry texture, although not crispy, is to die for. Service was really good too -- our waters were refilled often. We will definitely come back to the new location rather than trekking across Philly in the future.

    (5)

  • Teddy P.

    Outside of actual China, you won't be able to find Chinese food this good. Don't miss the dan dan noodles or the spicy crispy cucumber. Han isn't afraid of spice, but the spice ratings are geared toward an American palate, so if you're a spice lover, don't be afraid to get things rated 10. There's nothing on the menu that is unreasonably spicy or is hot for the sake if heat--the spicy dishes are well-balanced and flavorful.

    (5)

  • Sining Z.

    Recommends: Dan Dan Noodles, Cold Sesame Noodles, Hot and Spicy Fish Ordered: Cold Sesame Noodles, Hot and Spicy Fish, Homestyle Tofu Spent: ~$50 for all three dishes I have been to Han Dynasty multiple times and being half Szechuan-nese I have to say that the Szechuan food here is pretty legit. Their Cold Sesame Noodles taste like the ones my grandmother use to make and is a great option for those who can't eat too spicy. I've never really had fish in the Hot and Spicy Pot style but recently it's been my favorite choice of meat to have. It's boneless and is super tender after being boiled. I don't recall all the dishes that I've tried but have always had a great food experience at this restaurant! The only downside is that it is kind of pricey for what you get. The fish was around $19 and we didn't really receive that much meat. The atmosphere at this new location is great and beats the older, smaller space down in Old City. If you're up for the trek down to Chinatown, you can get the same great flavor at E Mei for a lower price.

    (5)

  • Yeqiao Z.

    Living in university city, Han dynasty is the most common places my friends and I visit when we couldn't think of anywhere else to eat. As a Chinese I think the food here is mostly very close to our traditional taste. Most waiters/waitresses here are very nice. I like the environment a lot. It's a little pricey, though.

    (4)

  • Nicklaus A.

    yep, the Dan Dan. everything else i've had was hella good too, except for the sort of pickledy tofu item (you'll see it i think, if you're looking). additionally, Han is a cool, real person. we hung out for a while on a rare slow night over there, and i had an awesome time and i think he and my friend did too. i intend to go back over there again soon, not just for the nosh but for the spirit of the joint too. namaste. -nda

    (5)

  • Abie G.

    Amazing food! I was extremely surprised, but I enjoyed every bite!!

    (5)

  • Patrick H.

    Great! Try the Dan Dan Noodles!

    (5)

  • Brian D.

    (10) pickled vegetable w/ flounder soup + dan dan noodles + double cooked fish = one of the better meals you're likely to eat on this big blue marble called earth. congrats, han! you're one of the myriad reasons i miss home so much whenever i travel outside of philly. keep shredding.

    (5)

  • Tony W.

    I waited a long time to finally try this place and I have to say I was let down a bit. I tried the mandatory Dan Dan noodles. They were very flavorful and not too spicy. Nothing mind blowing here just a really good lo mein or spicy pasta dish with virtually no protein more or less. Also had the scallion pancakes. I was just in Chinatown recently at a place I also reviewed (first person from Yelp to do so) and they were way better there. ( I highly recommend you try that place) These were more like quesadillas laying flat where as the other ones jumped off the plate and were so much more crispy and substantial. The last appetizer I had was the Wontons in Chilli oil. These were just not good to me at all and one bite was all I needed. Basically it is steamed Wontons in a bowl with the soup being the chilli oil. Just heavy heavy choking heat with very little substance or taste. Take those same homemade wontons and pan fry them with some chilli peppers and a nice light sauce and you have could a real winner but I digress. Finally we tried the Talapia Medallions . These were fried to perfection but there were some greens mixed in that I could not chew through and had to discard via the old napkin trick which to me is a bit of a deal/star breaker. The service was very good and the atmosphere very nice but I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here again. All I could think about was how much more I prefer Cantonese style where its all about flavors and you can add heat as you like it. I'm sure I could find better authentic Szechuan cuisine that better suits my taste just not here. It feels very commercialized and Americanized. I prefer the hole in the wall places where I am the only caucasian in the place a heck of a lot more.

    (3)

  • C K.

    I personally wanna give it a 1 star, but I wanna reserve judgement because the people who liked spicy food (I don't) said they really loved their food. For people that don't like spicy, they have a handful of dishes like fried rice and the bok choy with black mushrooms (which I got). The bok choy was steamed with the saltiest mushrooms I've ever tasted. As in not really edible salty. My fiancee loves salty food and he tried a mushroom and said it was even too salty for him! So, if you don't eat spicy food, I don't really recommend this place for you. That being said, the people who got spicy food said their dishes were very tasty - they got the rabbit (said really good but lots of bones), the fish (which was really fresh and cooked very well), the tofu in spicy sauce (which we took down to a spice level 1 so I could have a few pieces and got some extra spicy sauce on the side so my fiancee could have it spicy like he wanted) which was really good, and the dry fried pork (she said it was good). All in all, a good dinner with good service but I'd only recommend people who like spicy food to go there.

    (3)

  • Shannon L.

    The new Han Dynasty took over the spot where the old Mid-Atlantic restaurant (with the unchanging menu) was. I like the Han Dynasty here a lot more than the one in Olde City even if I give both 4*. Maybe I'm biased, because I love the service here. They've always been very nice, and came over to check in with me and just make some small conversation when they heard I had a peanut allergy (even though they had no peanuts in any of the dishes I ordered; I think it was Han's sister?). I've been to this Han Dynasty more times in a month than the number of times I've been to the other. Note though, that the different branches have different specialties. I heard the dan dan mian in Olde City is the best, but the one in UC isn't so good (I wouldn't know since it has peanuts). Overall, I think it;s okay food wise, still not spicy enough as with the other branch. But I like the layout and atmosphere a lot more. Next, if you go during lunch, you can ask for lunch portions, that are smaller than the dinner portions, and half the menu price! So it's a great lunch place too, alone, or in a group of 2 or 3.

    (4)

  • Adam P.

    Han Dynasty is now closer to Penn and Drexel! This location has a somewhat simplified version of the menu seen at the Old City location. Excellent nonetheless. I heard a rumor that Han's mom is Taiwanese and his dad is Sichuanese. It shows up on the menu, with Taiwanese dishes such as Three Cup Chicken () and Sichuan dishes such as Dan Dan Noodles (). We had the dan dan noodles, waterboiled chicken, pea leaves, and tofu with pickled vegetables. Delicious! Spicy, but not too salty. The restaurant itself is rather attractive and has a nice selection of beers. The place used to be an American seafood restaurant, and I do not think they have changed much. Nonetheless, the old place was only there two or three years and had done a complete renovation, so the place is very nice.

    (5)

  • Amy G.

    The food is really good. Service can be a little lacking some time because there are so many people to serve.

    (4)

  • Sean S.

    it is a good place to have very spicy food. some dishes are too hot!

    (3)

  • Victor K.

    I ordered the Dan Dan Noodles and Scallion Pancakes for takeout. Both were put together well and were very yummy. The noodles were definitely very spicy!

    (4)

  • Frank L C.

    Have been many times for lunch, and I'm always happy. The latest visit, however, was for a banquet at the end of a conference (on Koreans in China), and the crowd I was with had an absolutely fabulous time. The staff covered the lazy Susan on our table for 12 with dishes; we ate until stuffed--and then the waiter took off what was left (and packed it up for take-home) and announced that we had finished the APPETIZERS and they would shortly bring the main dishes! So they covered the lazy Susan again, and we ate until stuffed again, and we all divided up leftovers to take home. It was a stupendous evening. Everything was delicious, but particularly memorable dishes included lobster stuffed with crab, tripe, lamb with black bean sauce, pork belly hot pot, dan dan noodles, cold noodles and more.

    (5)

  • Edna E.

    We came for the dan dan noodles, but keep returning for everything else. This is great Szechuan cooking with an American twist, with constantly changing specials that knock your socks off with flavor and definitely heat. I appreciate the hot pepper number system on the menu so I can steer clear of the nuclear options. The chef will also be willing to tone it down at your request. No matter what the special, we always order the cucumbers in chili oil and the dumplings in chili oil (which are actually pretty different). It's a great value for the size of the dishes and the quality of your meal - you may have to pay for it with a burning mouth as they don't serve milk or anything else to cool you down.

    (5)

  • Hardik K.

    Love this place. I first tried the place when it opened up in old city and was mind boggled. They take the Taiwanese flavor and make it hip and easy for anyone to enjoy. This market street location is by far their most fancy location of them all. You cant go wrong at any of their locations. I would highly recommend their dan dan noodles! Thoroughly deserves to be named as one of the top 50 restaurants in the United States.

    (5)

  • Katie L.

    Given all the hype about it's Old City location, we weren't sure what to expect with Han Dynasty in University City. The $25 Dining Days special menu brought us in because they were generous in indicating their gluten-free options. (Their regular menu did not feature such transparency, although I imagine that they could make an alternative menu or allergy list available.) We ended up with one suite of dishes from the Dining Days menu (appetizer, noodles, entree) and one other entree and this was MORE than enough for two people for dinner & lunch the next day. A highlight was the spicy crispy cucumbers. I wanted to drink the sauce up with a straw, but I settled for the serving spoon. Our cumin-style entees (chicken and beef) were visually appealing as well as on the taste buds. Indoor ambiance seemed nice, and the outdoor seating was fine (although somewhat overly-urban) on a breezy evening.

    (4)

  • Lauren C.

    This Han Dynasty location features the same mouth-and-sinus-watering flavors as the Old City location, but boasts better (friendlier, more competent) service. I'm not going to insult you by telling you to order the Dan Dan noodles. You already know that. But man cannot live on spicy carbs alone, amirite? Back end your meal with the double-cooked fish. It's crispy, savory, and moist -- a must-order.

    (4)

  • Andrea M.

    I decided to come here for a birthday dinner with friends. We were a party of 12. Even though we had a large group the service was amazing. Our server made sure to accommodate any allergies and as many food preferences as he could. The food was amaze balls!! We went with the $25 per person tasting menu. We had so many wonderful dishes. I think my favorite however were the cold sesame noodles and the beef. The noodles were so great with the best tasting sauce and the right amount of seasoning ohh I want some now while writing this review. With the tasting menu you get to try a little bit of everything. The more you are willing to pay the more exotic the foods get. You can expect to see seafood and chef specials. The only downfall is that you can only use two credit cards per a table so make sure everyone brings cash if in a large group. Also take into account taxes and the added gratuity. Each person paid about $34 for their meal which is kind of pricey but for good quality food it is worth it!!

    (5)

  • Anna L.

    This place is amazing. I could eat the vegetarian dan dan noodles every day. Everyone that I recommend this place to has a stellar experience as well. The staff is great and I always feel welcomed back every time. Tim, one of the waiters, is super helpful in navigating the menu and finding new things to try. He also introduced me to the outstanding cocktail list. The Jade was my favourite, but I'm sure the others are great too! The take out/delivery is superb and very quick. I honestly only have nice things to say about this place. Try it out!

    (5)

  • A E.

    I keep coming back here, and it keeps being impeccable. I'll admit, I was a skeptic, mostly because of that fact that Han Dynasty has become a chain throughout Philly, and deserved or not, operations which open up multiple locations can have a reputation for slacking on standards. If they have at Han Dynasty's University City locations, I think my mind might explode. The interior is really pleasant, and has a very hip vibe. It's a great place to drop in for lunch, and I've never had to wait long for a table. I would go on about the menu, but I've yet to see anything which I would tell people to avoid. You'll notice at the table that there isn't any sauces or salt and pepper, and that's because everything I've gotten has been properly seasoned before it has arrived. The place is great for groups, as the dishes have been designed for sharing. Do it, do it, do it!

    (5)

  • Emily R.

    My absolute favorite Chinese food in the city. Kung Pao anything is good. The Cucumbers are essential, and the dumplings in chili oil are some of the best I have ever had.

    (5)

  • R Y.

    I've both gone to this restaurant and ordered take-out. This is relatively authentic Chinese food, especially in the Philadelphia area. Their dry pots are very yummy and you get to tell them a spiciness rating of 1-10 (they recommend a default on the menu). Service is very quick and there is outdoor seating. In the chillier winter months, there is even a mini charcoal furnace outside to keep you warm!

    (4)

  • Abhishek Y.

    Summary: Good (spicy) food, decent ambiance, mixed service I've been to the original Han Dynasty in Old City, and needed to try out the UC location soon after the opening. After all, living less than three blocks away, I was ready for this to become my new staple oriental joint in UC. But the question of the hour was whether or not this location could live up to the reputation of the OC location. Food-wise? It comes pretty darned close. Spicy cucumber, dan dan noodles, and the chicken in chili oil opened the night. I can't speak to the chicken, but the cucumber and dan dan noodles (a specialty here, in case you didn't know) were both fantastic. The entrees were good as well, and having gotten the tofu in the garlic sauce style, I can say that I was reluctant to share with the other rabbit at our table (vegetarian, if you will). Garlic sauce style is described as "Sweet, sour, and spicy. Stir fried with ginger, garlic, bamboo, wood ear mushrooms, and bell peppers." It just sounds awesome right there. Our group was heading out for some other stops, so we didn't get a chance to try the desserts, but I'm sure that they would have been good too. Those in our group that did imbibe in drinks did mention that they were fantastic, and that the bartender was really being liberal w/ the alcohol (yet, making them taste great!). Ambiance? This place is certainly more open, airy, and modern than the Old City location. Is it better? I don't know... the OC location will always have a special place in my heart. But I suppose that this location (located where Mid-Atlantic used to be, by the way) was made to be more trendy and in-sync with the University crowds from Drexel and UPenn. Speaking of which, it was mainly students that packed the place, meaning it was quite loud (almost excessively). Now... Service. This was a mixed bag. We had a group of 5 and had a reservation, but still had to wait almost 20-25 minutes after our reservation time. Ehh... okay (- 1 star). Once we were seated, we didn't so much see the semblance of a menu (at our table) until I flagged down the busboy who was meandering by, almost 15 minutes after we were seated. Umm... not so good (- 1 star). Even once we ordered (oddly enough, through the bartender) and got our food, nobody was coming around to refill the water and/or take further drink orders for 20 minute intervals at a time. Not good (- 1 star). Even once we got done with our entire meal, it took another 15 minutes to get the check. The only saving grace of the service was the bartender, who was trying to coordinate everything, for which I'll give back a star (+ 1 star). Overall, it's pretty close food-wise to the original, has a nice and convenient location, but due to the ambiance and lackluster service, I'd recommend ordering for take-out or delivery (I think they've started delivering to a 3 mile radius recently).

    (3)

  • Dan C.

    This is one of the best Chinese food experiences I've ever had. The service was very attentive, the food was served hot and fresh immediately after it was ready, and the menu was unique compared to your standard Chinese fare. I will absolutely go back again the next time I'm in Philly.

    (5)

  • Kate R.

    Awesome! Had the crispy spicy cucumber, dan dan noodles, pork belly entree and wontons app. Spicy, but not unbearably so. Also did the check-in through yelp and got the cucumber app for free, good tip!

    (5)

  • Kimmie O.

    My friend and I were going to the Rave for a movie, so we stopped at Han Dynasty for dinner. It's our first there, so we didn't know what to expect besides knowing it's a szechuan restaurant. Our server Ken was extremely friendly and helpful. Since both of us are not into tough-swallowing spicy food, we picked out something we thought we might like. pickled fish soup (sth like that) - it's alright, had better elsewhere. Chicken with pepper oil - it was good! Ken put the oil on the side, so we had the option of how much we want. Soft shell crab - GREAT DISH if you are into seafood. crispy and fresh. I had it at 4, so it was not spicy. Next time I'll try a 6 if I go. We got there around 5:30, and it was not crowded at all. We left around 7, and there are people waiting in lines and outside for seats. so, go early!

    (4)

  • Dana B.

    My boyfriend and I mostly cook at home, but we've found ourselves at Han Dynasty in West Philly on average once weekly. The staff there is incredible and go out of their way to accomodate, from the manager to the hostess to the wait staff. I eat gluten free, and every waiter I've had has been knowledgable about gluten free options or accomodations on the menu. My boyfriend is always looking for good suggestions and pairings, and the waiters have also been great about recommending dishes and drinks together. The food has always come out quickly and been exceptionally delicious. We've brought several friends there, ad they've had similar positive experiences. I would definitely recommend Han Dynasty for quality Szechuan food!

    (5)

  • Justin S.

    I really enjoy the authenticity. The flavors are very unique, hard to find at other places. I am a big fan of spicy food, so I could eat everything. However, I still think that there are lots of options for people with more restrictive diets.

    (4)

  • David K.

    love the mala spice!!

    (5)

  • Lona W.

    I came here for dinner with one of my girlfriends and we shared our dishes since they were such great portions! We had the fried dumplings, chicken scallion style, and shrimp fried rice. They were all delicious. We had plenty leftover and our waitor was so nice that he even boxed them half and half so that both of us could take home half of the leftovers. Definitely going back.

    (5)

  • R C.

    This place is great. Ive gone many times and it never fails to disappoint me! The dan dan noodles, spicy cucumbers, cumin style lamb, and dry flash style shrimp are my favorite!

    (5)

  • Ashesh T.

    Awesome, just like the Old City location but more convenient and a better beer list.

    (5)

  • Daniel H.

    Great food and atmosphere. Some dishes are better than others however - still it seems pretty authentic. On second visit everything was outstanding.

    (5)

  • Crystal L.

    Hands down, this place has the best Chinese I've had in the Philly area! The food is spicy, but you know what you're getting based on the star levels. The kitchen forgot to make our fried rice during my last visit so it came out about 15 mins after the other dishes. The food was so tasty and fresh that we were still happy!

    (4)

  • Michael C.

    The service was great and the food was delicious. Cumin lamb and spicy cucumber were standouts, but everything was just right.

    (5)

  • G C.

    Horrendous experience. This place offers a delivery for $4 and after 2+ hours, I still never received my food. Abominable communication between driver and the restaurant, and between Han Dynasty and customers. The woman at the restaurant tried to make it seem like it wasn't their fault that delivery wasn't on time. When I wanted to cancel the order, they even tried to give me a difficult time. Didn't even apologize. Obviously do not value customer service.

    (1)

  • Ann R.

    I love this place! At first, I was a little worried because I'm not a fan of spicy food and I was told that Sichuan cuisine differs a little from the Chinese cuisine most people might be accustomed to but I loved it. We had a waiter who was Chinese who gave us a lot of good information and was able to alter some dishes for us so for those who do not like their dishes too spicy or can't handle a lot of heat, do not worry, because it seems as though they can alter the spiciness to most of their dishes. We were told which dishes that they were known for and which dishes are "traditional" so we tried the Dan Dan Noodles with less spice and it was delicious! We were also recommended the Double Cooked Pork Belly, which is something I don't usually like because it's kind of fatty, but it turned out to be great as well. They also have a cool little happy hour with some cheaper drinks so it's cool to get there a little before dinner, like we did and enjoy some cheaper drinks before dinner. I wish they had some light beer available since I'm a girl and I'd like to have some lower calorie/lighter options for beer, but it's okay since they have a good wine selection too so I just chose to go with wine. The food is relatively affordable, it's not Chinatown cheap, but it's not expensive either. Overall, it was a very delicious meal in a fun, comfortable environment. Will definitely go back.

    (5)

  • Stephanie Y.

    Han Dynasty is a great addition to University City and West Philly! The food is so good and spicy! This location is better than Old City because you can always get a table, even if you walk in. I have been with large groups (10+ people) and also with small groups, and I have always received great customer service. My favorite dishes are the Dan Dan Noodle, Cumin Style Lamb, Home Style Tofu, and the String Beans w/ Minced Pork.

    (5)

  • Claude N.

    The prevailing attitude among certain people who think they know about food seems to be that the spicier something is, the better or more authentic it is. Not necessarily. Kids, it's not difficult to make something spicy. You can make anything spicy if you douse it with enough chili oil. There is much to be said for cuisine that allows you to taste the subtle flavors of simple ingredients. You won't find such cuisine at Han Dynasty, which is the perfect place for the "spicier is better" crowd. We started with the Dan Dan Noodles, which weren't bad, but the level of spice overwhelmed the flavors of the other ingredients, so all I remember is that they were spicy. One of my friends had some sort of chicken dish, which appeared to be chicken skin swimming in a huge bowl of chili oil. Seriously, I don't think there was any chicken meat in the bowl. (It was quite revolting.) I forget what my other friend had, but she wasn't impressed either. Not wanting a repeat of the noodles, I went with the relatively mild garlic sauce style shrimp, which was actually quite good and had real flavor rather than merely being spicy. However, it wasn't good enough for me to want to go back. If you love spicy food, you'll probably rate this place higher, but I want more from a dish than a burning sensation in my mouth. I want real flavor and real flavor is in short supply at Han Dynasty.

    (2)

  • Ann B.

    I went to Han Dynasty earlier this week and ordered some noodles and a fish dish. We'd never been there before and when the fish dish came, we took a few bites before realizing it was pieces of pork belly. It was hard to tell at first due to the heavy colored sauce/ vegetables. When we told the server that neither of us ate pork for religious reasons, the server replaced the dish. However, by then we had lost our appetite. When it came time to pay the bill, I was surprised that there was no discount for the mistake they had made. I like the food overall, but the customer service is far from ideal.

    (3)

  • Laura S.

    This is the best Szechuan food I have had in Philadelphia. I have tried the Dan Dan noodles, the garlic chicken, the Spicy Beef Noodle Soup, and the long hot pepper chicken. The garlic chicken and long hot pepper chicken were not as spicy as I would have liked, but they were only rated a 3 for spicy, and next time I would just ask for some chili oil on the side. The Dan Dan noodles are rated a 8, and that is as spicy as I can handle.

    (5)

  • Kelley H.

    This is one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia! We had the lobster special, and it was one of the best meals I've ever eaten. The noodles are to die for, and the service was impeccable. I will definitely be back.

    (5)

  • Eric Y.

    After coming to this location multiple times and the location in manayunk, I have to say the food is consistent in quality. Large portions at relatively cheap prices. Cucumbers in chili oil, dan dan noodles, sesame noodles, beef tendons in chili oil, and double cooked pork belly are all winners in my book. And the University city location offers a decent beer selection. Def a plus.

    (5)

  • Chris C.

    I have yet to experience anything less than perfection from Han Dynasty. I initially felt inclined to think that it was merely the location I was going to. My first exposure to Han Dynasty was at their Old City location, and the food kept me coming back for more -- despite rain, snow, and the terrible cold of the Philadephia Winter (If only this was an exaggeration...). My favorite server, a shorter Asian girl, consistently provided me with fantastic service -- she was always polite, concise, personal, responsive, and on point. However, I soon recognized a trend. Whenever I came in for the Lamb or Chicken Dry Pot, Spicy Crispy Cucumber, and the Wontons (All at a level 10 spicy, mind you) I consistently received 5-star quality service. I felt like it was because they had gotten to know me, so I decided to switch things up a bit. It wasn't until two weeks ago that I figured I'd give the relatively new University City location a try. My wife, our friends from Manayunk, and I all took the trip up to 38th and Market. I honestly think that the new location almost outdoes the Old City location. Though equivalent in quality and service, the University City location provided an unique alternative to the homey décor of the location on 2nd and Chestnut. The full service bar had excellent selection of craft beers, and they quickly put together a masterful cosmo for my admittedly picky wife. The food was at the same caliber -- phenomenal. The cucumbers were excellent as usual, the Dan Dan noodles, a new favorite, were spicy and well prepared, and the dry pot was simply magnificent. I will be coming back to the new location (and our friends from Manayunk were simply elated to find out that there was a location available in their area as well). If you go, don't shy away from going for that extra level of spicy and make sure to try at least one thing you wouldn't normally give a chance. You won't regret it.

    (5)

  • S C.

    Went here with friends to celebrate a bday. Great evening. The staff was very friendly and fun. We were seated right away. By far best chinese food in town! Dan Dan noodles were awesome! Love the variety of the menu too. Cool contemporary atmosphere. I would definitely recommend highly! Can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Thomas G.

    It was the best of meals; it was the worst of meals. While some of the appetizers we had were delicious (a spicy noodles was superb) most of the entres were horrendous. I don't write that lightly. The dishes that include chili oils were literally swimming in them and were absolutely awful. Salty. Drenched in oil and fat. Two other aspects of dinning here should be noted: this restaurant delights in placing numbers in red in parentheses at the end of each item. The scale of 1 to 10 purports to measure the heat and can be adjusted. I am not sure how one adjusts a dish whose principal ingredient is chili oil other than to vary the amount and I certainly would be hard-pressed to distinguish between, say, a three and four. The other thing is that this restaurant is expensive. The bill for four of us including two glasses of wine and a beer as the total liquor tab and no desserts with tip was $170. Three appetizers. Four entres and a share vegetable entre. There are other and far less expensive alternatives for those seeking good Chinese cuisine. Some people will argue the food here is authentic and not tailored to American tastes and that if you don't like it that way, go elsewhere. I would argue some people eat insects, dogs and haggis, too.

    (2)

  • Joycelin W.

    Han Dynasty is one of my favorite restaurants in Philly. Eating family style with a group of friends is definitely the way to go so you can get a variety of dishes. Make sure your pals can handle the heat though, at least to a certain extent. It's okay if they can't because you can always lower the spice level, but where's the fun in that? My favorite dishes (and I almost always order these!): -dan dan noodles -cold sesame noodles -hot sauce style fish -cumin style lamb -double cooked pork belly -dry pepper style fish -string beans with minced pork Other yummy things: -pork belly with sweet garlic chili oil -szechuan french fries -three cup chicken (good, but a little too sweet for my liking) This place is kinda pricey if you only go with one or two people, but I usually go with a group of at least 8-10 and split a bunch of dishes which never ends up costing more than $20 per person (including tax and tip)...although this really depends on how much you order haha. They also have some pretty good lunch specials! And service has always been on point. You never have to wait long for your food to come out, or for your water to be refilled. The restaurant itself is pretty big but it's almost always busy, so make a reservation (especially if you're coming with a group)!

    (5)

  • Kelly G.

    I ordered take-out from Han Dynasty for dinner last night. I won't make that mistake again. The host and wait staff were very helpful and polite. I wish I could take the people giving this place 4 and 5 stars to two restaurants in Pittsburgh: Everyday Noodle, where the noodles are made fresh every day, and Szechuan Gourmet, the kind of Chinese restaurant that's filled with Chinese people and has 2 menus, the fake one and the real one. This is not a Pittsburgh versus Philly thing -- I'll be in Philly for 4 months and would be thrilled to find some awesome Chinese restaurants.

    (2)

  • Marianne R.

    Nice and big restaurant. occidental style. But I was kind of disappointed. The specialties are not so tasty (even spicy), than expected. It's not the most authentic chinese cuisine I have taste. But it was still good. Not fabulous, memorable, but just good.

    (3)

  • Danan R.

    The Three Cup Chicken is amazing here as is the stir-fried cabbage with chili. I actually think that it's better here than at Jane G's. The salt and pepper jumbo shrimp and mei fun are also solid. The mei fun comes with plenty of protein and egg. The prices are definitely much more reasonable and the $8.50 lunch specials are fantastic. A portion will easily last 2 meals, and the food is served very quickly. It's also close enough to campus that a 1 hour student-faculty lunch is completely feasible.

    (4)

  • A B.

    I've had the fortune of eating my way across Asia Pacific, so I might be biased in saying I don't understand the rave reviews. I will say though that the conversation and company I was with more than made up for this!

    (2)

  • Michelle P.

    Don't underestimate the spice scale at Han Dynasty. It's the real deal. Speaking of deals, this is place has a legitimately good deal for University City Dining Days. I went with a group of friends for Han Dynasty's 3 course dining days menu. I know some people frown down on restaurant week, but portion and selection were not problems here. We received regular sized appetizer and entre portions. Our third course could either be dessert or a choice of two alcoholic beverages. I was planning on having a drink anyways so I went with the Grand Royal as my third course. Doing some quick math, it was like getting a drink for free with my dinner. With five in the group, it made sense to try each of the five appetizers being offered: cold sesame noodles, dumplings in chili oil, dan dan noodles, spicy crispy cucumbers and Sichuan pickled veggies. The dan dan noodles are everything people say they are, and easily were a group favorite. The cucumbers were served cold and were a very refreshing savory dish. The cold sesame noodles were also great. The pickled veggies were probably the least favorite of the selection. According to the menu, they were at spice level 10 on a 1 to 10 scale. I was ready to totally underestimate the spice scale at that point. I probably could have also walked away from the table full and gone home happy. Despite the vast array of appetizers ordered, each member of my party went with a variation of the Dry Pot. All but one of us went with the maximum spice level possible, and even poked fun at our friend for going with a 7. At the end of the meal, he was the only one at the table who wasn't sweating, crying or dealing with a runny nose. My dry pot chicken was extremely spicy and to be honest I probably would have enjoyed it better a notch or two down. You've been warned. It was still delicious though! The only thing restaurant week-esq was the service. Our server was friendly, but not really attentive. The place was by no-means packed either. We were told that there would be a gap between our appetizers and entrees but then 2 out of 5 entrees came out early. A few of us also asked for clean plates for the entrees. It was an odd time during the meal because we still were working on our appetizers but also had our entrees. One of the staff members brought me a new plate and took away my appetizer plate that I told her I was still eating off of. My husband was able to retain his until he finished shortly after. Having only dined at the Manayunk Han Dynasty, I was impressed by the open and lofty atmosphere. It was spacious and modern looking. Service aside, we really enjoyed our overall experience. And since it was Dining Days, I'm not going to hold it against them. We also learned a valuable lesson: when Han Dynasty says spicy, they mean it!

    (4)

  • Kristin N.

    I've gotten takeout from this location and enjoyed dinner at another location, but dinner here was disappointing. All of our food...apps and entrees came out within 5 minutes of each other. Dan Dan noodles were lukewarm. The most disappointing was the Kung Pao tofu. The tofu was so overcooked that it lost all density and was reduced to what I can only compare to a deflated balloon. The whole dish also had maybe 6 peanuts. Our waiter tried to makeup for our meal, but friendly service alone won't cut it.

    (2)

  • Pourio L.

    I lived in China for 12 years so let me say that this place isn't the most authentic Sichuan restaurant in town. It's not to say that it's bad but the taste and flavor are definitely geared more towards American tastes. I'm not saying that's necessarily a bad thing either (after all we are in America and the people coming here are American, for the most part), but when people say that this is authentic Sichuan Chinese food to me even when they've either never lived or visited Sichuan, then I get skeptical. This was one of those times. The food leaned more on the bland side (in comparison to more authentic Chinese fare) and they used certain ingredients that I'd never see in a Chinese dish. Some of the dishes we ordered were decent, if not lacking in the spicy department. The decor was definitely more modern and had a Asian fusion flare to it (did not feel Chinese at all) and the service was prompt (even if towards the end they seemed very eager to kick us out). I'd suggest making reservations if you decide to go because it does get pretty busy and the wait can lean close to 45 mins. All in all, this was a good place if your group is a bit more diversified from other cultures because it's "safer" than going all in to a more authentic Sichuan Chinese restaurant. Otherwise, I'd suggest going to Chinatown and checking out one of their hole-in-the-wall locations for some spice. Parking: Limited street parking or paid lot Price: $20/person Wait: 15+ mins to be seated

    (3)

  • Rich D.

    Too tired to give 'em a proper review, so I'll be brief... Interesting atmosphere, excellent beer and cider list... Dan Dan Noodles with minced pork: delicious... Spicy Dumplings in Sesame Sauce: delicious... Dry Pepper Chicken (#10 spicy) : delicious... Scallion Chicken (#3 spicy) : delicious... 'night 'night

    (4)

  • Kris L.

    Nom nom nom dan dan noodles! We got a level 5 spiciness which was perfectly very spicy. I def can't imagine a 10 and I LOVE spicy food! We also loved the sesame noodles (not spicy) and the fried tofu. We picked up an order to go and they forgot our cucumbers. I hear they r amazing and will def have to try next time!

    (4)

  • Tho P.

    Han Dynasty definitely secured its throne as one of the best, if not the best, Szechuan restaurants in Philadelphia. The dishes and flavors are consistent within and across locations. Today I ordered an app and two entrees: Spicy Crispy Cucumber, Dry Pepper Fish, and Double Cooked Chicken. The cucumbers are a great starter - super refreshing and crunchy, low heat, and delightfully sweet. I would eat bowls and bowls of rice with the sauce they prepare with the cucumbers - it's THAT good! I like to experiment with different combinations of styles and proteins each time I visit Han Dynasty. The fish was superb - the fish were both seasoned well and the batter was super crunchy. I felt the spicy rating of an 8 for dry pepper was a bit high for this dish, the fish was more mild in spice. The chicken was super tender and moist (white meat) and I really enjoyed the almost sour and spicy flavor profile of the double cooked style. The service was very attentive and friendly making sure that we were getting our food promptly and very apologetic when the orders were being held back. We had to wait a tad bit longer for our second entree, which was my only criticism. Otherwise, Han Dynasty is still a fav in my book (and stomach)!.

    (5)

  • Kyle K.

    I clearly remember the day my buddy at UPenn (coincidentally named Dan) said to me, "You've got to try the Dan Dan Noodles at Han Dynasty, it is seriously a life-changing experience!" With such high praise, I recommended to my Swarthmore roommate that we head to this West Philly spot for dinner when his girlfriend was in town from Texas. Following UPenn Dan's advice, we ordered the Dan Dan Noodles as an appetizer. The dish EASILY met all of the hype and was so scrumptious with a nice spicy kick that I wish we would have ordered seconds. For entrees, we shared the Dry Pot Style Chicken (spicy but not overwhelming), Garlic Sauce Style Pork, and Kung Pao Style Shrimp. There was a beautiful blend of flavors in each and I liked having the variety of dishes to try out. I've since gone to the Han Dynasty location in Old City and the food is exactly the same (and delicious) there as it is here. The big difference though is the ambiance/environment. If you want to have a nice, casual meal with friends head to Powelton Village, as the restaurant has a more modern feel. In contrast, the Old City building has huge ceilings and ornate decoration throughout. It's the perfect place to take your parents when they are in town or impress a lovely person on a third/fourth date. No matter which Han Dynasty you choose, you'll be treated to the most incredible Szechuan/Chinese cuisine around!

    (5)

  • Nat M.

    This is my favorite Chinese food in Philly. It's spicy and tasty and they have a great variety of food. I've eaten here multiple times and have always had a great meal with wonderful service. It's great for groups, large and small. If you have a large group, then I'd recommend the chef's tasting option. A ton of food comes out and you get to try a large variety of the styles of cooking they offer. Don't be scared by the fact that the food is spicy. You can adjust the spice level and the wait staff is very knowledgable about the menu and spice level of the different dishes. There are 3 different sites for this restaurant and I've eaten at 2 - university city and manayunk. Preferred the university city site hands down. There is one in olde city too.

    (4)

  • Sheri H.

    While the food is still lovely the service tonight was so disappointing. We arrived to pick up our take out order and they claimed never to have received it, that I must have placed the order at a different location (although they remembered me calling....) Decided just to eat there rather than place yet another take out order. During dinner I received a call from this very restaurant to let me know that I was late to pick up my food. I explained what happened and received no apologies, no acknowledgement of the inconvenient screw up. Also, they lost about half of the food we asked to be wrapped to take home. And the food is not exactly cheap. So sad, hopefully they will get their act together again.

    (2)

  • Yixing D.

    I have been to two Han Dynasty restaurants and both of theme are great. The newly opened area provides more seats. I strongly recommend their Dan Dan noodle and Double Cooked Pork

    (5)

  • Lizi C.

    Quick delivery with decent food although the food is quite greasy as the majority of dishes are doused in hot oil. Stand out dishes are the green beans with minced pork, dry chicken and eggplant with garlic sauce. The scallion pancakes are excellent as well. Mapo tofu was average. The food is super spicy at baseline.

    (3)

  • Nadia T.

    Han Dynasty ("handy nasty," as affectionately called among Penn students) reliably provides a superb culinary and social experience. It's my go-to campus restaurant for special occasions like birthdays and graduations. The tasting menu has affordable options for a large group (around $25, there are choices based on the types of meat you want to order). They bring out a TON of food and there are always many leftovers, but in the process you get to try out so many of Han's unique offerings (including tripe and rabbit stew!). I also have a consistently pleasant experience with the service at Han Dynasty. The food comes out very quickly and the waiters are generous with water and tea refills. For Han first-timers, here are some of my favorite dishes that I recommend: - spicy crispy cucumbers - cumin beef (very spicy!) - garlic style chicken (milder but very tasty) - double cooked fish (the waiter told us it's the staff's favorite! very delicious) - dan dan noodles, of course

    (5)

  • Boyang Q.

    It gets a 5, if you are looking for a excellent Chinese meal on the hotter side. Yet if spicy chinese food is not your thing, then try somewhere else. Almost a wait line every night even with their huge interior dinner sections and outdoor patio.Says something about its popularity. The Dandan noodle, cucumber salad and double cooked fish are some of my favs. As a sidenote, the food during lunch might not have equal quality during dinner time.

    (5)

  • Mo M.

    OK... so.. My first experience with Han was getting a take-out order of Dan Dan noodles in haste at the Old City location years ago. I couldn't get with it. The spice totally overwhelmed me. BUT.. my next experiences were lunch with co workers at the Han Dynasty on Main Street. It was there that I learned the awesomeness of the Dan Dan noodles, along with a host of other things I now have on rotation when I do frequent the Main Street location (scallion pancakes, kung -pao chicken, garlic shrimp). Yes, I may be a bit of a 'punk' on the spice level.(pay attention to the spice levels listed in the menu.. they'll even cater (and change) to your spice tolerance on dishes too). I'm more adventurous in a group setting... I exercised my spiciness chops at a couple b-day dinners I've attended.. including my own that I had at the Han Dynasty in Uni City. I'd totally recommend going in a large party.. the pricing is right, there's so much food, the chef caters the menu to your group's taste and it's just great to taste all the various wonderful dishes on their menu. Everything is made to order, served hot (and sometimes under flames) to your table. It's just good.. SPICY and good. And notice how I listed three locations and have yet to really determine a difference. These locations are all equally good in my book. If spicy is your thing.. and even if it's not and you want to try a little something a bit daring, give Han a try!

    (4)

  • Shani T.

    Han Dynasty, you disappointed me this weekend. I have been to the Old City location, the University City location, and the New York location. I would definitely give the NYC location 4 stars but my experience at the University City location two nights ago warranted a solid 3 stars, which is disappointing. I remember coming here a lot two/three years ago when the location first opened. It was so hyped and definitely lived up to it. Happy hour drinks were delicious and cheap. Food was high quality. Service was respectable. I'm really not sure what happened since then. We had a group of 11 Friday night, which led to us sitting at one of the large round tables in the back. I've sat there before and have had no problems, but service was EXTREMELY bad when we went. The restaurant was also not packed or filled at the time, which is why I consider it to be totally inexcusable. We were always out of tea / water and our food took so long. We ordered two orders of Dan Dan noodles, one order of cold sesame noodles, dry fry style pork, kung pao chicken, scallion style beef, garlic style chicken, and black bean style beef. I had to ask the waiter multiple times to check on our food. Our original waiter was so incompetent and in the middle of waiting for our food another waitress started serving us. The one piece of advice for food I have is to NOT order the garlic style unless you like bamboo. Shit was naasty. The dish came out incredibly orange looking and the taste of bamboo was sooo strong (and I hate hate hate bamboo... I failed to read the instruction and assumed it'd be... garlic? Not a stockpile of bamboo shoots?) and I personally just hated it. The meal came out ridiculously cheap because we had such a large group and didn't order that much. It was around $11 a person since we ordered so little. We ended up just eating plain rice between dishes because they were coming out so slowly so that's probably why... In New York, I often order 2 dan dan noodles and 3-4 dishes between only two people (almost way too much food for two), which totals up to around $40/person, which is on the expensive side for sure, so this was a nice change to only pay $11. If you can get past the mediocre service though, the food is very authentic and most dishes are delicious!

    (3)

  • Jessica H.

    I love this place, great location. If you a spicy lover this is it...I been to many restaurant but this is my spot now. Dry spicy chicken, once you eat it you have to go for it all the time. 100% satisfy;)

    (5)

  • Mohana B.

    So here is my story - ordered scallion pancakes, it was good. Fried tofu in hot curry sauce - No thank u. The curry was floating in Oil. So much oil that if I could squeeze we could extract approximately 10oz oil. Made me uncomfortable. I think the lady was having a rough day and she was venting it on all the possible customers.

    (2)

  • Peter K.

    Probably the place to go for Chinese food in University City. Great selection of Taiwanese and Sichuan dishes, including 3 cup chicken, beef and tripe w/ chili oil, and flash fried items. 1/2 star off for the really variable portion sizes given the relatively similar prices that will usually leaves me hesitant to try new items. 1/2 star off also for the unimpressive level of spiciness of the 10's on the menu. It would be amazing if they made it more spicy. Basically, my recommendation for a nice evening meal without going down to Center City. Great service (shoutout to Patrick), moderate prices, and great flavors even if its not my preferred level of spiciness.

    (4)

  • Dianna F.

    I've been to Han Dynasty many times and was there for its grand opening the summer after I graduated from high school. I was delightfully surprised that despite being a chain restaurant, Han Dynasty's Sichuan cuisine was among the most authentic I have ever had. It was very spicy, and numbing spices were also obviously used. Everything was very flavorful and not too salty. I came here recently after having not been for about two years, and was slightly disappointed. We ordered spicy crispy cucumber (has always been a favorite of mine), dumplings in chili oil, scallion pancake, dry pot style chicken (spiciness level=9), and shredded pork with pressed tofu. The dishes came out rather quickly (their service has always been quite good). As I mentioned, the spicy crispy cucumber has always been one of my favorite dishes, and I'd order it almost every time. I didn't like it this time because the chili oil/broth/not sure what to call it is seasoned in was much sweeter than usual and not as spicy and garlic flavored as it once was. The dry pot style chicken was ordered at a spiciness of 9/10, which I expected to be quite spicy from my previous experiences (I've ordered something at a 7 before that was still very spicy) but it was not spicy at all. The chili oil that the wontons came in was also not as flavorful, and the scallion pancakes are definitely not the best I've ever had. They were very dry and lacked any scallion flavor (if you're looking for a good scallion pancake, go to Sakura in Chinatown). Honestly, I am wondering if they changed the amount of spice that corresponds to each level because their clientele is mostly Caucasian Penn/Drexel/Hospital faculty/staff. Every time I have been here, there has been maybe one or two tables of Asian customers (usually students) and the rest were Caucasian. This is especially true for the summer when most students are not on campus. I am giving Han Dynasty a 4/5 because I think that it is unfair to give only 3 stars as I am judging from my previous experiences. They are usually very good, and the dishes I ordered this time were also good--just not AS good. I still would recommend Han Dynasty to everyone I know who enjoys spicy and Asian food.

    (4)

  • Tianyu N.

    The Chinese food here is quite delicious and authentic. Especially the fish! They are really tasty if u love a little spicy food. And the vegetables are ok but not strongly recommended. As for rice and noodles, they are a bit expensive. Anyway, it's a good place to dinner.

    (4)

  • Su W.

    Gotta say this is one of my favorite places in the city for Asian food. It's great for groups and the staff is super friendly. The food is deliciously and authentic. Something special that Han Dynasty that most Asian restaurants do not do, is that they make their rice fresh. Most Asian places will make a large patch and serve it through the day. I like how this place is able to delivery spicy and you're able to custom the level of spiciness.

    (5)

  • Shereen C.

    ~~~ Updated ~~~ Han Dynasty serves semi-authentic Sichuan cuisine. Sichuan cuisine is known for its spicy and numbing flavours, courtesy of the hot peppers and Sichuan peppercorns. Han Dynasty's food is only semi-authentic, because while the food does have those classic Sichuan flavours, they also goo & sugar it up with excessive sugar and starch. See the grade report for a handy guide to Han Dynasty's dishes: A-range dishes are recommended B+ dishes are solid and are worth a shot, though not outstanding. ~~~ FOOD ~~~ A+ (EXCELLENT = 5 stars) Sesame noodles (deep delicious sesame flavours!) A (4 stars) Dry pot fish (tender pieces of fish in a spicy chili oil & hot pepper-based sauce) Szechuan french fries (yummy crispy potato matchsticks fried with hot peppers) A- Cumin style beef Pea leaves with garlic B+ (3 stars) Spicy Cucumbers in Chili Oil Scallion pancake Cumin style lamb/tofu Dry pot style beef Scallion style shrimp Cabbage with dry peppers Bok Choy w/ Black mushrooms Spicy and Sour Shredded Potatoes B Dan dan noodles Mung bean noodle Cumin style chicken Double cooked style pork belly Scallion style lamb Hot sauce style scallops Eggplant with garlic sauce B- (2 stars) Wontons (pork) in chili oil Hot sauce style tofu Vegetarian ma po tofu (without pork) C Spicy hot pot (bland hodgepodge swimming in chili oil) Garlic sauce style tofu/shrimp Three Cup Chicken Fried noodles / lo mein D Curry chicken F (AVOID) Fried veggie dumplings ~~~ DRINKS ~~~ Drinks are good. Nice varied beer selection. Some mixed drinks are better than others; I've enjoyed the Peach Cobbler Sazerac. ~~~ SERVICE ~~~ Service in the restaurant is generally helpful, although it's rather uneven and sometimes bizarre. Recently, I was in a group planning to order the most expensive level of tasting menu available. The waiter recommended the $25 level (the second lowest level), disregarded all attempts to order the more expensive tasting menu, and basically insisted that the $25 level would be fine for us. Then, they ended up bringing out some pretty bad, unappetizing food (i.e., C-range and below).

    (3)

  • Grace L.

    I remember a few years ago, when this restaurant just opened up and EVERYONE made dinner plans at this location as the go-to place for friendship. A few years later, the buzz has died down a little, but Han is still the place to go for more authentic, less Americanized Chinese food in UCity. Plus, the spice is never a bad thing! Some things are VERY delicious here--I love how flexible the menu is, with different spice levels and choices of meat for each type of dish. Especially noteworthy are the Dan Dan Noodles (of course), the cold sesame noodles, and the garlic chicken. Unfortunately, the oiliness of the food has increased significantly in the past few years. We ordered the crispy rice chicken (as my boyfriend does not handle spice), and I didn't eat any of it based on the sourness of the thick, oily sauce. I also tried my friend's chili oil dumplings, but were disappointed in the oil and flavor as well; they seemed more like wontons than dumplings. In addition, many things are very pricey (although portions are HUGE and usually you can bring some back home. Finally, the service is the best I've received at a non-fancy restaurant, they continuously refill the white rice, and the dishes come out quickly. Just be careful of spending too much money; I recommend sharing dishes with friends family-style.

    (4)

  • Marthy S.

    I'm not one who seeks out restaurants involving sit down Chinese food, unless it's a Dim Sum spot or unless they're known to serve up some special eats. This place definitely serves up the latter. I love their spice level concept and how it can be altered to your preference. From their list of specialty cocktails, my gin-loving self tried the Jade. It's nice and refreshing. I got it less sweet and on the rocks. (and you should too!) Dan dan noodles are so simple and delicious. Something that I could probably just make myself, but why bother when I could just make a call and have Han Dynasty make them for me! Shared the above and the Spicy Aroma Fish special that had a spice level of 10 but wasn't that spicy for some reason. I think it's because although it might look spicy, it was more oil than that "punch you in the face" spice. The spice was more of an after hit than a "tongue numbing" experience. Namean? The fish was a flaky white fish and the dish was filled with veggies and some glass noodles, but it was a really oily dish that left me feeling heavy and unsatisfied - and it will not be ordered again. Decor is trendy and casual. Service was slow for us. I think at the time of our dining experience, our server was new so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and leave it at that. Next time I come here I'm bringing a group and really doing it up family-style. Gonna put on them stretchy pants and indulge!

    (4)

  • Connie L.

    1. A reliable friend 2. Savory and flavorful 3. Conducive to bonding Consumed: Dan dan noodles Sesame noodles Spicy crispy cucumber Hot sauce style beef Three cup chicken Dry pepper fish Double cooked chicken Long hot pepper beef I've checked in here literally 10 times and I'm embarassed to say I am now publishing this review. Part of the reason is because I've tried so many dishes here and I enjoy the food so much that words really don't do it justice. I highly just recommend visiting this u city restaurant ane finding out what I actually mean. My favorite dish is the dry pepper fish! The texture is perfect and the flavor is just enticing. I only wish there was a bit more fish.

    (5)

  • Mike M.

    Ordered the wonton soup which was scrumptious. You're probably wondering how could wonton soup be so good. It was in the broth ...superb and the wonton delicate. Very nice. Also ordered chinese cabbage with dry pepper, hot style chicken, cold sesame noodle, and the garlic style chicken. As always the dishes were very tasty. The Chinese cabbage wasn't overwhelmed by strong flavors but it allowed the cabbage to come to life against the backdrop of spice from the szchuan peppers. The chicken hot style was a perfect juxtaposition to the cabbage. Cold sesame noodle I imagined were delivered from grandma in the kitchen straight to my table. I love this place.

    (4)

  • Kelsey B.

    We were here in Philly for the night and decided to go here on a whim. So glad we did!!! The food was delicious. The dining area was really quite loud. But the food was quite wonderful. We ordered chicken lo mein and the beef garlic stir fry. My husband and I liked the lo mein better, but both were delicious. We are sure you'll like this as much as we did!

    (5)

  • Troy L.

    Staying at the Sheraton at University City, and was looking for a place that was easy to walk and fairly close. Tried Han Dynasty last night partly because it was recommended by the hotel as well as a couple that was in the elevator. Interesting that there were three noodle shops with 2 or 3 city blocks. I really enjoyed the appetizers (dumplings in chili oil) and the entree (garlic chicken). I know, I know, I was looking for noodles and ended up without. I think this was mostly because as I was looking at the menu, plates kept going by me, steaming of fresh, Chinese wok flavors. I couldn't resist but to try a little of this and a little of that. Meal was hot, fresh, flavorful and an excellent recommendation. On a down side, as I have noticed on this trip, the customer service, servers, waiters don't seem too excited to be working. They seem tired, uninterested and could care less of your/my experience. Maybe this is normal in Philly?

    (4)

  • Jerry H.

    A must-go for anyone in the area! Han Dynasty boasts a pretty wide selection of spicy szechuan style dishes that are probably some of my favorite in University City! I've been here previously several times, but I'll just mention the last time I came here for dinner. As usual, this place was pretty busy (even though my friend and I arrived pretty late, around 9). Nevertheless, we were quickly seated at one of the hightop tables. We decided to order with University City Dining Days and ended up with a ton of food (we might have even been able to split 1 "meal" between the two of us). We chose the dan dan noodles (which are a classic), hot pot style (which featured tender and spicy chicken), and kung pao chicken (which was also very tasty). For dessert, I chose to get the Grand "Royale", which was actually a lot stronger than I expected, but still was great. My friend got the 2 special macarons, which had super unique flavors. I tried a bit of the macarons, and I didn't really like the "spicy citrus chocolate", which tasted like it contained a "ginger"-y flavor. A few tips: try the dan dan noodles (unless you have peanut allergies) and don't be afraid to adjust the level of spicy according to what you feel is good. I'm usually skeptical of nice-looking places having great authentic chinese food (a bigger fan of authentic hole-in-the-wall locations), but there's really no getting around the fact that Han Dynasty is amazing.

    (5)

  • Sarah K.

    With a heavy heart I have to update this. The quality has really gone downhill. I ordered takeout last week and the garlic chicken had such a weird taste. The cabbage had no flavor beyond salt. Even the spice level seem weak. I don't know what's going on with this place.

    (2)

  • Susanna L.

    Pretty good Szechuan meal. The place interior was pretty modern and cozy. My friend and I had the hot sauce style fish on the 5 level. The fish was pretty moist and fresh, just wished we ordered a little more spicy. I think I could have gone up to maybe a 6 or 7. Also had the house special lo mein. That was alrite, nothing can go wrong with a stirred fried with chicken and shrimp. Overall pretty good meal.

    (4)

  • Sabrina W.

    First, I must rave about the superb service we received by our waitress. We came here last Sunday after making reservations for 15 for my boyfriend's surprise birthday lunch. The waitress who was taking care of us was so helpful in all aspects. After many unexpected attendees, she quickly helped to get us settled in two tables of 12 - far surpassing the number I had reserved for. She continued to go above and beyond and helped keep our cake hidden, refrigerated, and even saved the container in case we didn't finish (which we didn't). She put the cake back into my cooler and stored it until we were ready to leave. WOW. I'm honestly not too impressed by a lot of the customer service in the University City/Center City area, but she was truly amazing! If you're looking to throw a party - look no further! Food - AMAZING. I must admit, it has taken me a couple years for me to slowly get used to it, but this time around I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and taste of the food. A fair warning though, Han Dynasty is not for the faint-hearted. Most of their dishes are quite spicy, even at a lower spice level. The dishes that are a MUST include: - Pork Belly w/ Sweet Garlic Chili Oil Sauce ($9.95) Pricy appetizer, but well worth it - even for a cheap college student! - Fish in Hot Sauce Style ($18.95) We tried this on a whim, and this was hands down the best dish of the day! Get this if you're up for warm and silky fish that is not too spicy, but still has a kick. Sure it's hard on your wallet, but if you are to get only one dish - this is the one for you

    (5)

  • Tommy M.

    Good lord I love Han Dynasty. I have been here for dinner a few times, but my most recent trip for lunch was my best yet. I went with a friend as part of our 'ladies who lunch' series, and we had an incredible time. We each startred with a beer (surprisingly good draft list for an Asian restaurant) and split the dumplings in chili oil. Although I'm not usually a pork fan, the chili oil was too good to pass up, and the dumplings disappeared in a matter of moments! We also had a hilarious struggle eating the dumplings with our chopsticks, much to the amusement of our waitress (who was awesome). For entrees, I had the dry pepper style with chicken (adding extra veggies for no upcharge), and my friend had the double cooked style pork. I didn't get a chance to try hers, but mine was so good! Not too much sauce, the heat level was perfect (per the recommendation of our server), and everything cooked beautifully. I actually could not have asked for a better lunch. In the past I've had the dry pot style with chicken, as well as the spicy cucumbers, and both were also amazing. Needless to say, I haven't had a bad meal here! As a side note, our server was Minjung, and she was probably one of the best servers I've ever had in my life (no joke) - friendly, attentive (but not overly so), and made sure we had a great experience.

    (5)

  • Carrie B.

    I love Han Dynasty. I've been to this location a bunch of times, and each time I am so happy! There is always at least two good beers on draught, and the food is consistently amazing. I went on a very, very cold winter's night, a Sunday, with my husband. We got there around 6:45pm and got seats at the bar right away, despite the crowd. It was hopping! Not sure why, to be honest, but no problem for us. We had two good beers that were on draught, and ordered our favorites, Spicy Cucumber and Dan Dan Noodles. They were perfect, as always. We ordered extra spice - level 8 on both, which is good if you like REALLY SPICY food. Heck I think we could get more next time. Will I go back? YES FOR SURE.

    (5)

  • Arushi S.

    Han Dynasty, please come to SF!!! I was visiting my friends at Penn and they insisted I eat here despite my claims that I could eat better Schezuan food back home in the Bay Area. Verdict: phenomenal Schezuan food in a surprisingly trendy environment! This is a totally new concept to me because the tastiest and most authentic Asian food back home is usually found in hole-in-the-wall shops, not in poppin' ambiances like that of Han Dynasty. Honestly, I am so glad they dragged me here because it was incredible. *Dan Dan Noodles* - Went by popular choice and ordered it, albeit at a lower spice level (Level 3 instead of Level 7). Spicy, saucy, peanut-y goodness with ample amounts of ground pork and sprinkled with scallions! I couldn't stop slurping these. *Three Cup Chicken* - A very traditional Taiwanese dish and so freaking good. Deeply-flavored, crispy dark meat chicken in a slightly sweet sauce. We didn't see this at first because it's not on the main entree list but under Specials. Our friend recommended that we try it and it was amazing. Highly recommend it!! *Fish in Hot Sauce Style*- Heart-warming and delicious without being overwhelmingly oily, MSG-y, or too spicy. I was so happy about that. Also, glad that the cabbage and celery portions were plentiful. *Pork Dumplings* - My least favorite of the food, but not bad-tasting. Dough:filling ratio was not on point. While the tasty filling was simple, seasoned ground pork (no scallions or cabbage or anything), the wrapping was too doughy and thick for me. We shared among a group of four and had ample amounts of food left. I'm so glad that I was able to enjoy the traditional 'ma-la' flavor of Szechuan food without dying from bouts of MSG at this Philly favorite. I'll have cravings for this place.

    (5)

  • Victoria C.

    Han definitely will fill you up with flavorful Szechuan food, but I find they're dishes excessively oily. I came on a Friday evening around 9PM and about half of the tables were filled (with more people sitting down to eat)! We started off with the signature Dan Dan noodles, which did not disappoint. These are thick flour noodles with a spicy chili oil, peanut sauce, scallions, and ground spiced pork. Definitely a shareable portion (all of their dishes are shareable). Then, we ordered the garlic sauce pot with beef. The slices of beef were quite thin and tossed with lots of bamboo shoots, but the sauce was just way too oily (much less oily than hot sauce style, but less flavorful than cumin style). I was just underwhelmed with the dish. We also ordered some pan fried dumplings; the skin was really thick and the dumpling was just too doughy that it actually dried out the entire experience the despite the succulent pork inside. I would not recommend ordering the dumplings. Decent service, okay food, will fulfill authentic Chinese cravings in West Philly though.

    (3)

  • Jamie C.

    I call this place "handy nasty" but unlike what that sounds like, it's terribly delicious! When I lived in LA, my husband (fiancé at the time) would bring dan dan noodles on his flight and surprise me with them every visit! Long story short, I moved to philly. Do you like spice? If you do, I recommend: Dan Dan Noodles, dumplings in chili oil (not the wontons), spicy criapy cucumbers, pork belly in garlic sauce, and pretty much everything on the menu lol I'm crazy about this place! I met the owner Han and he's got spicy personality too!

    (5)

  • Jay L.

    This is my favorite restaurant in Philadelphia. Since the first trip, I have been back about 20 times in the past 11 months. It redeemed itself from its first subpar performance. My go to dishes: 1) Spicy beef noodle soup. Its go for dining in and good to go. It's delightfully spicy and has a mix of chewy cuts of beef with tendon. 2) Bok choy with black mushrooms. Always well done, the vegetables are flavorful, with the black mushrooms soaking up a bit f extra sauce. 3) All of the spicy meat dishes are excellent. If you're up for something on the spicy end of the spectrum, the dry pot style, is the way to go. It is good with any pairing of meats. On the more mild end is the double cook style, which is very flavorful, and the Kung pao style, which is better than any other Kung pao dish I have ever had. The only other time I was disappointed in the food at Han Dynasty, is when I ordered off of the special menu. In my opinion, if you can't appreciate just little bit of spice, you may be better off dining elsewhere. I have had the shrimp and walnut, the roasted duck, and a lobster dish. All were subpar in my book. Try the previously mentioned dishes instead. Best Chinese food, and in my mind, best food overall in Philadelphia.

    (5)

  • Dan W.

    Price: Great for what you get! Portions are good size and always leave very full - many times with leftover! You will probably end up spending around 12-20 dollars on average depending what you order. Food quantity/quality: I consider this above average Chinese food, even compared to some Chinatown restaurants in philly, although it has a slight Americanized taste to it (but didn't really bother me!). Every dish is consistently made well although I recommend ordering different styles and sauces as a lot of the food ends up tasting the same if choosing similar dishes. I love the three cup chicken (stir fried chicken cubes with whole garlic cloves doused in a lightly sweet dark sauce). I also recommend the dan dan noodles (noodles stirred in a peanut butter soy sauce base with some ground beef/pork and spices) as it can serve as your carb base versus white rice which they do bring out with the meat or veggie dishes. I highly recommend getting 2 or 3 spice level for those who cant handle spices that well like me. The type of spice they add gives a post burning sensation that stays in your mouth and is hard to get rid of since most of their dishes contain this spice. Service: From my experience, friendly and attentive staff who are quick to serve you. Food comes out pretty quick too!

    (4)

  • Jennifer C.

    Awesome food and our waiter was friendly and described all the dishes accurately. However I was totally put off at the end of meal by the manager. (Or I assume he was the manager as he wasn't wearing a tshirt). We did not see the 2 credit card rule at the bottom of the check and he was so rude and spoke to me like i was an idiot saying "it says right here no more than two" then huffed away like we were the worst customers ever. Our mistake. Sorry to be such an inconvenience. Luckily our kind waiter came back and we figured out the check.

    (3)

  • Catherine H.

    I've been to Han Dynasty so many times and it rarely disappoints. The restaurant is always at least half full every time I have been there and with very good reason. My first experience with the "handy nasty" was when I used to be vegetarian. I had been concerned that I wouldn't be able to sample everything since there were so many meat options. My server went out of her way to check with the kitchen that the dishes I ordered would be vegetarian-friendly and accommodated my other requests. The many other times I have been here since, the wait staff has always been friendly and helpful. They do a great job of refilling your rice, expediting your food, and are always ensuring that you're enjoying yourself. As for the food, the flavors are always robust and are some of the most authentic in West Philly. I recommend the Dan Dan Noodles and the Eggplant with Garlic Sauce. They are both more mild, but are flavorful and classics worth getting every time. All the entree dishes also offer many chances to be adventurous in your flavor combination or spice level with all the different styles. The food can get a bit oily, though. Spicy dishes (most likely due to added chili oil), and dishes that have larger amounts of sauce tend to accumulate grease, most noticeable in take-out orders or leftovers. My friends and I are often deterred from getting the Handy Nasty because of the prospect of getting oil everywhere. Overall, good service, good food, good fun. Great place to go for authentic flavor and spice.

    (4)

  • Peter M.

    Tasty Dan Dan noodles. If you get take out, just toss them in a bowl to ensure the heat goes everywhere. We also tried pork with pressed tofu and garlic style chicken. Both were flavorful with not too much oil. Pickup was quick (less than 20 minutes).

    (4)

  • Jeanette E.

    I used to go here all the time - first as a Penn student in the area, and now as a Penn employee who works two buildings down. This used to be one of my top 3 favorite restaurants in the UCity area, and I would get take out from here ~twice a week. However, I have started coming here less (see below for why): Pros Flexible menu More authentic than your average Chinese food place around here Good happy hour and ambiance The manager is very friendly and helpful. I had a few orders catered to my office for events, and the orders were very well executed. **Lunch size portions from 1130-3pm that are more manageable sizes and cheaper Cons Very very oily food - as in, swimming in oil. I ask for my food with less oil now but I think the chef just laughs at the order and ignores it My favorite dish used to be the long hot pepper pork (I would order it a little spicier than it comes on the menu). However in the past few months I have noticed a significant reduction in the quality of their pork - a few times I ordered it, it was so fatty it was practically inedible and I wound up picking most of the pork out and eating the veggies and rice. I am thinking that their either changed suppliers to cut down costs, or there was a change of personnel in the kitchen. Either way, it's noticeable. Dishes you should still try: spicy cucumbers (so so yummy) Cold sesame noodles (another winner) Dan dan noodles pea leaves with garlic

    (3)

  • Arthur C.

    When Han Dynasty's University City location opened up, it was a godsend for all college students in the area. It is hands down my favorite restaurant in the neighborhood, and probably my most frequented as well. At this point, I've lost track of all the different menu items I have ordered over the past couple of years. Sharing is the name of the game, so be sure to order to your heart (or stomach's) content. For appetizers, the tripe in chili oil is divine. The Dan Dan noodles are a must-get as well, by consensus. As for entrees, I like how Han Dynasty lets you choose your preparation style first and then your choice of protein. It certainly allows for a great deal of variety. Just some of my suggestions include the cumin pork, dry pot fish, and double cooked pork belly. Also, a gem located among the specials is the three cup chicken: both sweet and savory and prepared in a hot bowl so it stays warm. My only regret with Han Dynasty is that I have never made it to its happy hour. The full bar is underrated, and one of the best cocktail places on this side of the Schuylkill. With great food and drink, Han Dynasty really has it all. No wonder there's always a wait in the evenings.

    (5)

  • Kristen M.

    Word association: Han Dynasty...spicy. The menu designates the spice level of dishes from 1-10 and I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to spice. At best I can handle a 2. In my three visits here, my taste buds have done some exploring and I was lucky enough to find a friend in the scallion chicken dish. It was so good that I'm still salivating when I think about it. The wontons in chicken broth and scallion pancakes are also very tasty. I've dined-in and taken-out and the food has always satisfied.

    (4)

  • Andrew L.

    This is one of the best places in Philly that U need a reservation before u get there because it's pact. I had the fried rice and much more they were all well prepared and where brought out to us fast despite the line at the entrance the food was delicious and savory that u will want seconds

    (5)

  • Grace H.

    When a friend suggested we try Han Dynasty, I wasn't sure what to expect. I'd heard it was a "nicer" Chinese food restaurant, almost like P.F. Changs, but I didnt quite get it until I walked in. I was a little disappointed with the service at first because the hostess did not acknowledge of bother to greet us for a good 5 minutes. The decor of the place was trendy and unique with lots of red. Definitely a step up from P.F. Changs if you ask me, and better lit. I let my friend order for us because he'd dined there before, and we ended up getting the dan dan noodles with pork and the chicken dry pot. We asked for extra spicy sauce on the noodles and the waiter was more than happy to oblige - they definitely had a kick, but nothing we couldn't manage. Overall a solid meal with plenty of food for a very reasonable price!

    (3)

  • Ali W.

    Han Dynasty is some of the best Chinese food you can get in West Philly. The foods comes out crazy fast after you order. This place get crowded during weekends so I would recommend a reservation. This food is pretty authentic although it borders on a little too oily and salty sometimes. My favorite dishes: double cooked chicken and the chili oil dumplings. If you are sensitive to spicy foods pay attention to the spice ratings and as your server for help.

    (4)

  • Rosa C.

    Can't believe it's taken me this long to write a review for a restaurant that I've visited many times. Han Dynasty is one of the best Chinese restaurants around. Han Dynasty specializes in spicy dishes, so the numbers next to the dishes tell you how spicy the dish is best made, from 1-10. However, you can ask for different levels of spicy, depending on your preferences! Fail safe dishes: Dan Dan Noodles, Double Cooked Fish, Spicy Cucumbers, Three Cup Chicken, Eggplant w/ Garlic Sauce, Dry Pot Style anything. Dishes that have disappointed me: Beef tendons. For those of you familiar with the dish, the tendons should be relatively thick, with a nice bite to it. The beef tendons at Han Dynasty are unfortunately shredded paper thin and ooze with oil. No bueno. The service can be hit or miss. Sometimes they don't pay attention to you and it can be a pain to flag servers down. I've been to the University City location many times and this is true at this location. However, the one time I went to the Old City location, the service was great!

    (4)

  • Annie L.

    I think I was a bit disappointed by the food here, having eaten a lot of Szechuan food in my life. If you're looking for more authentic Szechuan food at a better price, I think it would be worth it to just go to Chinatown. My friend and I shared the Kung Pao Chicken and Dry Pot Pork for lunch. The dishes were tasty, but I felt that it was a bit pricey for the amount and quality. Also, the Dry Pot Pork was rated 10/10 for spiciness, but I didn't think it was all that bad, and Szechuan food is supposed to be known for their spice. The service and atmosphere is great though, and I love the modern vibe mixed in with the traditional decorations.

    (3)

  • Tanya K.

    By far my favourite chinese restaurant. This gem of a restaurant was recommended by a friend about two years ago and since then I've been going here at least twice a month (sometimes even 4 times). Since my tolerance for spice levels is on the higher side-I usually get dishes at between 7 and 9 (and the dry pepper style chicken at a whooping 10) so my mouth is almost always on fire, but it's absolutely worth it. Favourite Appetisers-dumplings in chilli oil. Favourite Entrees-chicken in hot sauce style, eggplant in garlic sauce, dry pepper chicken. I also recently tried a pork dish with celery-and it was pretty delicious. Also worth trying are the three cup chicken, fried chinese cabbage, and cumin lamb. I dont usually eat the generic Kung pao's and General Tso's at chinese restaurants-especially here--because this place has SO much more to offer and it's so much more delicious!!!

    (5)

  • william S.

    Best food I've had in a very long time and one of the most authentic in philly. Recommend highly, green beans, Kung pao chicken, sweet and sour fish dish was also great. Noodles were to die for. Service was also great! I'll be back again.

    (5)

  • Cynthia M.

    A must have whenever I come to Philadelphia. I've come here too many times to count, and I always enjoy myself. I'm sure you can see from other reviews, but be prepared for SPICY food. They will adjust the level of spice if you ask though, so don't be shy to ask if you can't handle high heat. Spicy Crispy Cucumber (5/5) - I order this every time I come here. The cucumbers are soaked in chili oil, so there is heat, but the freshness of the cucumbers takes away from the spiciness Pork Belly w/ Sweet Garlic Chili Oil Sauce (4/5) - The pork belly is (I think?) boiled, so don't expect it to be crispy like other pork belly dishes. This is one of my favorite appetizers. The garlic adds a nice flavor to this dish. Wontons in Chili Oil (3.5/5) - I really like the actual wonton itself, but these soak up a little too much chili oil for me Dan Dan Noodle (4.5/5) - This dish is a staple of Han Dynasty. I love it so much that after I moved away from Philadelphia, I learned how to make it myself. The only reason I'm giving it a 4.5 instead of a 5 is that sometimes, it comes out kind of watery. A must have if you come to Han Dynasty. Cold Sesame Noodle (3.5/5) - These noodles are a nice substitute for the Dan Dan noodles if you don't have a high heat tolerance. They are also a nice side dish to have so not EVERYTHING you eat is spicy. It is a little too sesame-y for me though. Braised Beef Noodle Soup (4/5) - One of my favorite noodle dishes. The broth is nice and warm, and they are generous with the meat. This is also a nice, non-spicy dish to enjoy. Spicy Beef Noodle Soup (3/5) - This is a spicy version of the dish before. For some reason, there is something about the chili oil which I don't enjoy much. I don't like the way it coats my tongue when I am drinking the soup. Dry Pepper Chicken/Fish (4/5) - I usually get this dish when I come here too. The level of fried is nice, and it is a pleasant level of heat. Cumin Lamb (3.5/5) - Usually I enjoy cumin in my food, but this is a little too cumin-y for me. My other friends seem to really enjoy this dish though. Regardless, it is a pretty tasty dish, just a strong for my taste. Crispy Rice Chicken/Fish (4/5) - This dish is a favorite of my friends who can't handle spicy food. There is no heat, and the flavors are nice, with a assortment of mushrooms and bamboos shoots. I really enjoy the crispy rice, which is kind of like a rice cake.

    (4)

  • Jianna E.

    I came to Han Dynasty for a small dinner reunion with friends I graduated college with. I had never been to Han Dynasty before, I honestly had no idea what was on the menu. At a first glance, I was overwhelmed with all of the choices, the restaurant has a rating scale for how spicy something is. Being that i do not like hot or spicy food that was good to see. The only thing that looked appetizing to me was the dumplings, I have a weird love for them! I ended up getting the honey walnut shrimp for the win. It was delicious, I almost ate the entire dish that was meant for sharing! They also have good happy hour drink prices, $4 house drinks, $3 draft beer and wine. I recommend going with a group of friends so that you can order a lot of food and share!

    (3)

  • Jason I.

    Excellent food! The Dan Dan noodles are everything I had expected, based on other reviews. The beef dry pot was good... Nice and spicy. I wasn't so impressed by the spicy crunchy cucumbers. They were good, but nowhere near as delicious as they're made out to be. Everything had a degree of spiciness to it, and I like that. Great service as well!

    (4)

  • More-aa P.

    Holy Han. I work at a nearby hospital, and I was about to log hour 12 of my 30 hour shift. I was depressed, hungry and sad that the hospital cafeteria had just closed. I then remembered Han Dynasty was just around the corner and decided to place a dinner order. I called and ordered Garlic Sauce Style chicken, picked it up, and opened it up in the conference room where I work. Outside the room, I heard nurses saying "What is that smell? Ooh, that smells amazing! Where is it coming from?". I figured they were talking about my meal, as it doesn't take much to be the most appetizing smell in a hospital. But the taste... A symphony, a triumph, a delight for the senses. I won't even try to describe it, because there are no words-- just go eat it and try for yourself. The portion was enough for 2, and I exercised great self control and saved the second half of my meal for later. I finished work at 10am the next day, hopped in a cab home, and quickly devoured the remaining garlic goodness for a late breakfast. Unconventional, yes. But as I jumped into bed after being up all night, I couldn't get the thought of the small portion of the garlic chicken out of my head. I can't wait to order it again. I didn't realize they did catering until they catered a work lunch the week prior, which had many delightful options, vegetarian and carnivorous alike. I'd highly recommend the catering, too.

    (5)

  • Sarah S.

    I was disappointed with this visit to Han Dynasty. The reason my cousin and I decided on Han Dynasty was bc we were in the mood for spicy. Unfortunately, that's not what we got :( We ordered the Dan Dan Noodles, Double cooked pork belly, and salt and pepper squid. The Dan Dan Noodles and Pork Belly tasted fine but were not spicy at all. So that was a bit of a disappointment. Maybe the were supposed to ask us for level of spiciness but they didn't I really wasn't planning to do a 2nd review but felt I needed to bc of this bigger disappointment. I thought I was getting validation for the full amount for the parking as indicated on the website, but they only gave me a $2 discount. I would have been better off parking on the street.

    (3)

  • Kevin T.

    One of my reliable dining options in Philadelphia. I only ordered takeout from the old city location and I couldn't stand the service of the Manayunk location. University City was just right. Not the best Sichuan ever, but best in Philadelphia. Cumin chicken is a standout dish. Tea smoked duck is fantastic. Dan Dan Noodles are a subject of daydreams at work... Service at this location is friendly and efficient. Food comes out fast, but it's always busy there so the turnover keeps it fresh. The portion sizes are huge so come hungry. Additionally, they have some solid beers on tap. Nothing like two pints of Dale 's Pale Ale on tap with your spicy Cumin Chicken. Two issues that keep this place from finding hip, Chinese perfection: 1) consistency of spice level. Sometimes my dishes would be burning and other days too pedestrian. Don't understand the wild swings I experienced. 2) lots of hot oil. The secret is oil. Lots of oil. Some dishes more than others, but it can be offputting for some.

    (4)

  • Ben W.

    While not as good as Old City, still bomb. Han Dynasty has been one of my favorite restaurants since freshman year and the Old City location has been a staple place in my diet. When the new one opened up in University City, I was ecstatic because I could now enjoy all the spicy Szechaun goodness anytime, even in my pajamas (still haven't attempted though). Upon stepping in, you definitely feel like you're in a different place. The interior is a lot more modern, more industrial looking than its sister branch. The servers, with their obnoxious "10" on their backs (representing the spicy scale they use on their menu), are just as attentive, but not as knowledgeable. Our server didn't know if certain dishes were vegetarian or not, or what type of tea they were serving. My friend and I opted for the Cold Chili Oil Noodles and Dry Hot Pot Style Chicken. The cold noodle is probably one of my favorite dishes in the place. So simple, but so delicious. The combination of red chili oil, minced garlic, and a soy sauce mixture really opened our taste buds and is still on my list of favorites. It was my first time trying their dry hot pot style anything and while it's still not on my list of favorites, it was indeed tasty. The presentation is pretty cool: the dish is served on top of a propane-lit mini-stove at the table. The spiciness level wasn't quite where I like it, but the chicken was very tender and the combination of veggies made for a great pairing with rice (which we of course got seconds of). Still a fan of Han Dynasty, but I'm pretty picky with food and I'm not sure if this new location steps up to the challenge. Next time I'm looking for a date spot, I might trek down to Old City. But if I'm craving some cold noodle or stopping by for happy hour (their menu/drink specials looked very appealing), the UC location will do just fine. Pros: location, attentive of service, interior, serves alcohol Cons: not quite the same as original, new staff Dishes to try (my overall Han favorites): Cold Chili Oil Noodles, Wontons in Chili Oil, Dry Pepper Style Chicken, Peppercorn Fish Tofu Stew

    (4)

  • Kayla C.

    I came here after an exhausting day of biking with two of my friends. We were excited to try this restaurant out after reading some positive reviews. We ate the Pork Fried Rice, Salt n' Pepper Shrimp, and Garlic Sauce Style Chicken. The Pork Fried Rice was pretty average, and the other two dishes had absolutely AMAZING aroma to it, but tasted pretty average as well. In all honesty, the food wasn't bad, but it was comparable to any other restaurant in Chinatown. My friends and I felt that we could have ordered similar dishes at Chinatown and would've received bigger and tastier portions for a lot cheaper of a price. I give this restaurant props for its decor and service. The atmosphere was very nice with a very dark and cool interior, some great artwork, and nice furniture set up. The waiters were at our service quickly and we were seated immediately. The food came in good portions. My experience here wasn't too shabby, but didn't live up to the expectations that other reviews provided me with. However, I may return to try out different items and hopefully my opinion will change!

    (3)

  • Michael B.

    I like this place and will return BUT I had a few issues with my latest visit. When asked to explain the tasting menu the waiter was unprepared and spoke utter nonsense. It took 15 minutes to place drink orders. The tasting menu food selections were mostly do-it-yourself spicy (a bowl of "house made" chili sauce for the table). One dish with scallops did not have enough scallops for everyone to have one.

    (3)

  • Amanda C.

    I don't know how to begin a review of this place. It is the single best Chinese food restaurant I've ever been to, soaring high above others in Philly and on the Main Line, which I have rated highly as well. The food, the service, the speed, the drinks, the food again! Everything about the Han Dynasty experience screamed 5 stars for me. First, the staff here needs to be commended or awarded with some kind of prize, collectively or as individuals. The service here is really beyond anything I would ever expect at any restaurant. Not only are they constantly filling my water glass and refreshing my cocktail, they are right on the money with recommendations and the food comes out at lightning speed. Extra props to the kitchen on that one too! When the food comes out like a bullet from a gun, it is not only piping hot, but unearthly delicious. The Dan Dan Noodles, Szechuan fries, Chili Dumplings, Dry Pepper shrimp, Crispy Rice with Chicken, Tofu Hot Pot, the list goes on and on. The spice designations are a fun and helpful way to navigate the menu, though it should be known you can adjust the spice level on any dish to suit your tastes. We take most everything down to a 4, though I think we've gone as high as a 7! The best part is no matter how spicy something is here, the flavor comes through and wins the day. I have never gotten something I didn't love at Han Dynasty. And I've always left with food to eat later. Most of it I've eaten that very night while standing in front of the fridge. Give it a try. And then another try later that night standing in front of your fridge. You will be in love.

    (5)

  • Heather G.

    Worst wonton soup ever. Half of it is oil- I ate the soup hours ago and my stomach is still in knots. I'm sorry, but if the ghetto Chinese restaurant around my block in south philly has better wonton soup than you- you're getting two stars.

    (2)

  • Fima M.

    I ordered Han Dynasty for delivery to work. I thought it was good Chinese food in the sense that it was average. I was expecting spicier in the hot sense, but the actual spices were very good. I like the Dan dan noodles, kung pao shrimp, and the spicy garlic entree. The cucumbers are a must-have side for the meal. The real reason this review will get pulled toward 3 instead of 4 is that the delivery containers were not properly secured (see Curb Your Enthusiasm...). Several containers had sprung leaks on the way and it was a mess to get it all put back together. I don't think this would keep me from going to, say, the original location and getting their really spicy food I keep hearing about...But I probably won't be ordering delivery from the University City location considering there are a multitude of other options available. No need for an apology or a bow...just need to secure the containers.

    (3)

  • Jemi J.

    SO MUCH GOOD The dry pepper chicken, at spice level 3,was perfect. It tastes a bit dry in comparison to the kung pao chicken at spice level 3. The kung pao chicken was perfectly seasoned and super duper moist. The cumin lamb was que delicioso as well. You should definitely order the "spicy" crispy cucumber appetizer. It isn't spicy and wasn't at all crispy, but my parents and I used this appetizer as a way to cool our palates in between tasting the different dishes, and to cool our tongues down just in case we bit into unsuspecting chilies. Don't deprive yourself of those free refills of rice and tea. So basic yet fills out your meal awesomely. Be careful if you have nut allergies- despite us explicitely telling our waiter that we didn't want nuts ( I forgot specifically which dish had it), the dish still came out with a few nuts in it.

    (5)

  • Henry P.

    It's Han Dynasty. Szechuan cooking at the finest I know. Dan-Dan noodles are the best and you can't go wrong with the cucumbers in chili-oil. I always get the dry pepper style chicken. Just promise me you won't go out drinking and puke after you eat here. It's like getting sprayed in the face with mace.

    (5)

  • Jill L.

    Ever since my first Han Dynasty experience, I will get random cravings for dan dan noodles. The random craving will start with a thought "hmm.. I could go for some dan dan noodles". Then the craving starts to grow. I start re-reading the menu online while at work, hoping the words on the screen will soothe my burning desire. I'll start thinking about them at inappropriate times, like while brushing my teeth in the morning or while in a boring meeting at 2 pm in the afternoon. The craving will overtake me until I give in. Now if you have a similar experience, I suggest that you visit the U City location when this happens. Having been to the Old City location, I did a major comparison of it to the U City location. The food (price, quality, portion) is identical, but the atmosphere is much different. I really like the size of this location. They have a really nice outdoor patio with tons, and I mean TONS, of seating. And the inside is equally as large. There is free parking after 5 during the week and all day on the weekends. And they have a full bar with decently priced drinks. For those of you who are Han NOOBS, you gotta go with the dan dan noodles, dumplings in chili oil, and crispy cucumbers. On this particular visit, we tried the (mild) veggie dumplings which didn't impress me so much, but gave us a much needed relief from the more fiery items we ordered. As far as portions are concerned, Mmy husband and I always get 4 items and have plenty leftover for lunch the next day. I would suggest Han's U City location if you are looking to eat with a large group of friends- they have the space for it and the free parking makes it easy for people to congregate there from all over the city and beyond. If you are looking to get a bite before a night out, the Old City location may be more of what you are looking for since U City is a bit isolated.

    (5)

  • Jesse P.

    Delicious. I would eat the dan dan noodles everyday if I could. Good service and it's fun to see the kitchen in action. I kept seeing these huge flames from the guy stir frying stuff up. Yummy

    (4)

  • Liang Z.

    After going to the new Old City Han Dynasty, I was convinced the combination of flavor, ambiance, quality, and value could not be beat... till I visited the University City Han Dynasty last night, and was proven wrong. Where to begin? 1. Parking was easy. 2. Service was spot-on. 3. The menu! Lots of seafood options, including lobster and whole fish! Talk about legit. 4. The food came out fast. 5. Portions were big, especially for the braised beef noodle soup. 6. The Dry Pot lamb was exceptional - 10 for spice. Delicious and slightly punishing. I was sweating by the end, but it was a more than worth-it sweat. 7. The Taiwanese sausages were good. I would have preferred a larger portion size for the price but it was delish. What makes these Taiwanese anyhow? 8. As usual, it was $20-25 a person including tax & tip and we stuffed ourselves. Can't wait to go back here and try out more stuff on the menu! How HD manages to create authentic Chinese food, that appeals to all, and get the little details right, continues to amaze me. We skipped our usual orders this time, but if you're going for the first time, go for: Dumplings (or Wontons) in Chili Oil Dan Dan Noodles Cumin Lamb Three Cup Chicken (*not spicy) *Yes, this is a restaurant where you need to call out the dishes that are not spicy. To put it simply. Han Dynasty is as good as it gets for food in Philly. There is no other place with the combination of quality, flavor, variety, authenticity, and value. Not even close.

    (5)

  • L. M.

    Great food! I came here last year for my graduation luncheon. Everything was delicious. The staff was very hospitable and the server kindly explained each dish as he placed it on the table. A little pricey, but I would definitely come here again.

    (4)

  • Devora S.

    In town from a sleepy Southern town and needed a good Chinese fix. Found this on best chinese in philly list and quickly made a reservation via yelp. We ordered beef lo mein, chili dumplings, jasmine tea pork belly and string beans with pork. The lo mein was amazing and while everything else was really good, it set the bar so high that the pork belly seemed just ok in comparison. They did bring out the dishes in a weird order so be sure to specify if you want your appetizer first. Great choice, great taste, great value!

    (5)

  • Jen C.

    I love their Dan Dan noodles (and so does everyone else according to Yelp!). I have always gotten it for take out with my friends and everything we've tried has been great, including the garlic eggplant, String beans, and chicken with scallions. I can understand the hype about this place as everything is delicious but it's not completely authentic. But still, that can't keep me away from those delicious dan dan noodles!!

    (4)

  • Tim M.

    I don't mean to oversell it, but this is the best f'in restaurant with the friendliest staff on the planet. I've brought people like Steve Wozniak and Felicia Day to this location as part of a conference for a pre-event speakers' dinner, and they've always knocked it out of the park. Double Lobster, are you kidding me?! The drinks are mixed strong (try the cocktail specials!), so be sure to have your party boots on. Try the szechuan style french fries even though they're not on the menu - simply amazing! Most dishes also have vegetarian alternatives.

    (5)

  • Catherine C.

    Han dynasty is one of my favorite Asian restaurants in Philly. All their dishes taste great and I especially enjoy getting the Dan Dan noodles, the dry pot dishes, and their spicy hot pot. Their hot pot is about 25 dollars but is large enough to share between two people. It's not like the traditional shabu shabu where you cook your own food because it's all cooked for you and ready to eat, but the soup base is delicious! It tastes authentic and they use a lot of different spices. Plus, there's a lot of fish, scallops, shrimps, and beef slices in the soup. On a cold day, this is my go to dish. When I first visited Han dynasty I thought the food was going to be more Americanized because of the modern ambience, but they actually taste like what I'd eat at an authentic Asian hole in the wall, except much cleaner and a bit more pricey. For the quality of the food and the great atmosphere, this place is top notch.

    (5)

  • Michelle S.

    Our Friday night go to. Staff: Always friendly. Love the bartenders Atmosphere: Young adults, not a super young college crowd. Food: Awesome. I've had the garlic chicken, dan dan noodles, and dumplings in chili oil- no complaints. Down side: I went with a group of friends (5 people) and we weren't allowed to split the bill on more than 2 credit cards, semi annoying but nothing unexpected.

    (5)

  • Joe C.

    I finally made it! First, sadly, I have the unfortunate responsibility of making those of you who weren't aware that the generous Yelp offer of free spicy crispy cucumbers (default spice level of 6) is no longer available. That didn't dissuade me from ordering it; glad I did because they were very tasty. The spice was significant but I could've handled a 7 or possibly even an 8. Of course, I had the dan dan noodles as well. There's nothing I can add to what other Yelpers have said other than it's a definite "must get". This comes with a default spice level of 7 but, just as with the cucumbers, I could've stood even more. Silly me, dining solo I was unaware of the portion size so my initial thought to follow those orders with an entree went straight out the window. But there's always next time. Taking full advantage of the Happy Hour prices, a Victory pale ale draft was a great choice as its crispness paired awesomely with the spice of the food. Water refills were thankfully abundant. Service was near perfect. My server explained the spice scale but not at all snootily and my food came out within five minutes. He mentioned that a 2 is on par with Tabasco sauce which I thought is a great way to educate customers prior to ordering. That recaps my first visit. Having dined at Han Dynasty I can now say I feel complete.

    (4)

  • Andrew U.

    Loved it. I'm not particularly into spicy food, and much of their food is very spicy, but there was plenty of variety on the menu and the waiter explained exactly out spicy everything would be in detail. The cumin lamb was good, the double cooked fish was AMAZING. Order two. Noodles were also quite good. Coctails were just so-so, but the margharita was fine. Ostensibly they have a great beer selection as well, but I didn't try it - will do so next time I'm in town. Definitely recommend.

    (4)

  • Brad P.

    I go to Han Dynasty so often that it might as well be an addiction. I have tried every single item on that menu at least once. If you don't like Han Dynasty, it is because some ridiculous childhood trauma has rendered you soulless and dead inside. You can be assured that every dish I mention in this review is a favorite. Here's how to do Han Dynasty right, based on countless experiences with varying numbers of people at this restaurant- "The Lonely Man"(for one lonely, sad person) Dan Dan Noodles, dumplings in chili oil. You will have leftovers. "The Basic"(for two people, probably a date early in the relationship) Dan Dan Noodles, Spicy Cucumber, Three Cup Chicken - You will have leftovers. "Company"(for three people, because your significant other has someone visiting from out of town and you want them to like you) Dan Dan Noodles, Spicy Cucumber, Double cooked pork belly, Fried Taiwanese sausage. "The Party"(for four people, because three folks from your work are tired of hearing about you rave about the restaurant and have demanded that you take them.) Dan Dan Noodles, Spicy Cucumber, Dry Pepper Shrimp, Fish hot pot Any party greater than 4 usually means that someone with Han Dynasty experience will be in the party and should know what the hell they are doing. The U.City location is larger and serves the food more quickly than any other location. Seriously, they are really fast here. I've eaten here and received my Dan Dan noodles and cucumbers before the drinks arrive. It is ridiculous. I've given so many stars to Han's restaurants on Yelp that this chain might as well be its own group of constellations. Google "han dynasty rap" for more of my shameless plugging of this restaurant.

    (5)

  • Grace C.

    I am OBSESSED with this place. Everything is delicious and well-priced. And ever since I discovered that they deliver, my bank account has been taking a severe beating. They are not kidding about the spice level, though. Every time I come here I'm always throwing back glass after glass of water to deal with the spices they put in their dishes. But it is delicious nonetheless. Go for the pork belly in garlic sauce on the cold appetizers menu. It's as unhealthy as it tastes, but who cares?! I could eat an entire dish of that by myself. (Yes, it's meant to be shared.) Other favorite dishes of mine: prawns with asparagus (the prawns are HUGE. Big plus in my book.), dan dan noodles, beef in oyster sauce, scallion pancakes, cold sesame noodles...basically everything. Just go. Go. You won't regret it one bit.

    (5)

  • Audrey T.

    I'm a fan of this place for one thing: Dan dan noodle! This restaurant is a huge, modern place with friendly service and really good spicy food. While I'm not generally a fan of spicy food (I'm just weak sauce like that), I ate more than I normally would've because the food was DELICIOUS. We ordered the ma po tofu, the eggplant, and of course, the dan dan noodle. We definitely enjoyed every last bite of our meal. Prices are average - around $10 per $15 per dish. Noodles are around $7 - $8. However, portions aren't the biggest (in Chinese standards, lol). Overall, we will definitely like to come back to Han Dynasty!

    (4)

  • Matt L.

    The spicy dumplings here are incredible. I've always had a great experience and would definitely recommend going.

    (5)

  • Dennis M.

    I always wonder at what point we should just stop writing reviews as there are so many, and in this case there are so many good ones. But then it wont be fair to the restaurant owners for they work hard to serve us delicious food. We are a group consisting of 3 couples who like to explore eclectic food. One of the couples had been here but the rest of us had not experienced Hans. What a delight ! We ordered, dry pepper fish, some prawns (large shrimp) dish, hot chicken dish and few other dishes besides the appetizers. Everything was absolutely fabulous, visually and in taste. The only unfortunate part was they ran out of Lobster so we couldnt try it...well next time. We drove for 40 minutes to get here and it was well worth it. If you like Chinese food and dont mind the spiciness, this is the place to go to !!!

    (5)

  • Annie P.

    So good. Unlike any other Chinese food I've ever eaten. It's spicy, flavorful and fresh.

    (5)

  • Paul S.

    The food is Szechuan at its best. The food is HOT! I highly recommend the Dan-Dan noodles at the spice level they give. The decor provides are a modern industrial ambiences that is more suited for a Modern American restaurant instead of an authentic Szechuan restaurant. My only negative about this place is that its really pricy eating alone.

    (4)

  • Michael H.

    I love this place. Okay, maybe it's more of an obsession. I know what's gonna happen when we go. Dan dan noodles, so perfectly rich and spicy that I end up eating the whole bowl. Spicy cucumbers - used to be better but my wife insists on ordering them every time - so I end up eating the whole bowl. And then I eat the whole plate of double cooked fish. You get the idea. Yes, there is usually a stomachache at the end of the experience, but you have to go "10" for spice. Go big or go home, right?

    (5)

  • Cynthia X.

    I've had my fair share of Chinese food across Asia and the U.S., and Han Dynasty is definitely one of the better Chinese picks around University City. I went with a group of 8, and the restaurant is very accommodating to larger groups. The Kung pao chicken is to die for, definitely order it (we ordered 2, just couldn't get enough of it!). Other dishes we ordered were: Wonton in chili oil: too spicy for my taste and quite frankly, very so-so Pork belly in garlic sauce: recommend Dry pepper style chicken: good dish if you like spicy String beans with minced pork: standard*, non-spicy dish Eggplant with garlic sauce: standard* Pea leaves with garlic: standard*, non-spicy dish We also ordered some sizzling spicy pot of innards (intestines, pigs blood etc). I'm not a fan, but hey, if you are, go ahead... *standard = go ahead and order if you're feeling it

    (4)

  • Nicole D.

    When people find out I am vegetarian, they frequently respond, "Oh, then you must love Han Dynasty!" Must I? Truly? Because I don't think their vegetarian menu is terribly expansive or impressive. In fact, I think the food itself is just ok. The house made ginger ale, however, is completely delicious and spicy and awesome. Service is friendly and atmosphere reasonably swank. Maybe it's the arrangement of the tables, but I'm surprised that such a large space manages to feel so crowded. Overall, I feel solidly "meh" about this place.

    (3)

  • Susan L.

    When can I go back? I'd like to go back. My friends and I didn't order correctly because we each ordered a family size platter. Whoops. They ended up being great leftovers and we were very happy the entire time. The host was also great about being accommodating with the reservation. Yes to the spicy cucumbers, absolutely. Next time, I will try the Dan Dan Noodles.

    (5)

  • Lorenzo L.

    The food is amazing and the prices are reasonable with a good happy hour! The Dan Dan noodles are especially good.

    (5)

  • Kristine B.

    I LOVE Han Dynasty! The food here is amazing and the service is pretty good. I've been to the Ucity and Old City in Philly and like the Ucity one much better. My only bummer about this past visit was I felt their portions were very different from the past. I felt like I got half the food I usually do for the same price.

    (4)

  • Carol S.

    Oh my GOSHHHH THOUGHH. So good. My friend and I went there as first timers Friday night at 5:30 with no reservations. The place looked packed from the outside, but only needed to wait 2 minutes. We street parked across from the restaurant but later read on the menu that guests of Han Dynasty can get free parking if you ask how. So.. ask before you go? Our waitress was really helpful and knowledgable. She explained to us how the menu works and recommended us her favorites, so we went with it. Ordered dumplings in chili oil (level 4 spice) as an appetizer and Double Cooked Style Fish (level 7 spice) for the entreè. I LOVE spicy food and the spice levels made my nose just a tad runny. Meanwhile my friend who's typically ok with spicy was doing that inhale thing through his clenched teeth hahaha. Anyways our choices were the bomb and I had to give my friend a high five for getting the perfect meal. We shared the order and it was SOO filling. It was made to order, came out super fast, big portions, flavorful. The fish was delicious.. the inside melted in my mouth. Oh and I NEVER ran out of water which means a lot to me, for someone who drinks a lot while eating. Spent about $30 but we were in and out of there in exactly 1 hour and it was an amazing dinner. I don't typically eat Chinese food but this was a really pleasant surprise. I live an hour and a half away from this place, but my friend who goes to school nearby said he'd definitely be back.

    (5)

  • Ashley T.

    Best Chinese food in the city. The old city location is the original but this one's great too. Keep in mind that their "10" is HOT!! I loveeee spicy food and i could only do a 7....

    (5)

  • Mohsin B.

    Another great Han Dynasty location. The double cook fish and cumin beef are always standard dishes for any gathering. For some reason, the food seems be slightly better at the old city location, but this place is still delicious. The location is always better for non-reservation gatherings and is more kid friendly.

    (4)

  • Jack K.

    Some of the best food I've had in awhile. We ordered three things and all were great! The house fried rice was a good "cool" dish from the other spicy things we ordered. I wish more of these existed in other places. Now, every time I go to Philly I must come back! I would believe that anything you order here will be really tasty, so I wouldn't even worry about what is good or not, it's ALL GOOD and MOSTLY SPICY. So, just dive right in. I can't even tell you what to get because I think it will all be good. I would suggest getting at least one meat, a rice dish or noodle dish, and a veggie dish. Three things are enough for three people, so share away and enjoy the heat! My only complaint is that the server we had seemed very arrogant and annoyed when we were ordering. I'm sorry it was our first time...but wait, why do I have to apologize. He also didn't remember us when we came back and one person from our party had flown home already and she forgot her credit card. So, he could not vouch for us...other than that, the ambience is rather lively and the decor is cool and modern.

    (4)

  • Gerald F.

    I found out not all Hans are alike. I like Royersford best. This had way too much oil and a different recipe for salt and pepper shrimp. Everything is fried and coated. The dish at Royersford was way better, way healthier. And after eating the lo mien 2x, if I'm right, the msg was way overdone. Did not feel right both times after 20 minutes.

    (2)

  • Nancy P.

    Finally tried the Dan Dan noodles that everyone is raving about and I will have to go against the majority. While I understand the appeal of the dish, it was just too heavy and greasy for me. We also ordered the Crispy Rice Style with Pork. I really liked the sauce with the dish but was hoping for more of the crispy rice. I'm guessing we had the lunch portion, which was a decent portion to split but came with two small rice cake like discs. It's so close to my work so I will have to try more items from the menu.

    (3)

  • Rita Z.

    太美味！连续吃了两个晚上，是在美国少有的鲜美，而环境又非常不错。昨天的担担面、香菇青菜都很好，酸菜肉丝汤也颇开胃；今天继续尝试了豆花鱼和炒豆苗，非常鲜美，还都送了米饭和茶水，人均20-30就可以吃的很饱，菜量挺足的。

    (5)

  • Kevin C.

    The atmosphere isn't like any Chinese restaurant I've been to, and yet the food is surprisingly authentic. A little pricy though. The consistency of their spice levels is also all over the place. But overall, the food is good!

    (4)

  • Lea R.

    I like this place a lot. You have to try their home made ginger ale it's like the best non alcoholic drink ever. And their scallion pancakes are a must have. If you get the chance to eat here you won't want to eat Chinese from anywhere else. I love the two cup chicken it's not on the menu at 38th street but if you ask got it they will make it for you, special right! I don't think I have any complaints. The food is made family style so come with a large group and each person order a different dish and dig in!

    (5)

  • Lenny Z.

    Han Dynasty is a different experience than your typical Chinese food restaurant. Most of their dishes have a 1-10 rating in hotness. They also have a selection of meat/, fish or veggie, but depending on the dish, the selection can be just one, or about five different options. It reminded me of a Mongolian grill, but your sitting down, not watching, there are more options, and it's not Mongolian. The prices are a little high, considering how inexpensive good Chinese food can be. And, for someone not familiar, it's not so easy to know what many of these dishes taste like. I ordered the 3 chicken. It was good, though the chicken was about as soft as chicken can be, almost doughy. And, it was not breaded! Weird, I know. Anyway, it tasted good, but lacked any veggies. A friend pointed out that since the set-up is family style, that it might work better if mixed with a veggie dish. The hottest dish anyone got was a 5, and I am told that was pretty spicy. I can only imagine what a 10 is like. And no, I did not try the 5 dish. I'm just not balling like that. We had dumplings and scallion pancakes as apps. They were both good. In a nutshell, pretty cool place, but not worth it, and not nearly as special as they want it to be.

    (3)

  • Connie J.

    Absolutely delicious! I took my family there once and now for all occasions, Han Dynasty is one of our options. The scallion pancake is amazing and I LOVE their Three Cup Chicken and Eggplant in Garlic Sauce. For someone who cannot eat spicy, I am able to find various food options!

    (5)

  • Kiki L.

    Han is definitely one of my favorite Chinese places to go. Their food is really authentic and hot.. So are some of the bartenders & waiters. (Another reason why I enjoy going there!).

    (4)

  • Anne C.

    The service here was a lot better than any other Han Dynasty that I've been to so kudos for that. The food there was on par to every other Han Dynasty I went to. I thought that their dishes had a bit too much oil in them however, it practically dripped of grease. We had the spicy beef noodle soup which was just a vat of orange reddish colored oil and spice. I was a bit put off by the oil but everyone else liked the dish and all of it. We also had the dry pepper style chicken which is always my favorite dish! It was prepared really well where the outside was perfectly crisp leaving the inside tender and juicy. Needless to say, we finished that dish first. I was between getting the garlic style eggplant or the garlic style tofu and since I already had the eggplant (which is amazing) I opted for the tofu. The dish itself was good but compared to the eggplant it paled in comparison.

    (3)

  • Raisa F.

    I love coming here when I have a cold I need to get rid off. Spice lovers dream. Love the dry pot beef, beef with scallions, and dumplings in chili oil!

    (5)

  • Allen Y.

    Having tried the new NYC branch of Han Dynasty, I was super excited to try one in its hometown while visiting Philadelphia. Food definitely didn't disappoint! Really rich, strong flavors which are potentially not quite authentic Sichuan, but a slightly modernized version that has something addictive in it. The menu here is also much wider than the menu in the NYC branch. I really recommend the spicy crispy cucumbers to start and the dry pepper fish, although to be honest I haven't gotten a dish here that I haven't liked. If you're not a huge fan of spicy food, you probably won't like Han Dynasty; their 'spice scale' is also not very accurate at all, as there are some level 10 dishes that are barely spicy.

    (4)

  • Roopa S.

    This is definitely one of my favorite spots to eat at in University City. It is pretty close by to the campus area, which I love. Prices are affordable and portion sizes are decent as well. I always order my staple favorites-- vegetable Dan Dan noodles, scallion pancakes, and the Kung Pao style tofu. I've also tried the hot sauce style tofu, which was incredible but not as incredible as the Kung Pao style tofu. I wasn't a huge fan of the garlic style tofu, so I haven't ordered it again since the first time I tried it (though I do know others who swear by it). The Dan Dan noodles are absolutely incredible. Such a seemingly simplistic recipe-- the vegetable Dan Dan noodles are literally just noodles with a spicy peanuty sauce (downside is vegetable Dan Dan noodles don't come with any sort of protein, like tofu) but I honestly always find myself craving these noodles. Another great part about the Han Dynasty dining experience is the ability to customize your order depending on spice level. Their dishes follow a 1 to 10 scale, 1 being extremely mild and 10 being extremely hot (caution: very, very spicy). Their dishes come with a suggested spice number, but you can always change it. I usually stick with a 7 for the vegetable Dan Dan noodles and it is extremely, EXTREMELY spicy for me but that's the way I love experiencing the explosion of flavors. The dine-in experience is smooth and memorable. Waitresses and waiters are friendly and genuine; sometimes they'll talk to you about your specific tastes and food preferences before suggesting dishes off of the menu according to your likes and dislikes. Their delivery service is great as well-- my friends and I don't mind paying the small delivery fee (~$4) for fairly fast service and decent portion sizes. Definitely recommend hitting up Han Dynasty if you are in the University City area. It's hard to come by high quality Asian food at affordable prices. You won't regret it!

    (4)

  • Dave R.

    Finally some great Szechuan food. They know how to make things hot and spicy, yet they leave it entirely in your hands--you get to pick the sizzle on a 1-10 scale. Very friendly service and now they have outside tables.

    (5)

  • Kim S.

    Love...Love...Love this restaurant - The twice cooked fish and cold cucumber appetizer are my favorites - While we often go to the one in Manyunk, I really like the University City location too - Unique, delicious food -

    (5)

  • Danielle I.

    I visit the 3700 Market location as often as I dare. If you are a fan of spicy Chinese food this is the place for you. I am a lover of all foods Asian, and I must say that this restaurant is NOT representative of any Chinese restaurant that I have ever been to. The owner of the restaurant found a way to perfectly master the blending of Asian spices to create the most delicious dishes. I have never been more fond of anise or Schezwan peppers. Even the staff is great! They are knowledgeable about the menu offerings and ever changing draft and cocktail selections. If you do not like spicy food, this place may not be for you. There are a few tame things on the menu - 3 cup chicken or salt and pepper shrimp if you MuSt...Spice level can also be reduced for all entrees. I can't possibly cover all the things on the menu that I love so I'll just list a few. Dan Dan Noodles - Heat scale 6ish OMG, I have no idea how something so simple can be made to taste so fabulously. Cucumber in chili sauce - Heat scale 6ish I didn't order this appetizer for ages because it sounds a little pointless, but what the title and menu neglect to mention is that the sauce that these crispy cucumber nuggets is in is only slightly less amazing than the Dan Dan noodle sauce. Cumin Lamb - Heat scale 6ish I hate lamb, really I do. I will take that hatred to the grave. There is something that Han Dynasty does to the lamb that makes it sing - yes SING. There is no way to describe it. Lamb is the best meat for this dish Hot Sauce Fish - Heat scale 7 What a delicious masochistic blend of gently fried fish, garlic, red pepper flakes and other special spices. Dry Pot shrimp or fish - Heat scale 10++ This is the spiciest Chinese dish I have ever eaten. I prefer to share this with groups of people so I don't hurt myself too much because it is truly addictive. If you can take the heat, get in the kitchen with this dish. It will not disappoint! I have had a host of other Chef specials and mixed drinks, and I loved them all. This place is a little pricier than I prefer due to my addiction, but the cost doesn't come close to keep me or the droves of loyal customers away.

    (5)

  • Meg S.

    Han Dynasty is one of those Philly institutions that's an endless favorite on Zagat Philly lists or "top restaurants in Philadelphia", etc. Before I start, Han Dynasty is surprisingly not that expensive (the 3711 Market location is really nice inside!) and has really great, fast, take-out service. A few weeks ago, I got the beef and tripe chili oil dish. I love spicy food, but be warned, this is insanely spicy and cold! Spicy enough to split into three portions to eat when my mouth isn't screaming for mercy. Still, really good! Today, I had the dumplings in chili oil-not as spicy and a really delicious appetizer. I just the Dan Dan noodles for take-out though and am not super impressed...I know this is total heresy and I should just stop the review here, but the portion I got was just "meh" on my flavor scale. I've never had Dan Dan noodles before, but Han's seemed kind of like peanut-buttery noodles without any spice.

    (4)

  • Ceasar B.

    Couple of notable impressions: - The first thing that got me was the decor of the place. Chopsticks were made out of red plastic, and the napkin was just paper, not cloth. Water came out in glass cups. The impression was overall a little cheap, which surprised me. On the other hand, the servers did keep water refilled well and tea was presented immediately. - A lot of the reviews remark that the dishes are very spicy. I was surprised to discover it was pretty tame. The Dan Dan noodles come in at a 6 and it was imperceptible. We got another dish coming in at an 8 which also was hard to notice. Not sure what the explanation might be since I don't consider myself to be especially tolerant, but perhaps I'm more so than I think? - Service was very fast. I think our food came out within ten minutes. Certainly the Dan Dan noodles were instantaneous. - Finally, the food itself is delicious. The Dan Dan noodles especially. I also had some kind of dumplings and an entree, I unfortunately can't remember the names, but both were enjoyable as well. - The bill was a bit pricey. I think they give a lot of food for two, so it's may be justified, just unwanted for two relatively small people. Fortunately, they make taking it home easy if that's something you'd like. EDIT: - After visiting a second time with a large group, I discovered they have a very nice seating area for groups (to the right and somewhat below ground). We got a circular table which I really liked for discussion. Definitely would have appreciated a turntable, but no big deal. - A tip from our server: the spice tends to be the kind that creeps up rather than is entirely overt. Besides water, consuming tea and rice helps to reduce the effect of the spice.

    (4)

  • Ron H.

    I know this location has a lot to live up to given the reputation of the Olde City location, and with that said, they more than deliver. We went with a group of 4 and no reservation to see if they could beat what I feel is an overall mediocre experience from the other location. First off, the space is open and lit well. So right off the bat, it's way better than the other location. Oh, and did I mention there's a nice big sign out front with street parking too! Service is more than friendly; from the hostess who sat us with no reservation, to the waterboy to the 2nd waiter and the gm who stopped at the table to see if there was anything else we needed. The service here makes all the difference. Chinese food is very eclectic and each person likes different aspects of it. Once thing I will say is the chilli oil is hot, and it's a kind of heat that sneaks up on you 10 minutes into eating, so make sure you order a couple of dishes without it. We had about 10 items on the menu between us, no complaints on any of them, but it's not my favorite cuisine and there was nothing I just have to go back and have. I'm sure we'll be back though in the coming months for the group choice and will be sure to try everything else. If you are drawn to Chinese food, this is a place you want to check out, and will probably make a regular stop at. If you're averse to Asian cuisine, there are a few "safe" items you can order and still have a social dinner, but be warned of the heat ratings!

    (4)

  • Casey R.

    This is quickly becoming my favorite location of this restaurant. The food is the same quality as the other locations and they have a full bar! This means draft beer and an extended bottle list as well as specialty cocktails. I also enjoy the interior of this location as it is more spacious and modern looking. We have dined in twice, once during the "soft tofu" opening and once after they added the full bar. It is also convenient for me to grab take out from on the way home, answering all my sesame noodle desires. Parking at this location is much easier than in old city or manyunck, they have a free on site garage for dinner time and there are a lot of free or metered spaces available in the area. As with all locations, you can't go and not order the noodles and cucumbers. Other favorites include the pea leaves, eggplant, garlic sauce style, cumin style and double cooked style.

    (5)

  • Edward M.

    I was here for an extended happy hour recently, and it was indeed a happy hour (thanks to a nice mix of good company and good beverages). The happy hour specials are a great deal (if you like the selections offered) - $3 beers, $4 wines, and $5 cocktails. I tried the two beers, and both were good (though I certainly liked one more than the other). I presume the food is as good here as at the Old City location, though I didn't get to try it this time. It was fairly packed -- certainly to a greater extent than I ever saw Mid-Atlantic filled (which was the previous occupant of the space), which seemed like a good indicator. Also, the dishes I saw the staff walk by with looked yummy. The layout is eye-pleasing -- with lots of wood and warm light -- and sensible -- with a mix of small tables and group tables, as well as a whole bar area. Definitely worth a return visit for a fuller experience; if I'm in the area.

    (4)

  • Christine C.

    Initially, I doubted how good this place would be. It seemed to cater to more American tastes, and as an ABC, I thought it wouldn't be as great as everyone said. However, I was happily proved wrong! I got Dan Dan noodles and pork hot sauce style to share with my friend. It was definitely enough for both of us. The noodles were very delicious with the pork and sauce all mixed in. The pork hot sauce style was just as good, especially with the complimentary rice (by the way, you can ask for more rice if you run out, and it won't cost you more). It was nice and spicy, but you could also adjust the spice, so there's something for everyone. I would give the noodles a 4.5/5 and the pork a 4/5 (it was a little too oily, but that's just my personal taste). In addition, they give you tea free of charge! I had always thought that was expected in Chinese restaurants, especially based on my experiences, but it seems that in some Chinese restaurants on the east coast, they charge for tea. So I was very happy to see that I had nice, light tea to complement my food. I left feeling extremely full. Lastly, the atmosphere is really nice, fit for a casual lunch or dinner or a nicer one.

    (4)

  • Pramod N.

    My best bet u dont find any other decent chinese restaurant in town. Try drypot style over chicken Dinner portion which is available only on weekdays. They have spice levels from 1 all the way to 10. I never tried above 8 its really spicy.

    (4)

  • Nataly N.

    I liked this place so much last time that I raved about it to all of my friends and came here again with a group of them. What a shame that this weekend's experience was both disappointing and embarrassing. I had made a reservation, which turned out to be a good idea because they were pretty busy. In the reservation, we had asked for an outdoor table. The hostess had reserved us an indoor table. We told her that we were willing to wait for an outdoor table to give the server some time, if he had been seated recently. While the hostess was reluctantly figuring out whether to give us an outdoor table, an older lady (maybe a manager?) came over and took us to an outdoor table. Our server was reasonably good. He frequently checked in on us. However, our water glasses remained empty for long stretches of time. When we were ready to order, the older lady who seated us came to take our order instead of our server. We ordered 3 items for starters: the Dan Dan noodles, Crispy Rice Style Pork, and the Bok Choy vegetable dish, to which the older lady said, "THAT'S IT?!?!" followed by, "THAT'S ALL YOU WANT TO ORDER???" all in a very rude tone and incredulous facial expression. I almost choked. As someone with many years in the restaurant industry, I understand why one would prefer dining guests to order more. However, I did emphasize that we wanted to order those items as starters. Most restaurants don't have a problem with this. Also, even if I ever thought that a guest ordered too little, (I might secretly curse them out in my head, but) I would NEVER say it to the guest. Also, as many reviewers point out, the portions are fairly large. I'm not a hugely large eater and I don't think it's wrong to order a comfortable amount of food when dining at a restaurant. (We were still very full by the time we left.) The way the older lady reacted when taking our order was tacky and unprofessional, but the real disappointment was that it took over an hour for our orders to arrive (last time, it took only 10 min). It seemed like she "forgot" to give the kitchen our order... maybe because she thought we didn't order enough. After 45 minutes, we asked our server about our food. He promptly went to the kitchen and came back saying the food was on its way. 15 minutes later, we asked him again. He checked with the kitchen and said that they had run out of bowls. At the same time, a table of 3 just got seated near us. About 10 minutes later, that table of 3 received an order of Dan Dan noodles (in a bowl!) despite the kitchen's alleged lack of bowls. We still did not receive any of our items... not even the boiled vegetable side dish, which takes about 5 minutes to make. A few minutes later, a manager came out with yet another bowl of Dan Dan noodles, but he offered it to a couple who said they didn't order it. The bowl was sent back to the kitchen, though I suspected that it had been ours. I thought about lunging for it, but it disappeared before I could even blink. Another few minutes later, I talked to a girl who was checking on tables and got her to finally bring out our dishes. She apologized that our food "took so long to arrive" ... meaning 1.5 hrs in this case. My friends were really hungry (that's how they kept track of the exact time). I felt so badly about telling them how good Han Dynasty was. This experience really deserves 1 star, but I'm giving 2 stars after taking my last visit into account. I believe the bad reviews a bit more now. I'm not sure if I can still recommend this place at the risk of having others wait 1.5hrs for their food and get rude service from that older lady (the hostess/manager/person who took down our order). We didn't ask for a discount, but if this happens to you, make sure you get yours.

    (2)

  • Sarah S.

    My best friend and I decided to take have a quick dinner on a Friday night and decided on the new Han Dynasty. I have loved the one in Old City and have had large birthday dinners there but it is a little far away from us to go very often. We were very excited to check out the new one close to us. The interior is different but the food was the same and did not disappoint! The food came out very quickly and we shared the Dan-Dan Noodles and Kung Pao Chicken and loved what we had. I am happy they managed to keep the quality from the old restaurant. We will definitely be back again!

    (5)

  • Holly T.

    I'm really glad Han Dynasty opened a location in University City, since despite my good intentions, the chances of me ever making it to their Old City location were slim. I feel so fortunate that this has now become one of our weekday lunch options. On our first visit, they were still in soft opening mode, so service was a bit slow, and it was hard to get a seat without reservations, even for lunch. Since then, though, everything is much smoother and we've been able to get in and out and lunch without any problems. I had to try the dan dan noodles, and they indeed lived up to expectations - delicious flavor, with a nice amount of heat. They were too much for one person, though, so I recommend sharing. On a subsequent visit, we tried the spicy cucumber salad and the cumin lamb, both of which were keepers. In fact, the cumin lamb is so tender and delicious, it will be hard to ever order anything else. The lunch size portions of the entrees are reasonably priced and just the right amount of food. It is so nice to have delicious Chinese food available nearby - we'll be back!

    (4)

  • G N.

    Had lunch here today. I live just a few blocks away, but had never come in. I thought from the look of the outside that it was going to be a PF Changs kind of deal, which is a big NOPE for me. If that's your bag, cool, but I prefer more authentic when I can get it. However, at the voice of a friend, I decided to give it a try. I got the pork belly double-cooked style, and the taiwanese sausage. The sausage is pretty much exactly what you'd expect, the sweet sausage that you find at Asian groceries, but paired with freshly sliced garlic which took it to another level. The pork belly was a little drier than I expected. It didn't have exactly the melt in my mouth texture that I tend to associate with pork belly. The sauce, though a little oily, was flavorful and complex. They rated the spice at a four, but honestly I found it pretty mild. I would've put it more at a one or a two. Despite those few minor nitpicks, this is definitely a place I intend to bring my husband back to to try more things. Maybe next time I'll try the rabbit.

    (4)

  • Jon Z.

    Decent food but service is extremely rude. I brought a bottle of wine and asked them if they are BYOB like the Old City location. The reply was "you can bring the bottle, but just don't open it" in a sarcastic and demeaning tone. Will not eat at a place that talks down to its paying customers ever again.

    (1)

  • Bridget P.

    Brand expansion has done a number on Han Dynasty. This was my first visit to the West Philly location (my go-to is Old City), and I have to say it is mystifying that this place has mostly held on to its reputation. The West Philly location has some virtues: The design is sleek, contemporary, and casual, and we were promptly seated and served. This was a nice change from the kitschy, cavernous Old City location, where you practically have to wave your arms around to attract a server, even when the restaurant is empty. Here, the atmosphere and service were an improvement (although my friend's dish inexplicably arrived five minutes before mine, and we had to listen to an even more inexplicable soundtrack of N'Sync and Nelly). I ordered the double-cooked chicken. This is a dish I've had dozens of times at the Old City location, where the chicken is served in lean, bite-sized slabs. Here, there were large, rubbery pieces of meat-- the sort you might expect of cheap takeout, but not of the supposedly best Chinese restaurant in Philadelphia. Next I ordered the Kung Pow Tofu--a safe choice, I thought, since I've enjoyed it at the Old City location, and since it did not involve meat. Again, it was nothing like its Old City counterpart, whose small-diced vegetables (onion, scallions, peppers, water chestnuts) give each bite variety and texture. The dish becomes pointless when a single bite consists of a massive, spongy tofu triangle, or a giant, blanched bell pepper. My friend's vegetable fried rice was tasty, if misleadingly named, since there were no vegetables in it. I get that expansion often means a loss of quality control -- but would they try to sell this stuff in the recently opened New York location? Are they hoping that the nearby college campuses will provide a stream of customers regardless of quality? They would be wise to remember that not all people connected with campuses are students, and that students have standards too.

    (2)

  • Joshua J.

    I work in this building so I go here pretty frequently for lunch. This is the best chinese I've ever had, bar none. The Dan Dan Noodles, as mentioned in other reviews, are fantastic, and a regular lunch staple for me. Service is usually fast and concise, the people who work there are great. I will say that a server did lie to me about a credit card minimum. I went there to get lunch with a friend, we both got lunch portions, about 9 dollars worth of food. When he delivered the two checks, he told us something along the lines of "Now you both have less than 10 dollars on your check, and we have a 10 dollar minimum on credit cards, but I know that with the tip you're going to give me, that you won't have a problem getting over that" in a pretty firm tone, then threw us kind of a cheap smile. I went a few days later by myself and I asked about the minimum on cards and the staff assured me there wasn't one. That was pretty lame.

    (4)

  • Saunna S.

    Awesome food. Love Dan Dan noodles like everybody else. The place is beautiful bubbling with energy and the servers are really nice folk too. My kinda hot food. This time around I tried the spice level 10 fish which I didn't quite like. But I loved everything else, space and people included, hence I am ready to let it pass. Han is one of my go-to's for sure! Oh and remember they do not serve dessert!

    (5)

  • Vichet O.

    *Channeling William Shatner* HAAAAAAAAAN! I've tried Manayunk. That was insane. I told myself I could only come back once in a blue moon, lest I gorge myself into oblivion. And then, biking to Center City from my house, I discover that you've soft opened a new location FOUR BLOCKS FROM WHERE I LIVE. How could you do this to me? I must honor it as a great gift. I must fear it as an infernal curse. A tasty, peppery, punch someone in the face because it was so good kind of curse. Your food makes me want to give up my imaginary first born (because, let's face it, who would ever have a kid with someone like me?) so I can imply, but not actually say, some sort of poorly conceived joke about your dry fry style dishes involving said baby. Yes. That's what your food does to me. Super friendly, quick service. A respectable beer/wine/cocktail list, and a beautiful space that used to be home to a restaurant that I've sadly never been to (MidAtlantic). This is all I need any day of the week. So, it's obvious that this place is a regular staple for me now. Bring 3 friends for lunch. Get the dan dan noodles, or cold sesame. Also, spicy cucumbers. Then add a dry fry dish, or their scallion style lamb, or whatever the hell you want, and everyone gets to eat tons of delicious Szechuan, face-melting awesomeness for about 10 bucks a head. I still need to do some sort of food challenge here, where I eat the spiciest three things they can create. Who's in? No baby sacrifice required.

    (4)

  • Jessica G.

    I loved this place! I went in with a group of coworkers on a business trip. We were a little early for dinner as it was about 5:30 so the place was pretty empty...but it picked up quickly so I'm glad we were early. The staff was really friendly and explained to us that it was family style Chinese so we were best picking a bunch of stuff to share...which is perfect, that's my favorite was to order food. The server also warned us that this would be more traditional Chinese and could be very spicy, but could also be adjusted to our tastes. The menu had spice guidelines and we agreed not to go above a five (out of ten). I generally do not like spicy...but I could handle the level five just fine as we were eating, but I only sampled smaller amounts of the spicier dishes and probably wouldn't have been able to handle the whole portion spice-wise. Anyway...on to the specifics...we ordered Dan Dan noodles first. These were amazing. It was like a lo mein noodle texture in a slightly spicy sauce with some pork mixed in. My second favorite was probably the garlic chicken. The garlic sauce was really good and tasted freshly made. We also had Kung pow chicken, pickled chili fish and dumplings. Everything tasted fresh and not gross and greasy like Chinese food can be sometimes. I've never experienced a Chinese restaurant like this and am already wondering where I can get Dan Dan noodles in south Florida. On a final note we were all super stuffed, had leftovers, and the check was only $80. Five people eating that much food of that quality usually comes to much more...Han dynasty has won me over.

    (5)

  • Brian T.

    Quality - 4 stars (Good). Price - $$$$ (costly) Taste - Traditional and Spicy Good: Spicy Tofu Fish Han Dynasty is probably the number one Chinese high-end restaurant in Philadelphia. It's interior and dining atmosphere are well designed. So my dining experiences there are often feel comfortable. Most dishes they provide are very tradition and spicy, but some non spicy dishes are also very good. Their chicken with sesame oil is probably the most stunning non-spicy dish. Also if you are a heavy spicy eater, don't haste to try their level 10 Spicy Tofu Fish. A good thing about Han Dynasty is, you can always change spicy level. For level 1 spicy, you may still feel spicy but feel less numb. If you try level 10, the dish will really get you sweaty. I have personably been to this place many times. It's so popular among Chinese or Asian group but also Zagat or other magazines. Try it even you don't eat spicy.

    (4)

  • Yun W.

    Overall decent Chinese food for those unwilling to venture into the streets of Chinatown. Not exactly authentic food and priced high for Chinese, but a good place to go for those who value ambiance and good service. This would be a good (safe) place for a business lunch or dinner serving Chinese cuisine. Had the dumplings in chili oil, Dan Dan Noodles, Bok Choy w/ black mushrooms, Black Bean Style Beef, and Dry Pepper Style Chicken. Dan Dan Noodles were by far my favorite. The other dishes were okay. The ambiance is trendy, appearing to be one of those places that aspires to be an Asian Fusion place or the next PF Chang's. The (non-Chinese) waiter was friendly and explained how spicy each of the dishes would be, and everything turned out fine spice-wise. Not my favorite Chinese restaurant, but nothing particularly bad either.

    (3)

  • David H.

    Update (though this is more of a tip): make sure to take home any leftovers, even if it's just some of the oils and veggies at the bottom of the hot pots. The next day, stir fry them up with some leftover rice and an egg - be prepared to enjoy the most banging fried rice you've ever tasted !

    (5)

  • Kristen C.

    Yum! There were lots of things I could eat as a vegetarian. My boyfriend and I went for lunch. We got: Scallion Pancakes, Dan Dan Noodles (meat on the side), Hot Sauce Style with fried tofu entree size, side of rice, Dumplings in Chili Oil, and Red Bean ice cream. SO MUCH FOOD. Our meal (and probably lunch and dinner tomorrow!) cost $45 including tip. The wait staff were very nice and always had my water in my glass. The food was SO FREAKING GOOD. You just need to try it. If they have red bean ice cream, GET IT! Just trust me...it was amazing.

    (5)

  • Whiterock R.

    pretty good. Very efficient.

    (4)

  • Andy R.

    Happened upon Han Dynasty and went in when I realized it was one of those rare 3 Bell Philly restaurants. Great food, expertly prepared. Quick, friendly service. Look forward to the next opportunity to dine there.

    (4)

  • Stephanie R.

    Every time I come here I always want to GET EVERYTHING ON THE MENU BECAUSE IT IS ALL SO GOOD. That said I always end up over-ordering which is fine with me because I get lots of tasty leftovers to take back home with me and eat at inappropriate times of the day or night. Some of my favorites are the dan dan noodles, the crispy cucumbers, and the wontons in chili. In regards to entrees, a favorite is the double fried pork. If you're there with just 2 people the dan dan noodles are a pretty large serving, and it is pretty easy to fill up on those, so be careful. I have found that the cucmbers are good to order because the cucumber can help cut the spiciness of when eating some of the spicer dishes. I think I prefer this location over the Old City one. The UCity location is a little swankier, modern, and it feels like more a "night out on the town" than the "local digs" of the OC location. The UCity location also has a full bar and some awesome cocktails, while the OC location just has beer and wine. If anyone asks if you want to go to Handy Nasty just do yourself a favor and just say YES!

    (5)

  • Erin M.

    Fifteen of my coworkers and I descended upon the new Han Dynasty location for lunch on the Friday before Memorial Day weekend. The place was about half-full; we only had to wait a few minutes for the servers to push some tables together for our group. We had no reservation, but they treated us like VIPs, anyway. I was finally able to try the Dan Dan noodles because we split two bowls around the table. I would highly recommend trying that. They were happy to hold the pork from one of the bowls, for the vegetarians among us, and the noodles were quite tasty and spicy on their own. I also sampled the spicy crispy cucumbers (great), the scallion pancake (fantastic, but still not as good as my Chinese friend's dad makes them), and the lunch portion of the bok choy with a delightful chewy mushroom. It's nice that you can get most of the entrees as lunch portions for a fraction of the price at the lunch hour. I'm thrilled that we have such a fantastic Chinese option in University City!

    (5)

  • Tom I.

    I had heard good things about the original Han Dynasty on Chestnut Street but never tried it. When they opened a new location in University City just blocks from where I work, I had no excuse not to try it. Both times I've been there have been excellent. The first time, I had Garlic Sauce Style beef and my friend had the Dan Dan Noodles. The sauce on the beef was slightly on the heavy side but full of flavor and the meat was incredibly tender. My only real complaint from that first visit was that we were sitting on high stools that were INSANELY uncomfortable. Luckily, this was just lunch and I had no desire to linger. However, service was a little on the slow side resulting in some leg numbness. Did I mention the stools are INSANELY uncomfortable? The second time, we were seated at a table which was perfectly comfortable. My friend and I shared a couple of apps (Spicy Crispy Cucumber and Dumplings in Chili Oil) and shared the Cumin Style lamb. All was tasty and, again, the meat was wonderfully tender. At lunch, they give you an option of a smaller, less expensive portion and the 2 apps and lunch portion entree was just right. I can see Han Dynasty becoming part of our usual lunch rotation.

    (4)

  • Jacqueline R.

    Visited Han Dynasty on a visit to Penn's campus. The first reason for docking points--the spice scale is way, way off. We were told that a 5 (out of 10) is equivalent to Sriracha sauce. Now, when I think of Sriracha, I think of putting several drops all over a dish of food. What Han Dynasty meant was, marinating/service chunks of meat/tofu in a bowl FULL of Sriracha. Long story short, it was way too hot to handle. If you are a mild-ONLY person, go 1-2. If you are a brave soul, try 3. 5 was unbelievable; do not recommend. Second reason for docking points--I had beef noodle soup, and I wasn't a huge fan of the broth. Also there were massive chunks of cartilage still attached to my meat. That's not necessarily a deal-breaker, but the amount of edible meat was not a ton, and I think that may have contributed to the unusual taste of the broth. A fun atmosphere and nice service (especially when we had to admit to not being able to handle the 5), just not a huge fan of the food.

    (2)

  • Percy N.

    I met Han on the first day he opened his first restaurant in Exton some 6-7 years ago. Since then I am glad to see his restaurant empire grow and am a weekly (sometimes multiple times a week) customer. Though I usually visit the suburb Han Dynasty's, I can honestly say this locations is one of the best with its distinctive Cumin Lamb, Dan Dan noodles and a dish which is not that well known but the best on the menu....drum roll please....fish with hot dry peppers. Also remember to get the Cold chicken in chili oil, spicy cucumbers and Taiwanese sausage as appetizers. The West Lake soup is good but I usually skip it unless there are people in our dining group who do not like hot food (a rarity). Three cup chicken usually satisfies the people who like mild food. Check out the great drink specials and beers on tap.

    (5)

  • Sovanny B.

    The only thing that is good is their Dan-dan noodles.

    (3)

  • Paul L.

    While Han in Olde City is an eccentric, bossy, know-it-all kinda host. Catherina in University City is the most friendly, welcoming hostess you could find in any restaurants. Han Dynasty in UCity is definitely better than the original since it's a lot loftier with free parking, a nice bar area, a higher end venue altogether. It always have space to accommodate a large party like my friends and I. The staff here is way more professional. Instead of giving off that "you're lucky to dine here" vibe, they give you a sense that they really want you to be there. My favorite dish is still the double cook fish, the sesame noodle, beef and tripe in chili oil and pork belly in garlic sauce, but they have an UCity specific special menu with special items. During Chinese new year, they had a special special menu with stir-fried razor clams shaped like a peacock that was superb. Fried Taiwanese sausage is sweet and unlike the traditional Chinese sausages I had. Three cup chicken is also sweet little chunks of delights. With such a welcoming crew, no wonder Han Dynasty is expanding and opening up more and more stores catering to people who wants to add more spice in their life. One of them just happens to be Jose Garces. I spotted him and his family dining the other night and I was star struck only to be too chicken s#*t and too polite to disrupt a family dinner to get my pictures taken with him. But if the Iron Chef comes here for his kick, it must be good, right?

    (4)

  • Leanne P.

    I was here last summer with my two sisters and the food and service were outstanding. However, the last time I was here, which was a couple weeks ago, the experience was memorable but not because of the food. The food was once again delicious like last time. Some of the best asian food I've had. The service on the other hand was very unprofessional. I was with my mom and sister waiting for my other sister to arrive while the bus boy, I guess you would call him, tried to take our fourth place setting away, without asking if anyone else was joining us. We were still waiting on my other sister to arrive. When I told him this he rolled his eyes and said under his breath, "I guess she's invisible". I would have said something if my jaw wasn't on the floor and I also didn't want to have to worry about him spitting in my food. When the waiter came over he asked for our drink order and my mom told him what she wanted. He didn't even look up and then walked away! We had to flag him down to give us the other three drink orders! Every encounter from that moment on was so uncomfortable. He acted like he hated us and hated his life. Sorry buddy, but that's not our fault! He didn't seem to care how our food was either or if we needed more refills. He was honestly one of the most awkward and uncomfortable servers I've ever had and I felt like we were asking him for a favor when we finally got a hold of him. I know that some people are definitely more outgoing then others but if you're socially awkward you probably shouldn't be waiting tables! Next time I go here, it will be for take out!

    (3)

  • Tina S.

    My favorite place to eat near Penn campus! The atmosphere is pretty nice and you have the choice to eat inside or outside and I've never had a problem with the service. Recommended dishes: - Dan Dan Noodles - there's a reason why this is their signature dish! The noodles are perfectly cooked and slightly chewy, and the waiter mixes the noodles/sauce right in front of you. In fact when I don't have this for a few months, I actually start to get cravings. - Szechuan Fish - it's hard to find a restaurant that makes fish well in Szechuan style. This one is perfect because the spiciness doesn't over-burden the taste of the fish. The fish is cooked really well and the pieces fall apart perfectly. Don't like anything dry pot style - it's so dry and spicy that I can't actually taste anything else during the meal..or for the rest of the day for that matter. Also don't really like the double cooked pork - comes out too 50% of the time and chewy to the point that it's hard to eat. OH and if you come here with a large group (30+) for an event, you can negotiate the tasting menu price - great deal to try everything on the menu if it's your first time!

    (4)

  • S L.

    ok food.. I had better in center city..

    (3)

  • Kara K.

    Yes, yes and yes. Everything here was amazing: Dan Dan Noodles, Garlic Chicken and Salt and Pepper Shrimp. Cannot wait to go back. Service was very good as well. Spicy, but really not too spicy and you can definitely have them adjust the spiciness depending on your preference. I would recommend sharing as there are so many good things to try. Enjoy!

    (5)

  • Vi N.

    Han never disappoints! Ever since fellow Yelper Brad P. introduced me to Han Dynasty, I've been a fan. This new location is much bigger than the original location. The seating is more modern, lots of open space, and even has outdoor dining, great for those summer nights. The service is still great, and fast! Our waitress was very attentive. We ordered the usual, dan dan noodles, 3 cup chicken & cold crispy cucumbers. I swear I can never get enough of those cucumbers. We also tried the cumin chicken dish, which was too salty for my taste. I'm also not a fan of cumin, we also got the sauteed pea shoots, which was delicious, always nice to have some vegetables in your meal :] Glad that the new Han Dynasty is as good as the original. No more long waits :]

    (4)

  • Marie W.

    The food is 4 stars in my book, but the service took my review down to 3 overall. The 3 Cup Chicken was my favorite - savory & sweet. Like my daughter said: packed with flavor. But after our meal was served our server disappeared & it took some effort to get our teapot refilled.

    (3)

  • Melissa L.

    I love Han. (Handy Nasty as I call it.) I can't say too much more than others have said, but this location is the better of the two I've visited. Must: Dan Dan noodles & cucumbers. I love: The garlic style with pork or chicken, but I make it a level 7. I've had several other dishes, all adjusted to level 6 or 7 and I really haven't been disappointed ever. (Specifically, I have had the scallion style, hot sauce style, and crispy rice. But seriously, if you can't deal with hot food, this is not the place for you.) The only thing I've had that I am not a fan of the cumin dish - my boyfriend LOVES it, but it's really dry and powdery to me. On the specials menu, the curry is seriously some of the best food I've ever had. It's not szechuan, though, so try that on your later visits if you really want the specialties. One day I will work up the courage for the level 10 dishes.

    (5)

  • Erin F.

    I gave you another chance Han Dynasty. I wanted to like you and prove myself wrong from our last visit. Sorry, but once again you disappointed me. I really find the food to be nothing better than a regular chinese restaurant somewhere else. It is just dressed up with cool decor and music. I must say that the lychee cocktail is excellent and if I am craving one of those, then I'll stop in for the cocktail. But the food is just: meh.

    (2)

  • Leona B.

    Seriously, I'm Chinese, this place is REALLY GOOD. You get high from the spice intensity, and the spice doesn't overpower the deliciousness. Get the double fried fish, spicy cucumbers, mapu tofu, Dan Dan noodles, wontons in chili sauce. (10) I'll be back!!

    (5)

  • Erin A.

    Gotta love em dan dan noodles, fried fish, and spicy eggplant! I love this place because the noodles and the eggplant is as authentic schezwan food in Philly can get! My friend that lives in Philly raves about this resturant and says that this is a must visit for those traveling through Philly! People rave about this place because of taste & authenticity. Yah, I'm a bit picky on my egg plant! I love the way this tastes!!! Food is inexpensive here well priced! I watched a couple at the near by table next to me just split dan dan noodles. Portions are big and my friend and I were beyond stuffed and we still had left overs. Even eating the left overs 24+ hours later, was still tasty! If traveling through Philly, I would definitely come back! Anthony Bourdain agrees too on Parts Unknown!

    (5)

  • Helen Z.

    I was really surprised at how quick service was here. All of our plates came out within 5 minutes of ordering. Everything we had was very flavorful and well cooked. The Dan Dan Noodles were good but I'm not as crazy about it as everyone else seems to be. I really loved the Dry Pot Style - we had it with chicken and asked for level 5 spicyness. It was a tinge on the salty side but the chicken was perfectly cooked and the flavors were delicious. We also had the scallion pancake which was simple and came with a really good chili dipping sauce. Their spring rolls had a pretty boring cabbage and carrot filling, nothing spectacular. I'm glad I gave this place a try, but I don't see myself going back.

    (3)

  • Mike L.

    My favorite place to eat on campus! As a person who enjoys spicy food, Han Dynasty just does it right. The szechaun spices don't overpower the taste, but still leaves a nice slow burn in your mouth. I recommend the Dan Dan Noodles to start with and then the double cooked pork belly. Just make sure you order lots of rice with your dishes, you'll need it!

    (5)

  • Jack E.

    Han dynasty is amazing as advertised. A bunch of my friends always brag about it and I had to go there. The dan dan noodles are amazing. They're so addictive that I've been craving them since I left the building. Definitely going to make it a regular place to go to on my list

    (5)

  • Lauren B.

    The food is AMAZING. And this isn't my first time or my last eating at the many Han Dynasty establishments. However- the service here is so-so. Our waiter was almost intrusive and annoyed that we were there. Also, when I asked if my entree could include chicken and tofu (rather than just one or the other), I figured it wouldn't be a problem since they were the same price (even it was more, I would have paid it), but when I politely asked if that was possible he replied with, "No." just like that. Nothing like, "Let me check with the kitchen" or "Probably but it might cost more" nothing like that. Just a simple, "No." really? Ok. That's fine. Tofu it is. Anyway, this perturbed me but like I said, it's not going to prevent me from eating at the old city location, I'll just avoid the college kids in U City.

    (3)

  • Joyce L.

    So happy they opened a location in University City!! I visited on a Tuesday for lunch and was quite pleased with the experience. The restaurant is located where Mid-Atlantic used to be. There are many more tables at this restaurant than the one in Olde City--plus better lighting and openness. Since it just opened, it wasn't hard to get a seating for a group of 8. What further enhanced our experience was the food--everything was prepared pretty well (though they ran out of wontons in chili oil and substituted it with dumplings instead). Three Cup Chicken was not overcooked (something that happens at the Olde City location, as reported by my friend). Of course, Dan Dan Noodles were off the hook! 3 orders of the noodles, plus 2 meat dishes, and an appetizer was enough to fill 8 hungry stomaches. Staff was fine. No one was particularly nice or rude. Yay for a good chinese restaurant around campus!

    (4)

  • Biggie F.

    Food is good. Price is right. Varied menu -- easy to mix favorites and new things. Service and seating can be variable. Otherwise the current mean (average evaluation) really describes this place. Can you tell I have nothing worthwhile to add?

    (4)

  • Andrew H.

    This was respectable. The food was good, although a little bland compared to Singapore.

    (4)

  • Tanya G.

    Really good food, great seasoning, great quality. Terrific vegetarian options as well. And, a really cool ambience. Definitely a place to check out!

    (4)

  • Nao F.

    Although we totally exceeded our party size that I reported in advance by 11 (haha...), the lady at the counter facilitated every problem in a professional manner! That was fantastic. We really enjoyed the delicious cuisine as usual. I love this place. The talk about the background stories of the Chinese dishes with the owner (?) was very interesting, too.

    (5)

  • Danielle M.

    YUM. TASTY. SPICY. *Disclaimer I am a weenie when it comes to capsaicin. Also worth noting that a former English teacher in China says this is the most authentic Chinese food he has come across stateside. The appetizers are really, really delicious, namely the dan-dan noodles (even though I thought they were spicy as all hell, I couldn't stop shoveling them into my face hole). The entrees did not impress me as much as the apps we ordered, but on the upside--depending on who you ask--they are less spicy by far. The meat is sort of squishy, which is something I expect from cheap Chinese places, but not an upscale one. The string beans with minced pork were awesome though. They were playing the Eagles game behind the bar (Thursday night football), which pleased the boys in our group. Beer menu was good (maybe 6-8 on tap plus a large selection of bottles). We spent more than we intended to. That said, we took home several meals' worth of leftovers and each had 2+ beers.

    (4)

  • Jah F.

    Women waitresses, need to seriously be replaced. I am not sexist, I just don't know their names, so I have to resort to generalizations. But after going through this ordeal, I probably should be. Before I go on my rant, I'd just like to credit waiters like Kevin and the manager ( bald guy) who were phenomenal because they actually do their jobs and build personal relationships with new customers even when they aren't my servers, and therefore have no incentive for doing so. That is not just customer service, it shows great personal character as well. Because I could do nothing for them as far as tips, but they were still helpful anyway. However, I seldom get Kevin and I ALWAYS get the increasingly incompetent women waitresses who don't do their jobs correctly and that is what destroyed the whole Han Dynasty experience for me. Every time I come in, the place is not that busy at all, so there shouldn't be any excuses for any customer mistreatment. For example I was there the other day, one of only three people in the dining room during lunch, my water was never filled, and I had to get up out of my seat to ask someone else for extra rice because she never came back to see how I was doing. I even had to get back up to ask her ( the white, slinky waitress ) to bring my check. When she gave me my check she didn't come back for 20 minutes. She wasn't even busy, she was counting her tips about 5 tables away from me. Kevin saw this neglect and processed my payment for me. I wanted to tip Kevin. I should have put zero dollars on the tip but I felt guilty. I actually just started coming here, and I have been buying food for the past couple weeks, both takeout and eat-in. No more. The dishes aren't difficult to make; pork belly appetizer, and dry pepper fish can be made at home. I will be going to China Town today to buy my ingredients instead of dealing with the crappy hospitality that the waitresses provide. Overall, the experience is ZERO Stars. Food, however, is phenomenal. But when eating in, hospitality prevails over food. And I am not paying for OVERPRICED food from a restaurant that is void of customer service skills, unless of course, you get a male waiter, which is rare.

    (1)

  • Crystal P.

    Me and my boyfriend were driving around University City looking for anything to eat and we come across this restaurant. It looked very inviting and they had outdoor seating (which is what we wanted) so we decided to stop here. We were seated immediately and were given this refreshing green tea. It was a bit hot for hot tea but it was still very tasty. It took the waiter a little too long to take our order, I guess she forgot that she had customers outside. She apologized about her delay and took our order right away. Within minutes our food and drinks were brought out and it was hot and delicious! If you LOVE spicy food then this is the place for you! Im not a fan of spicy food so I ordered the Scallion chicken which had no spice rating and then my boyfriend got the garlic chicken which had a spice level of 3. The level 3 was spicy enough and the levels go up to 10 so I cant imagine how spicy that is. All the dishes are family style so it was very easy to share. The one thing I didnt like were their fried dumplings, too much dough and not enough meat. Besides that everything was 5 stars! Including the delicious drinks. I recommend this place to anyone! Great food and drinks!

    (4)

  • Prakriti S.

    Tonight was my second visit to this particular Han Dynasty. The actual restaurant is styled very nicely and its a pleasant dining experience. We sat outside last time and tonight we sat inside, right next to the bar. The bar is beautiful and well stocked. The tea is a nice touch and both times my boyfriend and I stayed after paying just to enjoy the tea. The servers were very attentive and often checked in on and refilled water classes whenever we were running low, which is something that a lot of servers seem to overlook. On our first visit, we ordered the chicken lo mein and the dry pot style chicken. Both were ordered at a spice level of 10, although we suspect that our waiter put them at a lower spice level because we ended up having to ask for extra chilli oil. Aside from the spiciness, however, both the noodles and the chicken were great. There were a lot of bugs and mosquitos around (we sat outside) and I was paranoid about one of them landing in the food so instead of eating seconds, we just took the rest to go. Needless to say, the food was quickly eaten later than night.. This time around, we got an all vegetarian meal. We ordered the vegetable fried dumplings, the vegetable lo mein, and the garlic sauce style tofu all at a spice level of 10, once again. The dumplings were yummy and we both ate three quite quickly. But the noodles and the tofu- phew. This time, for whatever reason, the spice level was MUCH more intense than the last. It was definitely spicy! I, personally, loved it because the spicier the better, but my poor boyfriend couldn't get past a couple bites (even though he can eat very spicy food, usually). My advice would def be to pay attention to the spice levels- a ten is definitely a ten... or at least it was this time around. lol It is a bit more pricey for chinese but honestly, this is the only chinese place in university city that I actually can see myself craving so I guess its just something that I'll have to deal with. (As a price reference, the three things we got tonight ended up costing around 32 bucks.) Over all, a solid four star place that you should check out if you want spicy chinese thats much, much better than any other chinese place in University City.

    (4)

  • Christine B.

    Went with a group of 4 for dining days. It was definitely a great deal, $25 each for full portions of food. We basically ordered almost everything that was on the special menu. Interestingly, all the noodle dishes we had as appetizers were super spicy, but all the entrees were very mild. I would have liked it better the other way around, because we were kind of full and spiced out by the time the entrees arrived, Instead of dessert you can get a cocktail which was a really nice option. Everyone got to take home at least two dishes. I don't know if it was just an off night, but the dan dan noodles were kind of terrible, and I usually love them.

    (4)

  • Y L.

    This is not my first time at Han Dynasty and I am probably one of their biggest fans! I made a reservation, had to make a few changes to that reservation and had no problem doing so. The staff are always friendly, efficient and right on point! Additionally, the food is Amazing and you should try the Honey Walnut and Shrimp or the Cumin Lamb(my favorite if you are into spice/heat). A great starter is the Scallion Pancakes makes me happy every time! My only not so great comment is that they do not have any dessert besides ice cream or water ice and I wanted to get my friend a slice of cake to sing happy birthday. So, we just went to the bar and had a shot instead :-).

    (4)

  • Kristina B.

    The food at Han Dynasty is superb. But an unpleasant incident happened there that ensures that I will never return. On Christmas eve, after mass, my partner and I went to Han Dynastyl. We were seated in a row of 2-tops. The restaurant wasn't crowded, but we were close enough to our neighbors to catch little snippets of conversation from the other tables without actually eavesdropping. On our right sat an African American couple, apparently checking out the restaurant for the first time, middle class, quiet, and having a nice date night. So I was rather shocked when one of the managers came over and offered to "box up the food," when the couple was clearly not finished (full plates and forks midair). The gentleman sitting at the table called the manager on it, quietly and politely; a few minutes later the couple left, their food unfinished. This is what 21st century Jim Crow looks like, I guess--you get to sit in the restaurant, and pay for your food, but you are not allowed to enjoy it. I will never go back.

    (1)

  • Linh Q.

    Came here with a group of friends for my birthday. We had a total of 16 people in our party so we opted for the tasting menu. There's 3 different tasting menu ranging from $20-$30 so we went with the $30 which came with 15 dishes including appetizers and entrees. You tell them what you want to include in the tasting menu and the chef would customize the entrees based on your preference. You also get to choose your level of spicy. At first we were afraid that there's not enough food since its called tasting menu but it turned out we had more than enough food. We left with 2 big bags filled with take out and ended up eating left over for the next two days. The cucumber with sesame oil is my favorite because its so light yet so flavorful. I will definitely be back.

    (4)

  • Nina A.

    Each dish was a bit pricey, but with the amount of food we got, we could have fed two additional people!

    (5)

  • Vanessa H.

    The food here rocks my world. Dan dan noodles and dry pepper style are my favorites. Staff is great, too. I suggest getting one fewer dishes than your party size, and ordering the dan dan noodles or another appetizer instead of the final dish. You'll have plenty to eat. Not sure if this location has the same "60% price for 60% size dish" lunch deal as Old City. If they would turn down the lights, the ambience would be much improved. It's such a nice place, but being so bright really detracts.

    (5)

  • Meghan S.

    It is 10:34 at night. I placed an order for delivery at 9:15. I just got a call from the delivery person saying the kitchen is closed. I asked if the kitchen was closed at 9:15 when I placed the order. It wasn't. But it is closed now and they aren't delivering my food. I waited over an hour for my food and AN HOUR LATER they called just to say they aren't delivering it. While technically this is the delivery service that Han Dynasty contracts with - they contract with a really crummy service that doesn't actually deliver your food. I used to eat here all the time, but I won't support a restaurant that has customer service that is this poor.

    (1)

  • Laura W.

    Went with friends for a campus club event so the menu was pre-arranged, however the food was excellent! The tea was standard, and my gin-based cocktail was tasty (though a little difficult to drink as it contained lots of pieces of fruit which competed with the ice cubs for falling out onto my nose as I tried to sip). But the food...oh it was awesome! I've been craving Chinese for a while, and this more than satisfied my cravings in a way that cheap fast-food take-out never could. The food is arranged by how hot and spicy it is, from a 1 (not hot) to a 10 (mouth on fire). My group chose what we thought would be a fairly safe, not spicy level of 3--and found ourselves unprepared for the peppers. Next time I'll go for a 1, but I'll definitely go back. We had a tasting menu which included a huge variety of dishes. Appetizers ranged from scallion pancakes (flakey and buttery goodness!), to pork dumplings (mouth on fire burning!), a cucumber salad, pork lo mein, and other savory/spicy dishes. By the time the entrees arrived, most everyone at my table was more than halfway to being full, but the array of foods to sample was enough to entice us to continue eating. The sweet honey-batter shrimp, snow-pea leaves, stir-fried green beans with pork and chicken with sticky rice were all amazing. The meats were well marinated and practically melted in my mouth (beef, pork, chicken--all were excellently prepared!). The vegetables were crisp and the sauces tangy. It was an excellent meal, only dimmed by the fact that this place doesn't serve dessert! (As I live for sugar, I find this somewhat blasphemous) While it was fairly crowded when we arrived at 7 on a Wednesday night, the service was still attentive and the food delivered promptly. Our attentive waiter was great (filled our water glasses when they were less than an inch from the top, always asking how things tasted, etc.). By the time we left (sometime around 8:30-8:45) the bar area and dining area were both packed, evidence as to how popular this place is. I will definitely be returning to Han Dynasty to fill my next Chinese food craving!

    (4)

  • Dave R.

    Really really good. The dan dan noodles are the best i've ever had. Get the double cooked pork belly and the wontons in chili sauce. I think it's a tad overpriced, but overall very delicious.

    (4)

  • Anthony N.

    Delicious and spicy! All spicy foods are ranked (1) - (10). As a point of reference, I would say Sriracha is a 6. I would highly recommend ordering something not spicy to give yourself a break from all the fiery goodness. Dan Dan noodles and dry pepper chicken are MUST gets!

    (5)

  • Sonal T.

    Like the place and sitting arrangement. 3 star for the service and food was ok!

    (3)

  • Alex B.

    I had the dry pepper style shrimp and the kung pao chicken about 5 days ago for dinner with some friends. I had the dumplings as an app and a few cocktails, the mule and the gimlet. I've been to solid Sichuan restaurants in the past few years, and this one is easily up there with the best. The food is flavorful and spicy (it's Sichuan cuisine, come on). The service was prompt and they treated me and my friends well. We had reservations and the hostess (hot) was nice and sat us quickly. All in all a solid experience and I will be coming back.

    (5)

  • Samantha B.

    Han is my boyfriends all time favorite spot. We've been to the Old City location 3 times together, and he was craving last night so we went to the University City one. I was always eh eh about the Han in Old City because the basement feels like a dungeon. I know that's what adds to the appeal of true Han lovers, but it just feels like a dungeon to me. University City is decorated great and the service is spot on. Check in on Yelp and get a free order of Spicy Crispy Cucumbers. We started with the Cucumbers and the Wontons in Chili Oil. I don't even like cucumbers, but Han makes them pretty tasty. The sauce is delish and you still get the refreshingness of the cucumbers. Every time we order the wontons in chili oil, and every time we realize that we meant to order the other dumplings. The chili oil is definitely too over powering for me. We also got the Dan Dan noodles, which were miraculously delicious this time around, and the Three Cup Chicken, which was standard and great but we were so full we barely made a dent. The noodles are often too spicy for me, so we asked them to lower the spice from 6 to 4. This made a huge difference, and I left without my entire mouth/throat on fire. This location is great, and I'll be happy to come back whenever my boyfriend is craving some chili oil and dan dan. Maybe pass on the wontons/dumplings so we actually eat more than what we leave with in leftovers. Actually craving some dan dan noodles right about now.

    (4)

  • Chris C.

    Our experience was amazing! I've been to the Old City Han Dynasty a bunch of times but I've never received the exceptional service we had tonight from our server Minnie.. The Place is much bigger than the previous location in Old City and the atmosphere and the location is perfect for a happy hour after work. The bar area is spacious and the high table dining area gives it the perfect allure of a fusion between a Chinese restaurant and a modern bar. I have to mention the service again since my constant complaint with the Han Dynasty located at Chestnut was the shitty, rushed service and the long wait times. Our server checked on us over 6-7 times tonight and there no need for us to ever go out of our way to hail her down even with all the busyness around us. The food was excellent, the service excellent and our experience was memorable... Congratulations Han Dynasty.. Y'all have a winner here!

    (5)

  • Cindy C.

    I've been to both locations and I must say that I like this one in University City a lot more. It's more spacious, and it's brighter. Service is still ridiculously quick (not that I'm complaining). After dining in both restaurants and ordering dan dan noodles both times, I have to say that dan dan noodles is the only thing worth eating, and I gave it four stars. Yeah, the noodles are that good. Everything else on the menu is the same ol' Chinese food that you can get anywhere else for much cheaper. DAN DAN NOODLES FTW.

    (4)

  • Rebecca S.

    For what seems like forever I was hearing about the noodles known as Dan Dan, I've heard of the cool but spicy cucumbers, I heard tales of whole mouth burn that leaves your eyes sweating but yet you still want more. I heard about it every time someone checked-in on Yelp, someone on twitter would inevitably say "don't forget the dan dan", I also followed Foobooz and Eater as Old City expanded to University City to Exton, Royersford, Manayunk and New Jersey and yet for whatever reason there I was still just a spectator. I'm not sure how I allowed opportunity after opportunity to slip by, but finally the time was right. I now found myself excited yet absolutely terrified by the menu that sat in front of me...the numbers indicating the spice level of intensity taunting me, calling me a "weenie" for being nervous. I quelled my nerves with a Xiaogui Gimlet of gin and grapefruit juice while seated at the bar with the rest of those in our party and eyed the offerings debating whether I could man-up enough to go for the (10). We were seated shortly after receiving our drinks, our tabs moved to the tables bill and once seated six mouths went flying...."we should order this", "oh, no that sounds great", "tea smoked duck? intriguing!" Somewhere amongst the chaos of discussion we wound up settling on dan dan noodles, spicy crispy cucumbers, dry pot pork, tea smoked duck, pea shoots in garlic.. No sooner had we ordered but dishes started to make their way to the table, it was now or never to put on my game face and brace for the sting. The dan dan noodles, awesome. The spicy crispy cucumbers, hot yet cool, a confusing feeling of sorts. Next came our level (10) dishes and the anxiety started to mount, dishes were passed around, chopsticks in place, I dug in without really even thinking. The tea smoked duck was amazing, as was the dry pot; both were of a spice intensity I had never experienced before, but could not stop picking. The dry pot was served in a hot pot sauce in a little wok with bamboo shoots, mushrooms, peppercorns, and peppers. Out of everything we ate though, I think the winner for me was the side order of pea shoots; simply ordered because none of us had every had them before, this simple little green in a light garlic sauce was what grounded the spice of the rest of the entrees and even some of the appetizers; a perfect contrast to the majority of our meal. Dinner moved fast, food is brought out as it's cooked and because it's prepared so quickly at such a high heat we were in and out in just a little under an hour and a half. We didn't feel rushed and for as much as I think I ate, didn't leave feeling overstuffed...perfect for post-dinner cocktails as we migrated over toward Old City to end the night. No one spent more than $25 including a cocktail apiece. Ordering a few appetizers and entrees for a larger table was a great move as everything is served in share size portions and was definitely a great way to experience this restaurant for the first time. Will I be back? Well, my mouth was ready for a round two just a few minutes after leaving from dinner, I would expect to be making a second, third, and fourth visit very soon or at the very least making a trip for some takeout.

    (4)

  • Adam K.

    I have now been to this restaurant 4 times in the last three weeks. Being someone who doesn't generally eat Chinese food, this should be impressive enough. I'll start with the fact that, unlike the Old City location, the University City Han has a full bar. What's more, they keep a rotating tap of some EXCELLENT beers, including Allaghash Black and Ommegang Three Philosophers, along with some lighter selections. If you're REALLY lucky, you'll chance upon one of their special collaborations with Voodoo Brewing Company, in which the brewer uses Han's szechuan peppercorns during the brewing process. Thanks to the amazing management, I was lucky enough to score a seat at a tasting dinner with the Master Brewer at Voodoo last night, where he introduced these special edition beers. Mind. Blown. The service is excellent. At the bar, a very attentive bartender will help you with your beer/wine/drink selection. The waitstaff is extremely attentive. Once your order is taken, be prepared, because the food will come out quick and hot. They serve seemingly immediately after preparation, making the food taste hot and fresh, and, possibly due to an extremely efficient kitchen, the food USUALLY comes out within five or ten minutes of ordering. For me, this is a plus, but knowing people who don't like to rush dinner, I think you should be prepared for a relatively quick (1 to 1.5 hour) meal. Those looking for a longer, slower experience might want to look elsewhere. Given the restaurant's specific spice rating scale (1-10), some assistance is also needed with ordering, and the excellent waitstaff is more than happy to let you know how much to order, describe the dishes and specials, and outline what to expect in terms of heat with each dish. Foodwise, this is easily the best Szechuan food I've ever had. This has been belabored ad nauseum in the glaringly positive reviews on Yelp so far, so I'll just add my highlights: -Dan dan noodles (obviously) -Dry Pepper Style anything (crispy fish is probably my favorite) - At an 8/10, this is, to me, the perfect spiciness. Overpowering, but not to the point of loss of flavor. -For something less spicy, try the Salt and Pepper Style Scallops. -Cumin Lamb -Wontons in Chili Oil - Again, perfect amount of heat. In all, try to push your limits a little with the spiciness. Han's style of cooking is such that, although spicy, the food never looses its amazing szechuan peppercorn flavoring.

    (5)

  • Trang N.

    I came here after Anthony Bourdain gave his stamp of approval, in the recent 'The Layover' episode. I have to preface my review, that after this visit for Chinese, which seems to be the best of the best, I just don't like the cuisine. It's not something I'm drawn too if I had the choice. That being said, husband and I came in here with my parents in tow for lunch last week. The staff was uber friendly and our sweet waitress helped navigate us through the menu. The red numbers indicate the level of 'hotness' she proclaimed, but any dish can be customized to your liking. She also put the disclaimer that if things get to hot, sip on tea and eat more rice, don't drink water! She suggested the Dan Dan noodles, after numerous recommendation from fellow yelpers, we took the plunge. I have to say they were nice, which just the right about of heat, left a warm tingle on the tongue and not swimming in old as the rest of the dishes we had. We had the dumplings in chili oil which as the name suggested was very oily. We also ordered the veggie dumplings since the spicy was a tad bit too much for my parents, they liked the light dough pillow puff stuffed with cabbage and not doused in sauce. For entrees, which arrived at our table as soon as they were cooked, I had the dry pot style, spicy level taken down to a 6, I was a bit disappointed since I assumed that it would as hot as the Dan Dan, but it seems there is a slight variance in the rating system. The dish was pretty at first glance but my protein selection (beef) was scarce, and I had to pick through the rest to find it. Husband had the Dry Pepper Style taken down to a 7 and subsquently asked for more chili oil since he claimed that it wasn't hot enough. His dish again was lacking on the beef with an overabundance of peppers. My parents had the scallion style of beef which had no heat, and the ratio for chicken to veggie looked better balanced, again, swimming in sauce. I should have went with the chalkboard special and gone all out for the Szechuan lobster, she said it was two WHOLE lobsters prepared Szechuan style with something. something (she lost me after two whole lobsters) but I thought that would be too much for lunch, although upon leaving, an order was being presented to the table behind us and I did all I could to not drool over the platter, it was beautiful!! The staff was very friendly, however we had a hard time trying to get someone several times to clear our finished dishes, we actually sat them on the counter across from us. None of us were bowled over by anything that we ate but it wasn't a bad lunch, but I'm going to go against the general consensus and give her a luke warm reception.

    (3)

  • Michael F.

    Still without a sign, this Han location might be a bit difficult to find. We managed to spot it and doubled back. Unfortunately, the kitchen had just closed. Luckily, they were willing to prepare us something to go. We kept it simple on them and ordered the dan dan noodles. Don't take the 3-star review the wrong way, the food was great. However, it seemed no where near as good as the Manayunk location, which I also tried shortly after it first opened. Considering it was to-go and knowing Han doesn't put out 3-star food, I'll be back (when the kitchen is open) to give them another shot at boosting the score.

    (3)

  • Daniel H.

    Good food and good service but the portions are on the smaller side. I like the quality over the quantity. The prices are decent for craft draft beers and food.

    (4)

  • Tiffany H.

    The first time I came here I wasn't that excited about it. I got the dan dan noodles and the hot dry pepper chicken per recommendation on yelp. The dan dan noodles are veeery very peanut-y and though they were good, I didn't understand the unbelievable hype about them on yelp & foursquare. The hot dry pepper chicken was just way too many peppers and extremely hot. My friend and I suffered (enjoyably) our ways through them. I left Han alone for a while because I thought it was overpriced for what it was and I wasn't a huge fan. Went back last weekend and LOVED it. For one, got the free spicy cucumber appetizer via my Yelp check-in. And I LOVE free appetizers. So that started me off right. This time, my friend and I shared a hot dry pepper chicken (again) and a garlic style chicken. LOVED THEM BOTH. The chicken was the perfect perfect texture. Crispy on the outside, melts in your mouth. It was spicy, but not too spicy for me. Still, my complaint is that the plate's real estate is mostly taken up by peppers rather than chicken. After we had finished it (or rather after I had finished it.. it was a bit too spicy for my friend), the volume of peppers made the dish look untouched. The garlic style chicken was loved by all. Not really spicy at all- unless you bite into a pepper. Delicious. I actually really enjoyed it and might have given it a 5. But will not because of potential inconsistency. I might come back and rerate after a 3rd trip!

    (4)

  • Zoe P.

    Han Dynasty should've opened this location ages ago - god knows all of the undergrads and grads in UCity were going all of the way to Old City just to get their spicy Szechuan fix. Now, and especially with this bigger and more spacious location, students can come in groups or with their families and throw their taste buds into the fires. Quality remains the same - delicious and SPICY (and oily, but that comes with the territory). Menu is also the same as elsewhere, so you can be sure the Dan Dan Noodles will be on every table. Given the location, if the thought of eating with (potentially drunk) students ruins your appetite, don't go to this Han Dynasty - but you can go to any of the other various locations easily enough :)

    (4)

  • Anne K.

    I came in with super high expectations (years of hearing word-of-mouth buzz on how awesome Han Dynasty is will do that to you) and our meal pretty much surpassed all of them. The wontons in chili oil and the cold sesame noodles were probably my favorite orders of the night, but everything else (eggplant with garlic sauce, dan dan noodles, and dry pot style lamb) was seriously delicious too - and spicy!

    (5)

  • Melissa K.

    Excellent, authentic food. so delicious.

    (5)

  • Prasath S.

    Tried out the University Location this time...wait was around 15mins on a Saturday Night..which is not bad all..the Interior and Location is much more vibrant and livelier than the old City location...we had the usual dishes as always...Tripe Appetizer, Crispy Cucumbers, Dan Dan Noodles and we also tried a daily special this time...which as a whole bass with sauce...yummy...had to walk back 15 blocks to digest our food..well worth it...

    (4)

  • Katy O.

    Came here with a big group for lunch. Someone else ordered and I didn't get try everything that was brought to the table since I'm not the best with spicy food. I managed to put down wonton in chilli oil, cool and spicy cucumber, pea leaf with garlic, garlic oil eggplant, some dish with beef and green pepper (I can't figure out what it is on the menu), dan dan noodles, scallion pancake and chicken fried dumpling. I can't say I ate anything that wasn't really taste but they are NOT kidding when it comes to the heat. I don't think I could eat anything above around 6 on their 1-10 spiciness scale. During the course of the meal, I was constantly sipping tea and water or nibbling on rice to try to put out the capscaicin fire raging on my tongue. But again, I'm a bit wimp when it comes to these things. High light items were the scallion pancake and eggplant for me. This is on the more expensive side for a Chinese restaurant, and I dunno if the food is any better than what you'd get in Chinatown for less. But a portion of your bill is certainly paying for ambience. Service was friendly and attentive. The decor is modern and they have a full bar. I'd recommend coming with a big group and doing family style (as you should always do with Chinese, really).

    (4)

  • Ahmad C.

    Highly recommended! Our favorite place to dine in University City; love everything tried so far. Personal favorites are Double Cooked Syle Fish and Dan Dan Noodles. I recommend asking the staff about the 'real feel' of the spice level. It turns out that some dishes may not be that high on the spice scale but the flavors amplify the spiciness. e.g. the dish with pickles.

    (5)

  • Joe A.

    This place has great location and ambiance, the food and service was excellent, finding parking can be a little difficult but all in all it was a great experience

    (4)

  • Renton R.

    The Dan Dan noodles is probably my favorite dish on the menu. But you have to try the dry fry style fish. The fish is fried three times to a crispy goodness. Also recommend the crispy cucumber appetizer.

    (4)

  • shray k.

    Great place! I really liked the Dry Pot with chicken, and got some extra chili oil on the side to add a little bit more spice. Not sure why the dan dan noodles are so popular, seemed like it was just noodles with a sprinkling of ground pork. Would definitely return.

    (4)

  • Mary F.

    Went here about 3 more times and the portion size is better, but food is often inconsistent: - I get the cumin lamb every time I'm here and it's always variable. One time it was in a sloppy sauce (usu. it's more dry) that tasted a bit like a sweet and sour sauce?! - Crispy rice style is AWFUL. By the time it gets to your table, the crispy rice (think rice cakes but thinner) is already soggy. Sorry but wet rice cake is not my idea of yummy. Can't believe I paid money for this dish and after 2 complaints (waiter then manager), they did not even take it off the bill!

    (3)

  • Marco H.

    Horrible service. Our party of two had to make a complaint with the restaurant's Monday night manager. Our waiter was incredibly inattentive, ignoring our simple requests. On top of that, the entire restaurant's team of waiters/backwaiters paid little attention to us throughout our stay - one of us had to wave our arms into the air to get someone's attention. The restaurant also gave us a wrong order, and then proceeded to take half an hour to give us the food we had actually ordered. On top of that, when we were charged, the waiter added the food we hadn't originally ordered. When we asked him to please remove the added amount, he took nearly 15 minutes because he was "busy" talking to people in the kitchen. Terrible experience, hopefully they get better.

    (1)

  • Sang L.

    Really good peanut noodles. Black bean sauce is also delicious. Didn't like the spicy dishes though.

    (3)

  • Julia R.

    Went here for my birthday this past weekend. We had a group of 16 and did the tasting menu at the $25 level. Lots of food and everything was delicious, I think we were all a bit delirious afterward. They packed up all of our leftovers so I have several days worth of chinese food in my fridge now. They were very attentive and made special accommodations because I have a shellfish allergy. One thing to note that they didn't tell us when we were making reservations: they can only handle 2 cards for a check, so bring cash unless you want to run to 7-11

    (4)

  • Alex M.

    Very similar food to the old city location. It is the crummy service that separated this location apart from it's middle brother in old city. The waiters seemed green, and not just in food specific matters, but also on the basics of food service.

    (4)

  • Alie A.

    My experiences at Han Dynasty are like the feeling of having the munchies, but you don' t even need to technically HAVE the munchies. Just can't get enough, and if you're like me, you might even do the whole close-your-eyes-while-you-eat thing. Yeah - that good. I've had the pleasure of dining at their Old City location, but I actually prefer this University City spot. Came here with a party of three for lunch and it was absolutely hopping. The ambiance is a smart open space, great for larger parties as well. Shared a few plates: you can't even begin to think about showing up without ordering the Dan Dan noodles for the table. They are served in what can only be described as spicy peanut heaven. Nom. We then ordered the Crispy Rice Style shrimp served in a sweet and sour sauce. Sizzling rice mixed with sauteed vegetables left me foaming at the mouth. (Not literally, but..you get it.) The Garlic Sauce Chicken with peppers and mushrooms was delicious as well, although my least favorite selection. Although I am always one for new experiences, I am going to be circling back around next week for Happy Hour and some more Dan Dan noodles..STOP IT. I'm in LOVE!

    (5)

  • David G.

    I've been here a few times in the past couple weeks, and I can happily report that the food here is absolutely delicious. This is definitely one of the best restaurants in the University City area. APPETIZERS: Dumplings in chili oil: These are actually one of the dishes I don't like quite as much; the oil does overpower the dumplings a little bit. Still, the dumplings themselves are very well executed; the pastry and the meat are in the right proportion, and the meat is flavorful and tasty. Spicy cucumbers: Delicious. The sweetness and crispness of the cukes goes very nicely with the chili oil's heat. I like this one a lot. Taiwanese sausage: Sweet and savory together. I had never had a sausage quite like this, but I loved the sweet flavoring. It went well with the spicier dishes that I ordered alongside it. I'll get this again on my next visit. Pork belly with garlic and chili oil: A good dish, although I (perhaps foolishly) expected it to be served hot, not cold. The meat was well cooked, and while the chili oil was maybe a touch strong, it still worked well. Combined with the fresh white rice, it was nicely done. SOUPS: Wonton soup: hot, albeit slightly bland, broth, and excellent dumplings that are plump, juicy, and tasty. Very good flavor with these dumplings; I'm a big fan. Pickled vegetable and flounder: The vegetables themselves are a bit too sour and were slightly overcooked, but the flounder was flaky, delicate, and tasted great. The soup itself was maybe a bit spicier than I would have liked for this dish, though; it was only rated a 2, but it tasted spicier than that. NOODLES AND RICE: House fried rice: Light, fluffy, with nicely cooked pork, chicken, and shrimp. Really well done. Comparable to the best of the other Chinese restaurants in the area. Dan-dan noodles: Deliciously spicy, with just the right amount of chew to the noodles. The minced pork didn't really do much for me, but it wasn't offensive either. I really liked this; it was different from what you can usually get in Philadelphia, and tasted great to boot. ENTREES: Three-cup chicken: Savory chicken in a sweet sauce. Delicious, and contrasted nicely with the other (hot!) dishes on offer. One of my favorite dishes in the restaurant. Overall, despite a few hiccups here and there, I really like this restaurant. 4 stars!

    (4)

  • Elaine L.

    This place wasn't terrible but it wasn't a must either. The interior and atmosphere was very modern which is also a plus because I personally do not like tacky Asian decor. I came with a friend earlier when they just opened so they lacked essentials like some sort of dairy (which I need because I can't handle too much spice). Sadly, I had to suffer through the pain and tears of wonderful spices igniting my tongue on fire (literally). It was quite the burning sensation that I felt. Puns aside, the food was decent and pretty good. If you're looking for some good Sichuan style spicy food, this place is the place to go especially around the Penn campus.

    (3)

  • Regina F.

    Spicy cucumbers and cocktails = win.

    (5)

  • Cindy L.

    My friend and I had lunch here to celebrate the beginning of our school semester. We ordered the crispy cucumbers and a serving of dan dan mien each. Dan dan mien could probably serve two, but we were too greedy and wanted a bowl each. Noodles were neither too firm nor too mushy. There was a good mix of creamy from the peanut butter and the spicy. The cucumbers were cool and spicy, very refreshing when eaten with the dan dan mien. Decent service. The noodles were served within 5 minutes of ordering too, great for hungry people!

    (4)

  • Jagadesan R.

    lamb, potato dish, tea was good

    (5)

  • S M.

    Good spicy food. I enjoy the dan dan noodles (spicier than the rating would indicate) and have ordered them every time I've gone. The dry pot (my favorite is the fish...had it with rabbit before, which was full of bone shards) that's rated a 10 isn't actually that spicy--it has a "ma la" quality to it, which means it leaves a tingly sensation, as opposed to heat on your tongue and throat. The spicy beef noodles are also pleasantly tingly and the broth is flavorful. The mapo tofu is only ok.

    (4)

  • Sarah W.

    Yum!! I am so glad a Han Dynasty opened up in University City because I want to eat the salt and pepper shrimp EVERY DAY FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. Other go-to dishes on the menu: Pork belly Taiwanese sausage Dry pepper chicken Dan Dan noodles Cold cucumbers The spice level is pretty serious so if you're not sure if you can handle it, you can ask them to take it down a notch for you. Most dishes can be made less spicy, and the food comes out crazy fast!!

    (5)

  • Chi-Chi S.

    this place is literally two blocks away from where I used to live in university city. and why the hell did they open their 5th place right after I graduated?! the first time i stopped by for dinner, we ordered rice noodle but it was hard and the sauce was kind of sweet (WTF?!), yet everything else tasted super great. that's the real CHINESE food, folks! the interior still looks more like a bar esp with all those high tables and chairs :/ hope people will stop going to sang kee so we can expect han dynasty's 6th place. XDDD

    (5)

  • Ben H.

    One of the two best chinese food meals I've ever had. Our party of four got three mains - a cumin style, a hot sauce style, and a garlic sauce style. The cumin was the tastiest, but spicy! The hot sauce style was littered with szechuan peppercorns, which I'd never really had much of before, and which are a blast. The numbing sensation is the perfect antidote to the extreme heat. The garlic sauce style was the closest to what I think of as "chinese" food, but so elevated, so good! The service was spotty, but it's still the soft open. The food is what it's all about, and it's top notch.

    (5)

  • Luciano A.

    Great place, city vibe, it's hot and new in University City. A must have to start off with is the double dragon punch and the spicy, crispy cucumber.

    (4)

  • Bruce H.

    My colleagues try to get to Han Dynasty at least twice a month. We always get noodles in chili oil, dan dan noodles, cucumbers, wontons, or cold sesame noodles for apps. I love the double cooked fish, pickled chili style, and the spicy hot pot (which is enough for 3 people!). What's nice is that during weekday lunch they serve smaller (not by much) and less expensive lunch portions. It's a little bit pricey but well worth it. A group of 5 usually goes and it comes to about 20 bucks a person after tax/tip - buts that's with 3 appetizers. Han Dynasty has it's own flavor which I have never tasted any where else - it's a bit addictive.

    (5)

  • Jeff C.

    The food is outstanding, service is very friendly. As a University employee, I only have one wish - lower priced lunch takeout options. I'd eat here once a week if they had that. Love the food, keep up the great work!

    (4)

  • V. H.

    Went to the Old City location with a group of 8 friends. We had a large circular table. Service wasn't great, but the food made up for it. Order lots of items and share them all. You can adjust the spice levels to your preference. Dan Dan Noodles was one of the best. We tried a bit of everything and liked it all. A fun casual place, good for groups!

    (4)

  • Rob B.

    The space is lofty, floor to ceiling windows looking onto Market St. Modern, shiny, several communal tables and some smaller tables as well. Seemed understaffed, had to flag down a waiter after sitting w. the menu for about 8 minutes. Dan Dan noodles were a bit gluey, something was off in the preparation. Pork dumplings were very doughy, flavorful, but not all the dough heated enough to have any crispness, so again, something in the cooking technique was lacking. Han Dynasty in Old City is genuinely unique Chinese food, because of the heat, fresh ingredients, and because of the excellence in prep. Han Dynasty in West Phila felt like an average meal at PF Changs, but one w. tons of spice. The best part of the experience was the staff, they were extremely nice. At the end of my meal, I went to the restroom, when I came back, my table was completely bare--no water, no napkin, and I had had almost 1/2 a bowl of Dan Dan noodles left. Luckily I wasn't planning to take home any of the leftovers and was full. I had left my bag and coat on the chair, so even a perfunctory glance at the table would have told the busser not to clear the table. I told the waitress when she brought the check and she said she had already spoken to the busser. It wasn't a big deal. I think a more experienced staff might have comped something to make amends. If I had still been hungry, I would have just insisted that the waiter bring a new order of Dan Dan noodles, I would have done this in a nice way. I'm more prone to getting what I want in the moment, rather than harboring a grudge. I'm willing to give it another go because I love the space but not with high hopes for above average food.

    (2)

  • Kelly F.

    Update! I forgot to mention that they refused to split the bill between credit cards. They wanted only one credit card. Unbelievable.

    (1)

  • Mike B.

    For years I have been looking for a good schezuan restaurant. I have finally found it. Han dynasty's food is outstanding. That is all that can be said.

    (5)

  • Ula C.

    This place is inconsistent. The service here was terrible this Wednesday night that we went. The hostess claimed that the only seating available indoors was at the bar. The bar was an extreme inconvenience to share food. It made our entire dining experience extremely uncomfortable, especially since we saw 2, 3 empty tables. When we asked whether we could sit there instead, the hostess told us they were all reserved in a cold rude way. Really!?!!?!?!? NO ONE CAME IN AND SAT AT THOSE TABLES THE ENTIRE TIME WE WERE THERE. Can you please STOP pretending that you're that busy!!?!?!?! We might have been more understanding if the short asian hostess was more courteous. However, she had a poor attitude that night, and the previous times I've been here as well. A hostesss job is the most important because it is the first thing a customer experiences when he/she come into the restaurant. When someone has a sour attitude it automatically ruins the night The food was kind of inconsistent too. I've ordered the Taiwanese sausage fried rice several times here. The first time I was here, they cooked it without white onion. Some other times thereafter, they cooked it with onions. My friend wanted them to cook it without the white onion this time, but for some reason, this was a really difficult task. The bartender with a diastema (google diastema) said that "oooh but they sautee the onion in." Yes, but please saute without it, it is doable. We've had it before. What are you going to do if someone is actually allergic to onions?!?!?! Just don't add the ingredient. We didn't want to deal with the bartender's incompetence so we just ordered it with the sauteed onions anyways. It also annoyed me that he asked us whether we wanted to add soy sauce to the fried rice. The previous times we came, soy sauce was not added. That's how regular Taiwanese sausage fried rice is made. When we told him we wanted the regular fried rice, he replied with"Yeh but there are two kinds, one with and without". No, the regular kind is without soy sauce, which we've had loads of times. The bartender was also extremely slow. He had some trouble with our bill too. There should be an actual waiter in the bar area. The bartender should stick to chatting up customers. Don't expect any efficient service from him. The food that night was below average. We also ordered the three cup chicken which was pretty Americanized. I didn't care for it. Although, I do know that this is a Sichuan restaurant, so it's understandable that it's not amazing here. The cabbage that was too oily and flavorless (it was actually pretty good the previous times times I had it before). It tasted like the sauted bean sprout I had here at a prior visit - oily and tasteless. Han Dynasty, please lay off the oily, and remember to add salt to your vegetables. The cold sesame noodle was the only redeeming thing of that night. The service needs to be improved. One of my friends said that last time he was here, he had a strange dining experience as well. His waiter got on to his knees to take orders. I'm not one to care about good service that much, however when the food we want is not up to par, it bothers me a lot more. I'll be back despite such an unpleasant dining experience. Hopefully that incompetent bartender and that rude hostess will not be there.

    (2)

  • Jody P.

    Chinese food with the delicious sauce, and slightly less grease. I'm still thinking about the Dan Dan noodles. It's a great place to bring a large group and share plates. The only thing that disappointed me was that the duck was delicious, but filled with dozens of small, sharp bones that made it impossible to eat. So don't order the duck, but definitely get the Dan Dan noodles. The spice is serious, but fear not, they allow you so specify on a scale of 1-10 how spicy you would like each dish. The service was fast, and did a great job of describing the dishes, and making recommendations.

    (4)

  • Brendan L.

    Really big space in West Philly. Food was delicious. Service was a little bit confused (we were twice brought other people's dishes) but the DanDan noodles can't be beat and the prices are highly affordable.

    (4)

  • Greg K.

    I've been hearing about Han Dynasty since before I moved to Philly, people seem to really love this place. It's a bit of a chain restaurant, albeit a small chain, but there are enough locations for me to question how great the food could be across the board. The University City location is a few steps away from my office, so I finally decided to try it today for lunch. They offer a decent selection of entrees as part of a lunch special, which prices options between $8.50 - $10. I was told the lunch special portion size is smaller than you'd get if you purchased a regular entree, but there was more than enough food for me. I'm still very full 2 hours later. I had lunch alone today, so I sat at the bar and they offered complementary water and tea. I also took a look at their draft menu, which had a nice selection of craft brews. They also offer a decent amount of bottled beer, cocktails, wine, etc. They definitely don't skimp in the bar offerings. For lunch I had the Garlic Sauce Chicken, which came with rice on the side. It came out really quickly, definitely less than 10 minutes after ordering. This surprised me, and not necessarily in a good way, I immediately questioned how good it could be if it was cooked and brought out so quickly. However, my fears immediately went away with the first bite. The food was hot and delicious. I don't think Han Dynasty is trying to offer truly authentic Chinese food, this seemed like an American Chinese dish. That didn't matter though, the food was great and 100% better than any of the surrounding University City Chinese food restaurants and trucks that I've eaten at. Han Dynasty might be a few dollars more for lunch, but the taste and quantity makes it worthwhile. I'll definitely be back with a group to try out their dinner service.

    (4)

  • Ancy T.

    This is my favorite of the three philly locations. The venue is huge and buzzing with energy and they have a huge bar area. Favorite menu items: Spicy cucumbers Dumplings in chilli sauce Dan dan noodles Dry pot (fish, beef or chicken.. all amazing) I love that everything is family style and that you get so much food without breaking the bank for an awesome meal out. Service is always great and the waiters and waitresses have always been super kind, attentive and friendly. The wait can be super annoying, but once you're seated, food comes out pretty quickly. This is definitely the busiest venue, but the quality of food has been the same at each location.

    (4)

  • Dustin M.

    I don't think I could have had a better experience on my first trip to Han Dynasty. I've been trying to try the place out for years, but I somehow would always end up going somewhere else. We walked in on a Friday without a reservation. The hostess apologized and said I may have to wait a whole 15 minutes. I decided to tough it out. Eventually, a spot at the bar opened up so the nightmare ended. A fellow bar fly was super talkative and started recommending dishes. We took his advice and started with dumplings and spicy cucumbers. They were great. The spicy levels on the menu are really helpful. For entrees, we went with the cumin style lamb and a chicken dish off of the specials menu. I hadn't seen lamb on a Chinese menu before, and I was really impressed by how well they cooked it. At some point the owner wandered behind the bar and struck up a conversation. He was a really personable guy, and that alone would make me want to come back... also to try everything else on the menu.

    (5)

  • Justine J.

    They extended the place! When you walk in, the extension is to your left. Although I did not make a stroll through it, it looks very lounge like and very nice. They also have a cell phone charger! Anyway, sorry Han for the star retraction. Good news, the spicy cucumbers still has not failed to disappoint :) And therefore, I still love dipping the scallion pancakes into it. However, it just seems like those are the two things I can consistently enjoy (plus the dan dan noodles). MF and I got the Scallion Style Lamb (stir fried in hoisin and oyster sauce with onions, scallions, and your choice of meat). Though the sauce itself was good, the meat did not taste like lamb. When we asked the server just to make sure, she was kind of cold about it. Lamb has a distinct flavor, and this tasted pretty much like beef. Sometimes I would get a hint of lamb. So, if you want the Scallion Style, do not get the lamb. You are paying extra money for something that tastes essentially like beef. I'm not saying they're lying or being dishonest, but it's just weird. The drinks were ok. We got some sort of punch that had coconut creme in it and it was quite blah for $9. So I woudn't get that either. The service from our officially designated waitress was just a bucket of suck. She was not attentive. She never came back to check up on anything. She did not refill tea/water. Also, wecame with two other people. So two entrees = two bowls of rice. OK, so you gave one small bowl, but never thought about refilling it and that pricked my nerves. NOT a fan of the University City Service. The past two times have been below average.

    (3)

  • Reva S.

    Insanely fast service, and good, fresh food. Wish they had more vegetarian options, but everything we got (scallion pancakes, dandan noodles no meat, cucumber salad) was spot on delicious. Everything is VERY spicy though, you have been warned!

    (4)

  • Amy N.

    After trying both the Philly and NY's location, I think it's safe to say Han Dynasty needs to stop dumping salt onto their dishes. The array of choices are fun and it's most definitely nice to eat Chinese food in a fancy setting but my god, it is most definitely way too salty. The Szechuan peppercorn on the other hand, is delicious. It makes your tongue slightly numb but the spiciness was just right, not overwhelming. And once again, I recommend the Dan Dan noodles, their most ordered dish. Unfortunately, this chain restaurant cannot compare to authentic Chinese foods. Maybe that's why its goers are mainly Caucasian...

    (2)

  • Abhi K.

    There isn't much to say about Han Dynasty that hasn't already been said. The lo mein was deliciously greasy. The veggie potstickers were very doughy (a good thing) with a simple cabbage filling (a bad thing). The cumin clay pot chicken was unreal. I think they must inject fat into their chickens to get them so soft. The meat practically melts in your mouth, which is so weird for chicken. I ordered the cumin dish, because it was a new flavor for me. It gives your tongue this tingly sensation. Go with a large group so you can enjoy multiple dishes. PS. The food reheats very well.

    (4)

  • Jamie L.

    Food: too much MSG. Service: Sucks

    (1)

  • Michael M.

    Absolutely amazing food delivered hot and tasty! One of the best pure Sichuan restaurants I've ever eaten at.

    (5)

  • Adam J.

    Yelped Chinese food when the family and I were in town and this is the best we found. We were all a bit disappointed but it did the trick, I guess. The service was good though, it was just that none of us were really a fan of the food. Spicy crispy cucumber appetizer: this was probably one of the best things we had. It was refreshing and had a nice kick to it. Dan dan noodles: did not like this at all. The noodles were cooked right and probably would have been good had it not been for them dumping what tasted like an entire jar of peanut butter over them. The first bite was okay but no one was able to eat more than a couple bites of them. Seriously guys, ease up on the peanut sauce (aka Jif peanut butter). Schezwan curry chicken: not bad Chicken dry pot: I actually liked this one. It was very spicy and the chicken in it was very tender. I just wish it had more chicken in it. Between 4 of us we would usually easily finish the amount of food we ordered but there was plenty of leftovers. That says something about everyone's thoughts on the food. Sorry guys, just being honest

    (2)

  • Thomas N.

    Hands down best lo mein had in years; very fresh, noodles cooked to perfection, right amount of oil, tender beef...I could go on. Loved that the tea comes to your table without requesting it when you sit down and they have a good NA beer on the menu. Flavors taste so good! Place is popular, make yourself a reservation! Cheers, TJN

    (5)

  • Tina K.

    Han Dynasty is my go-to Chinese restaurant in the University City neighborhood. My boyfriend and I love the dry pepper chicken, dan dan noodle, and fried dumplings. I personally also like the dumplings in chili oil and double cooked fish. Dry pot style rabbit was meh because rabbit has more bone than meat. Crispy rice style was also just alright because the crispy rice itself was not really tasty. Rice ball soup for dessert was the worst dish we've tried here. Service here is slow unfortunately, so don't go here if you're in a rush.

    (4)

  • Sara E.

    Was really delicious! I did find that the majority of food is served in hot oil, not complaining but interesting! The service was not too bad either. Went on lunch break and was in and out just in time. Mopo tofu ok, dumplings in hot oil very fresh and delicious, lo mein really good! Like that it's so close to work but so tempted to eat there on the regular! Casual enough for a work day lunch or a late night date.

    (4)

  • Par J.

    The service is not great staff spend talking to each other rather than making sure the customers are taking cared of. The food is on a salty side and using too much oil. Not coming back

    (2)

  • Vidushi B.

    Han Dynasty serves some pretty solid Szechuan food, and it's one of my favorite places to eat in West Philly/University City. The ambiance is nice, the service is good, the prices are affordable, and the food, of course, is good. It's really enjoyable if you like spicy food, though they also have milder options. The Dan Dan noodles are a must-have here - they are spicy and flavorful, and can be made vegetarian if needed. I also really enjoy the dumplings in chili oil, which are unlike dumplings I've had before. I've also had a number of their other dishes and vegetables, and each time they've been really good - it just depends on what you're in the mood for. Today, I had the Dry Fry Pork, which was so spicy, but so good. I also really like that they serve you hot tea with the food. The food is really, really oily though, so you do feel kind of tired after eating. Definitely recommend it!

    (4)

  • Cameron G.

    I tried the green tea (which is free with every meal), the Dan Dan Noodles, the Tofu Dry Pot, and the Tofu Cumin. Green Tea: This was good and free. What's not to like? Dan Dan Noodles: Stay away. They're not good. The dish tasted like long strands of soft rubber or hard jello that had soaked in a bad sauce. This was my first dish, and I was afraid the whole meal was going to be just as bad. Also, after I was finished, the waiter didn't give me a new plate, so the residue of the Dan Dan seasoned the rest of my meal. Tofu Dry Pot: Pretty good. It wasn't "dry," though, at least not in the usual sense of the word. It was a little oilier than I like but still tasty. Although the spice level is 10, it was manageable. Another problem was -- and I've never said this before -- the dish had too much tofu. I would have liked to have a greater proportion of vegetables. Nonetheless, I still liked it. Tofu Cumin: This was the star of the meal. It was very good and appropriately filled with cumin flavor. I would definitely order this again. The bad part was that the tofu was fried a little too much, and (like the Tofu Dry Pot) the ratio of tofu to vegetables was off.

    (4)

  • Jawn V.

    I'm a huge fan of Han Dynasty, my favorite location being in Old City. My husband and I always order the Spicy Cucumbers (keep the bowl because the sauce tastes so good with your entree!), the Rabbit and Peanuts, and the Hot Sauce with Fish. Tonight we tried the Ma Po Tofu after reading about it in the latest issue of Lucky Peach. I'm not a huge tofu fan, but loved it. The tofu was silky but substantial and the chili flavors were complex and gave me that pleasant burn that feels like your tongue is actually cold!? Meat eaters may miss this dish because it's listed under Vegetables. Vegetarians beware because it contains meat. Han Dynasty is the only Szechuan restaurant that I know of in the city that serves Rabbit with peanuts, so order it while you can! Don't let the bones scare you. The meat is lean and tender and who doesn't like peanuts in their dishes?

    (5)

  • Manosai E.

    I've been here quite a few times over the past 3 years and Han Dynasty never disappoints. Came in with a party of 8 with a reservation at 9 PM last night and though we had to wait a little bit, we were seated with no real issues. I ordered a Nasty Monkey which was a gin based drink with a few ingredients that I didn't recognize but it was super tasty and enjoyable to drink! We ordered scallion pancakes for the table which was all right and a variety of entrees to share since Han is family style. Everything came out pretty quickly and tasted amazing - from the dry pot tofu to the dry pepper chicken. My favorite is the chicken fried rice that comes cooked in some soy sauce. Ask for some hot sauce on the side and you won't be able to put your chopsticks down!

    (5)

  • Sue C.

    Can you image that a restaurant with a high positive reputation (4 stars) provide a not fresh lobster? Last week, I did not feel good when I was driving home. There were few rashes on my neck. Immediately, I realized that the lobster was not good. Besides, I ordered a "Garlic Chicken" and then I got a "Curry Chicken". I could hear that waiter complaining something (according to the waiter's facial expression and mouth). To the waiter: " Recheck and repeat my order is your responsibility not mine". I have not reported and complained your bad attitude since I was worried about that you will spit on my food. I had good experiences before, because their waiters were nice and thoughtful . But now is terrible. Waiters always ignored me when I was raising my hand, even eye contacts. I have never been ignored and treated so poorly in any establishment. I don't know what miserable and terrible things those waiters had been through in that day. But it is definitely absolutely not my fault. I pay money for good food and service instead a "Poker face" and "rude attitude". Sorry Han, you already be removed from my food map. It's time to explore another great Szechuan restaurant.

    (1)

  • Frank Luigi M.

    I love Han Dynasty. Came here on a Sunday super hungover and ordered pretty much everything. Cant go wrong with the dan dan noodles and some wontons. Fish and Tofu were awesome too. Great place to come anytime, great prices, awesome food!

    (5)

  • Kimberly Y.

    The food is pretty good here, but Han Dynasty is definitely more enjoyable if you can tolerate spicy food. I can't, so it severely limits my options. For example, my friends got their famous Dan Dan Noodle, which smelled so great that I had to get a non-spicy version for myself. It was fine. Also, I really like the wonton soup, and I think they give me around 10 small wontons for $7, which is reasonable. Unfortunately the portions here are slightly on the small side, so don't go extremely hungry. Or just order multiple things to share. But the food is just too darn oily, and it really starts to detract from the taste of food. Mind you, I love my fried food -- but it bothers me when there's a thick layer of oil on top of everything. At least my stomach doesn't feel bad after; my face doesn't even break out either! The service isn't always the most attentive. At least the modern interior justifies the relatively high price point for a Chinese restaurant!

    (3)

  • Harold A.

    Different breed of Chinese food. What a place. Food is beyond awesome. Dan Dan noodles is the highlight of our dinner. Can't get enough of it. If I can't dine there, I usually do takeout.

    (5)

  • Elise M.

    A few of my friends and I go to Han Dynasty all the time. Every time we make plans with each other, we all pretend to think about other places to eat. But in the end we always go to Han Dynasty. I really love the food at Han Dynasty. But just as a warning, be prepared to go into a food coma after eating here because the food is really oily. My personal favorites are the Dan Dan Noodles and Eggplant with Garlic Sauce. The food is pretty spicy. Each dish comes with a spice rating from 1-10. But if you can't handle too much spice, you can ask them to tone the spice down to a lower number. If you have a big party, you can get a table in the back that has a Lazy Susan on it. The tables in the back are also semi-private. Waiters are always prompt and friendly. Ambiance is casual. Over, just a great place for lunch or dinner with friends.

    (4)

  • Eunni C.

    Very delicious and salty! But it is Chinese place so I have no complain. Went with big group so could tasted a lot of their signature dishes. Dan Dan noodle seems very popular but just not my kid of dish. I did enjoy fried fish with sweet sauce and chicken with cashew. Also dumpling with hot oil was yummy. In the end of meal, my mouth was burning but I enjoyed all.

    (4)

  • Aria S.

    I always get the Scheuzuan eggplant which is great and nice and spicy. They specialize in making their food nice and spicy! Food is authentic (so I've heard from natives), and scrumptious. Their sesame noodles or whatever their staple noodles are are good too. Nothing too elaborate, but they're only $6-7 so a good deal to maybe split with a few people. Scallion pancakes are a good starter too! Taking off a star though because their food is SUPER OILY. (great for hangovers though.. Note to Drexel/Penn/USP kids!) And also, the food comes out at a ridiculous speed. Awesome...but a little weary since that generally indicates your food isn't fresh.. Also this place is rated top 50 in the country! Wowzaa given how many chinese joints there are in the whole country!

    (4)

  • Linda Z.

    Han Dynasty is pretty good but fairly pricy. It attempts to have more "refined" version of traditional Szechuan dishes, so your appreciation of the food will depend on your preferences and history with this cuisine. The spice level is low and the Szechuan peppercorn numbing sensation is generally not present. That being said, my favorite dishes were the dan dan noodles, dry pot beef, and string beans. The dry pepper chicken was below average - most of the chicken pieces were tiny. The wontons in chili oil were a little too sour. Portion sizes are standard (though the noodles were on the larger side).

    (4)

  • Jessica Z.

    Love it here. Dan dan noodles are the best. Service is fast and food is fantastic. We come here regularly.

    (5)

  • Kia L.

    I love this place! the atmosphere is nice and classy. The food is awesome, and I always have left overs for the next day. I go here with my boyfriend for date night, as well as with friends to share the big dishes and have a few drinks during happy hour. However, the customer service could use some improvement. I say this because every time I come, there is usually a long wait for the server to come over to the table after being seated. Usually the servers are pretty nice (some are super nice and make you feel welcome) but we always feel rushed and I hate that. I don't need much attention as a customer but they usually take your order and hardly come back to ask if everything is okay (good thing the food is so delicious). One time the manager took our order because the bartender was busy and he was not pleasant at all. I am a server myself, so I know what it's like to be busy but if you come over with a smile, most customers can get over the wait. Over all, I love this place and I am always pleased with the food, but they really need more servers or something.

    (4)

  • Kate O.

    Good Asian food in a nice and lively neighborhood. We ordered shrimp lo-mein and chicken in hot sauce(it was hot) so if u don't like spicy food then please do not order this :) dinner portion is quite big two people can easily share if you have small appetite. One thing I noticed was that sea food items like fish and specially shrimp dishes are priced little too much compare with other proteins. But the place is a keeper and I will go back.

    (4)

  • Tiya B.

    I always have a pleasant experience at Han Dynasty. I prefer the University City location to the Old City one - much brighter and more modern look. I really like the cumin chicken. The dry pepper chicken is a tad too greasy for my liking, but then again, it is deep fried. It is a good spicy dish. The dan dan noodles are always my fav. Portion sizes are huge. The dan dan noodles and one meat entree are definitely enough for two.

    (4)

  • Honest P.

    Wow Han Dynasty is incredible. I'd say the market st location is better than their other location. More energy, ambiance, and decor. I wasn't a believer at first, but after my 2nd and 3rd times I really think this is the best chinese food I've ever had. I've always gone with friends and it is great with groups. We always order a few dishes and everyone shares. I can list out the dishes we ordered but I really think every dish tastes equally as good which is saying a lot. We like getting [7] spiciness on most of our dishes. Even their alcohol selection is great. A certain other chinese place (PF Ch***s) is a joke compared to Han Dynasty. Not much more to say, top-notch food, drink, venue... everything.

    (5)

  • Michelle C.

    I've never been inside this location of Han Dynasty, but when we order takeout from HD, we get it from here. There is enough salt in the food to make you bloated for days, but that won't stop the occasional intense craving that must be satiated. Our go-to starters are always the same: spicy cucumbers and dan dan noodles. Sometimes we'll throw in the scallion pancakes. My man always gets some sort of dry/hot pepper chicken thing which is very good but loaded with hot ass peppers. My mouth is always on fire enough as-is from the appetizers, so I go with the much milder garlic shrimp. I like the peppers and onions that are mixed in - they give a nice crunch. Until next time, HandyNasty!

    (5)

  • Michael C.

    I was told this restaurant beat out Jane Gs for best Chinese in Philly. I respectfully disagree. The DanDan noodles were good here, but they are much more flavorful at Jane Gs. We tried a Dry Pot Chicken and found the chicken rubbery and underdone. The Han Dynasty prides itself on spice level (each dish is numbered 1-10). Perhaps more concentration on technique and flavor is needed?

    (2)

  • Ester C.

    A good place to come with a group people to try different dishes. I personally do not like the dan dan noodles which is one of their signature dish. If I had to recommend any of the dishes it would be either dumplings/wontons in chilli oil or the salt and peppered shrimp. We wanted to order the peppered squid but that was sold out so try that out. Overall I don't think the food here is appetizing or anything special but the service and everything else was nice.

    (2)

  • Sara N.

    Rarely craving Chinese food, I visited Han Dynasty only once for a quick dinner of the infamous dan dan noodles. But they still haunt my dreams and remain one of the best damn dishes I have tasted in Philadelphia.

    (4)

  • Lori P.

    I'm surprised that the ratings are so great. I'm very easy to please with food but this was just Chinese with fancy names at expensive prices. We went for a family dinner and ordered the sampling at $25 per person, along with a couple appetizers. For 4 people, 1 alcoholic drink and 3 soft drinks, our portion of the bill was $155. There were lots of leftovers, but no one was interested in taking them as the food was just average. There were 9 of us in total, and again no one was dying to take food home. No one bragged about the food. We sampled probably 1/3 of the menu and nothing impressed. Some of the items we ordered: spicy cucumber, fried sausage, dan dan noodles, double cooked chicken, garlic sauce shrimp. The service was good, and we went on a busy Saturday night. The ambiance was lovely and the chairs were very comfortable. The menu caters to spicy food which I like, however, most of my family does not, so we ordered everything mild, which may have been the reason I did not enjoy the food. I think it is meant to be eaten spicy, not mild.

    (2)

  • Tee T.

    My husband and I decided to try this place on a whim after seeing a show in the area. We were not disappointed. It was a rainy, cold Saturday in the early evening and were seated right away. Tried the wonton soup to start and it was very flavorful. We shared the garlic lamb dish as our main entrée and it was very good though quite spicy. We also received very good service. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable and explained the menu (spice levels) in detail to help us decide. If you are in the mood for some good Szechuan food then I'd give this place a try.

    (5)

  • James B.

    Quite by accident I ordered take-out here. The Spring Rolls should have been named Oil Rolls, they were so greasy. And the black bean chicken had no black beans insofar as I could tell. But at least the hostess was pleasant, and offered me tea while I waited for my (overpriced) food. "Meh" just about sums it up.

    (2)

  • Kyle H.

    Thanks to the suggestion of local Yelpers, I was made aware to try Han Dynasty. Lunch at Han was my just reward for taking a 7am flight from Chicago before my work meetings. Tip for Lunch: Noon-1pm is super crowded. Come earlier or later. Everything at Han has a number on its spicy scale. My server was great, and she immediately asked what I could handle, and described the spiciness as a "Sriracha-type spicy". I would love if you could get a Han t-shirt with a spicy number on it! I'm a 6! I'm an 8! - Dan Dan Noodles- 8 Spicy (my server pronounced it "Don don") Excellent! Does contain small amounts of pork, not sure if you can get it vegetarian friendly. This noodle bowl was enough for a meal, for sure, and very spicy. Still, I had to try an entrée too, on my short visit to Philadelphia. - Double Cooked Style chicken (4 Spicy), with leeks, hot peppers, fermented black beans, and chili oil. My server suggested Double Cooked as her favorite, so I went with it. It was good, but not super amazing. Cumin Style may have been more up my alley. They have a great drink and beer selection, and I ordered the Oskar Blues Dale's Pale Ale simply to cut through some of the spiciness. (Ha, right!) Happy Hour is 5-7pm here. (Has anyone else noticed the website address could also be interpreted as "Handy Nasty.net"? Like, too bad that "Fixit guy" is out of a good URL!) I'm very much looking forward to a return to Han Dynasty.

    (5)

  • Lina Z.

    Some food are way too salty and spicy, it just numbs your tongue, and they could definitely do better on their services.

    (2)

  • Asavari G.

    Solid, delicious chinese food place. Go in a group and split the dishes, family style. My relatives from Hong Kong were happy with the food, so that says it's good!

    (4)

  • Chuhan S.

    Came here with a few friends and the place felt like authentic Chinese food but a very Western environment (which made the food taste "less Chinese" lol) Our waiter was really polite and nice Like all Chinese family style restaurants, I recommend coming here with a few friends so you can get a variety of foodz

    (4)

  • I L.

    I absolutely love this place. Get lots of white rice and be prepared to go on a journey of amazingly spicy food, as well as the payment your body is going to make the next day. Can't wait for them to open one in NYC: I'm going to take all my visiting friends.

    (5)

  • JD O.

    Amazing food. Come for $3/$4/$5 Happy Hour 5-7pm, Monday-Friday menu. I enjoyed the steak Dry Pot but beware, at 8/10 on the heat scale - it was extremely hot. My wife had the sweet and sour shrimp which was amazing. Our young kids (6 and 3) enjoyed the pork fried rice and the wonton soup - scallion pancake not so much (although I loved it). Killer overall. We'll definitely be back.

    (5)

  • Phoebe Q.

    Despite the raving reviews Han Dynasty has received so far, I happen to differ with my very own experience. After a 2nd try and a 2nd chance for this much hyped Phila phenomenon, I swear to myself as well as to those I know - I have given it too many chances and will never return!! What is so BAD about this place? Briefly, food and service are the main problem. Otherwise it is fine if you like the kind of food they call Chinese or Szechuan, which seems to me didn't even undergo cooking. It is basically just all pre-cooked stuff, vegetables and noodles (mushy, BTW) etc, overdosed with whatever sauce (spicy and greasy, sweet and/or nutty etc..) before served to you. Let me explain in detail.. First the food. Well, it is food and kinda of edible, I agree that much, but not much more. We ordered the cold & spicy cucumber, which should be a super cheap and served cold so it's commonly a summer dish. It is usually made with crunchy fresh cucumbers, which are plentiful in the summer. The key to this dish is that the kind of cucumbers makes a huge difference. It has to be the flavorful Asian variety which are also dark green colored outside with very small to none seeds. English cucumber would be a closest substitution. The regular large, thick skinned, and tasteless variety with large and mature seeds, and are easily found at the supermarket here in this country simply would not serve the purpose. OK, just what I suspected, we were served with a bowl of this far inferior variety of cucumbers. Not only that, it is not EVEN "cooked". By "cooked" I mean this dish needs to be tossed with just the right amount of fresh chilly oil and freshly crushed garlic, a dash of Szechuan paper, the right level of sugar and salt, and that is all there is to it. Instead, the normally dark green skinned cucumber dish sitting in front of us is, ok, large, pale (peeled) tasteless cucumber cubes swimming in some sort of light brown gooey sauce. I braved myself with some of the saucy cubes, and they tasted way too sweet! And the sauce is, umm, some sort of peanut based, is my best guess. Another simple cold dish - Dan Dan Noodles came way too mushy, clearly pre-cooked and sitting way too long to be ordered. It once again came with sweet sesame based sauce. Aside from being overly sweet, the main problem with this dish is the texture of the noodles. We might just like them better if we didn't still have nice and youthful chewing capability... I began to get suspicious about whether they actually do cook the dishes per customers' order or if they simply just combine the ingredient with what else... a sauce before serving.. The much raved mapo tofu might be a good indicator, I thought. Sure enough, it came overwhelmed with grease and a kind of spicy sauce. The tofu looked just like any other packaged stuff one can get at an Asian grocery store, nothing special. Just as I suspected, the dish was lukewarm, suggesting it was NOT freshly COOKED in a sizzling hot wok as most Chinese food should be. I could just go on and on with the remaining dishes we ordered - all came to us by the same cooking method, I could tell, which is NO COOKING - pre-cook all the main ingredients, then toss in generous amount of sweet, spicy and/or nutty sauce before serving. The price? yes, the price is about 20-30% higher than a similar dish in just about any Chinese restaurants in Chinatown. Lastly, the service was so dismal that I didn't think they deserve any tip for the pretty much non-existent "service". We had to beg for water, for example. Enough due credit already given to this non-deserving, over-priced, over-hyped, poor service sauce factory.. or you could call it a 'restaurant' if all it does is to produce the sweet and spicy sauces.

    (2)

  • Bianca S.

    Ugh this almost breaks my heart to write. I was seconds away from giving Han a five star review, until I went to the market street location. We showed up at 10:25 on a Friday and we were told the kitchen was closing and we couldn't sit down and eat. So we asked for take out - which was a huff and a puff and a "well you need to order right now then." 1. The little hostess/server girl who was "helping" us was so rude it hurt. 2. I get the kitchen closing, but the entire restaurant, which is located in "University City" on a FRIDAY night with a HUGE bar... Closing at 10:30? Come onnnnnnn. 3. I have to bring it up again - she was so rude. So, so rude. Now don't get me wrong, Han Dynasty is still phenomenal and I will still eat Dan Dan Noodles at least 4 times a week. However, If you want the best Han experience, I recommend the Chestnut street location OR in Manayunk (which is BYOB, wonderful.) Closing remarks: Market Street Location - you lose. Rude girl - you lose. Han Dynasty - I still love you and I hope we can still make this relationship work.

    (3)

  • Leanne E.

    Dan Dan Noodles might as well be called Damn Damn Noodles, because damn were they good! Deliciously spicy, and then a lot of pork goodness on top. I do wish it had scallions or bean sprouts, some kind of vegetable to cut the richness a bit (and make me feel a little less guilty about eating it). The scallion pancakes were delicious too! Flaky, crispy, and light. They're very quick with your order here too, which is a plus when you're on the go.

    (4)

  • Deke K.

    We had a large party and elected to go with the tasting menu at the $25 level. Everything was delicious! Han Dynasty does a great job of communicating the spice level of the dishes and is glad to adjust them to your taste. I recommend Han Dynasty highly.

    (4)

  • Yanning Z.

    Good service. Delicious and authentic Sichuan food! The lunch specials are really good deals.

    (5)

  • James B.

    The place was jammed at almost 8pm on a Wednesday. I could be seated in 15 minutes or be served at the bar. So I grabbed a spot at the bar , I had menus, Hot tea, and my meal in front of me in ten Minutes. I had the dry-pot pork, it comes out in a mini-wok heated on an open flame with rice on the side. #10 heat, you get to chose. It was outstanding Lots of chile's, celery, bell pepper and onion. The gent next to me shared some of his Aromatic fish special with me , a huge bowl of Chile red broth noodles and plenty of fish. That was great to although the broth Seemed a bit to salty for my low-sodium taste buds. I can't wait to go back to try more of the menu! P.S. the bartender was so fast and efficient It was a show of its own.

    (5)

  • Will Z.

    Double-cooked pork belly or fish. Dry pepper style. Crispy cucumbers. Meals here have always been satisfying. Dishes are a bit pricey though, about 1.5-2x as much as what you would pay for at a more "authentic" Szechuan Chinese restaurant. Great flavors and quality. Service can be a hit or miss.

    (4)

  • Michael C.

    I'm a big fan of this place, which is my go-to for no-holds-barred Chinese dinners in University City. Two things I've noticed about the 10+ times I've eaten here: (1) it's not as spicy as people make it sound at first and (2) I usually eat too much because the food is too good. Most of the dishes here are hot and satisfying, and served in generous portions that are good for sharing. The formula for the dishes here seems to be one meat + one spice. I'm a particular fan of the cumin-style lamb, or anything dry-fried or cooked long hot pepper-style. If you want something more saucy (instead of dry-cooked), the crispy rice style is good, and comes with bamboo shoots and various mushrooms in a creamy sauce (not spicy). For a vegetable, I'd recommend the pea-leaves with garlic (also not spicy), which is simple and a nice break from the meats. Some purists may complain that the dishes aren't 100% authentic, but they're still really delicious and tastily seasoned. They also have some creative menu items, like the spicy hot pot and tea-smoked duck in beer sauce, which sound delicious, although I haven't tried them yet. In terms of appetizers, the spicy oil wontons and cold cucumbers are usually good starters. The best way to experience this place is to come with a large group for dinner. If you have 8 or more people, you can also opt for the tasting menu at $25-35/person, where they'll serve a variety of appetizers and dishes to your preference/spice level, in family style (shared dishes). It's best to come hungry for this, because there will be a LOT of food, and it will be good. If you pick the higher price range they will sometimes also throw in some off-menu extras, like lobster. Definitely a recommended experience. The servers here consistently do a good job of making you feel welcome and comfortable, especially if you come in a group, and they always explain what the dishes are before bringing them out. There is also always ample tea and rice to go with whatever delicious Han-concoction you're eating. Though it's usually a dinner place, I've come here for a quick lunch once or twice. They have smaller dishes as well as beef noodle soup, which was decent. The ambiance is a bit like Landmark Americana crossed with a contemporary art museum, but it still looks pretty cool. Everything in the restaurant is always spick and span. They also have charging stations for your phone!

    (4)

  • Victor C.

    Awesome location for a Han Dynasty. Easy parking, outdoor seating, and full bar! What more could Dan Dan Noodle lovers ask for? More Dan Dan, of course.

    (4)

  • Susan P.

    I love this place. Love the Dan Dan noodles, the scallion pancake, the three cup chicken, and all the dumplings. It's delicious, the service is good, and the food is not as agonisingly spicy as some reviews say. It reminds me of all the old Szechuan places on Spadina in Toronto, except marginally better and more upscale. Good, interesting cocktails too.

    (4)

  • Jeremy Z.

    I don't know what the deal with the Han Dynasty hype is. Maybe I'm not enough of a foodie to get it. While my Three-Cup Chicken was alright I guess, but the sauce was a little too sweet -- and tasted just a bit too much like root beer for me to really enjoy. The texture of the potatoes also wasn't fantastic. My housemates also didn't enjoy their dry pots, complained for days afterward. Maybe I'll give it another shot some time down the road, but there are plenty of better corner store Chinese places around me, and cheaper too.

    (2)

  • Srujana Y.

    Best Chinese restaurant in University city! Have been there many times with friends. Weekend nights/some evenings can be really crowded with a long wait but it's totally worth it. Just FYI- I am a vegetarian so my review is basically for dishes with tofu instead of meat. As others have noted, dan dan noodles and spicy cucumbers are soooo good, they are our favorite appetizers!! Among main dishes, eggplant, mapo tofu are all good but the dish that I really love is dry pot tofu! Cumin style tofu is really tasty too. By the way be careful when deciding on the spice/heat levels because they make their dishes truly spicy. Portion sizes are big as it is a family style restaurant, love that I have leftovers for the next day. :)

    (5)

  • Sarah S.

    This is the best Han Dynasty location, best service, best food, biggest portions and nicest decor. For drinks for dinner this is by far our favorite place to go!!! We are creatures of habit and we love the garlic style chicken and black bean style chicken!! I've heard the dan dan noodles are sublime!! Great cocktails my favorite is the night market!! Can't wait until spring they have a fabulous patio with fire-pits for warmth and ambience, it's cozy!!

    (5)

  • Omnom N.

    I love Han! Pros: Accommodate for vegetarian needs very nicely! (Veg Dan Dan noodles are lovely!) Portion size is really good - and makes it affordable on student budgets. (Think one dish, two people, plus leftovers ) Friendly staff Love the decor in old city branch Love the spice level variability Fave items on menu: Scallion pancakes Kung pao style Cumin style Dan Dan noodle

    (5)

  • Yvonne C.

    We come here for Christmas day. The portions are huge. This place lives up to its spicy reputation even the cool dishes are hot. Best appetizers are pork belly and the world famous dum dum noodles. Also the pea leaves. ..great atmosphere and great selection of nice beer. ..highly recommended you won't be disappointed! !

    (4)

  • Eddie K.

    What a great place to dine. Hope you don't mind really spicy food because the food here packs a lot of heat. The interior is really nice and modern and doesn't feel like a typical Chinese restaurant. The cocktails and beer list is quite impressive. The Han Dynasty beer was my favorite. Before you order your food you can ask them to make the dishes less spicy. They have it numbered between 1-10. My favorite dishes were the dan dan noodles, Spicy Crispy Cucumber, Beef Dry Pot Style, Pork Belly Double Cooked Style, pea leaves and Mapo Tofu.

    (5)

  • Aliyia P.

    Dan dan noodles were awesome food was great we also got the dry pepper shrimp cold cucumber app (so refreshing) and dumplings...the spices were on point got a seat at the bar which we didn't depend on getting but glad we were able to sneak in there would go back for sure the drinks were fabulous!

    (4)

  • Lauren T.

    Han Dynasty is not your average Chinese food restaurant, they serve up their Sichuan dishes family style and they arrive to your table as soon as they've been prepared. I've been here several times and it never disappoints. The atmosphere is pretty cool in both of their Philly locations and the service is usually quite prompt. Their menu also has numbers between parenthesis to show the spice level, but I've found some of these aren't always that accurate and most dishes err on the milder side and you can always ask your server to adjust the spice level to your liking. I've been here with small and large parties and it's always fun sharing and trying new dishes and there are plenty of veggie-centered vegan and vegetarian options. Some of my favorites are the dumplings in chili oil, dan dan noodles, eggplant in garlic sauce, kung pow chicken or chicken in garlic sauce. If you're looking for a little something sweet to cool off your tongue after dinner, I recently tried their ice cream sampler which consists of red bean, green tea and ginger flavored ice creams. They're all pretty taste and none of the flavors are overly sweet, but favorite is definitely the ginger. There's just something about the food here that keeps me coming back and even though I've moved out of Philly I think I'll still be coming back when I'm in town.

    (5)

  • Sahil S.

    great Chinese food. They have some of the better dishes and options in the Philly area. Really good for vegetarians as well because almost all dishes come with tofu/veggie replacements.

    (5)

  • Stephanie M.

    Best ever!!! Double cooked chicken or fish is great! The cucumber appetizer is great... Been there at least five or six times always ordering something different and it was all great except salt & pepper style which was just ok. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

    (5)

  • KJ S.

    It seems everyone is in love with the dan dan noodles, and I have to agree they are good. I've been here twice and had them both times. As for the other things I've tried, they were just average. The atmosphere is decent and service is fast.

    (4)

  • David P.

    I've been a few times, usually with colleagues from the Science Center in the same building. I know this place has fans, but I just don't get it. It just seems like fairly average, overpriced Americanized Chinese food that is perhaps a bit spicier than usual. The have a nice bar if you want to hang out with friends.

    (3)

  • Carol C.

    I've been here multiple times now, but I always have the same thought: overpriced chinese food. Nothing great or horrible, really, but you can get the same kind of food in Chinatown for half the price. You're basically paying the extra other half for decor and English speaking servers (which, I guess is pretty important to most people). If you are coming though, their fish dishes are worth ordering.

    (3)

  • James P.

    All I can say is Don Don Noodles. Food is Fing amazing because I like spicy foods.

    (5)

  • Di P.

    Biggest grievance about this place is how they categorize their spiciness. I think they had a white guy from Minnesota do it (cue hate mail from white people/ Minnesotans). Buuuuut I get it. It's really freakin' hard to judge the levels. Because there's my Indian friend who's laughing at the 8 spicy level and then there's my mixed European friend who's dying at spice level 3. So I get it. After much spice calibration, I have a fondness for this place. I may be the only person alive who doesn't pine for the dan dan noodles or the spicy crispy cucumbers (both tasty items, but not reason why I crave the place). I think their strongest suit is their tasting menu. You can "choose your adventure" i.e. be adventurous or not, and you can get it for as low as $20 per person. The pricier it gets per person, the more fun food you get. And you can specify things like spice level, or mostly seafood, or please no tripe etc etc. Which I think is a lot of fun. They only do it for groups though, but it's fun on someone's birthday to know what the flat price everybody is paying and then just share everything. Love it!

    (4)

  • Nikila D.

    After trying this Han Dynasty's family-style tasting menu with a large group, I'm very confident that this restaurant deserves 5 stars. I went into the tasting menu option very wary, because I thought it wouldn't be worth my money to pay $20 for the huge amount of dishes, when I assumed majority of them would be meat-based.... BUT When I told the server I was a vegetarian, she went out of her way to notify the chefs, who then made 75% of our tasting menu vegetarian-friendly--meaning I could enjoy almost all of the absolutely deliciously perfect dishes as much as my friends could! There is a LOT of wonderful food in the tasting menu, though, so it's definitely worth your money if you're coming in a large group of 8+ people to do it, as long as you notify them that you're vegetarian! And, again, I just want to echo the friendliness of the waitstaff and the cool ambiance of the restaurant as a whole. I am so pleased that Han Dynasty is a presence now in U City, and I look forward to visiting often! (Also, the free spicy crispy cucumbers for each check are awesome! Take note that it's one free order per table, though.)

    (5)

  • Arvind B.

    There are some restaurants where I just want 1 dish and I can never get enough of it. This is one of them. so my actual review is going to just be three words Dan Dan Noodles

    (5)

  • Tatyana M.

    First visit and very nice impression. For great Sichuan dishes we go to Sakura Mandarin when in Philly, but this time we stayed in UCity and found not a bad alternative here. We tasted their kidney dish, Dan Dan Noodles, Wontons in spicy sause and chive pancake. Everything was at the level of spiciness we asked for and very yummy. We wish they'd have soup dumplings too but it's not a big deal, we still enjoyed. When in area we'll be back.

    (4)

  • Brodie L.

    *This was a to go order so it may be different than eating at the restaurant. Spring rolls- oily, not too much flavor Dan Dan noodles- very sticky/pasty sauce that wasn't very good at all (this could be because it was in a plastic to go container). Did not even save them for leftovers. Dry Pepper shrimp- Soggy, I've had better Probably would not go back to this place for takeout. Cannot comment on how the food is at the restaurant, it might be better. Overall: don't get takeout.

    (2)

  • Alyssa D.

    I do not think this place warrants the praise that it has received: the food was just OK and the service was atrocious. Food: I ordered the highly acclaimed Dan Dan Noodles which I would not suggest. The sauce was oily and I'm still confused whether it was OK or awful, the noodles on the thicker side, and the pork was very minimal and very hard. Not browned and crispy, but hard - like I was concerned about breaking a tooth. Also, there were few vegetables on the menu, and the Noodles came with no vegetables in it. If you want to eat a big bowl of noodles and oil, great! Service: I walked in and stood next to the host stand for 2 minutes. A girl holding an iPad (used for their seating system) and looking down into the screen walks right into me on the way to the host stand - looks up and says "Um...is there something I can help you with?" Yes, there is, since I am standing here waiting to be seated. She was awfully confused when I said a table for 1 - and then she went to play with the iPad more. The (I assume) manager motioned me toward this table and I said no - this was the kind of table you seat parties of 1 at. This is something I do not understand when I can see 3 open tables (2-tops) open and plenty of 4-tops. I have worked in restaurants and this is NOT appropriate. Then there was more confusion between him and the host and I finally just sat down. The server came over and said "So...what can I do for you?" - um, hi? hello? Welcome to Han Dynasty? Everyone else who came to my table to deliver food didn't say a word and merely grunted when I said anything. I am not a high maintenance restaurant diner, so for me to feel this negatively about service, something was certainly wrong. So long, Han Dynasty. I will never be back.

    (2)

  • Tuyet N.

    Phenomenal service! Even when they are packed, you get served in no time. As you will probably see throughout all of these reviews, the spicy cucumbers and dandan noodles are an absolute must! Also try the the thinly sliced pork belly in garlic chili oil appetizer -- it might look daunting covered in red oil, but it is addictive. On Valentine's Day we got the "double dragon", which is two lobsters on a bed of spaghetti-like noodles and greens. The way they prepared the lobsters really made eating it not a hassle at all. Reserve a table beforehand if you want to go here on an occasion like v-day.

    (5)

  • Karel V.

    Being part Jamaican, I grew up on spicy food. Not in a BW3's, Man vs. Food, drink some pepper spray type of way, but actually incorporating hot peppers as an ingredient to enhance the flavor of the dish so that you feel something other than heat is missing when you don't add it. Han Dynasty does this very, very well. The food is flavroful and not just hot for the sake of being hot. I wish they had brown rice, but this restaurant will definitely be in my regular rotation.

    (4)

  • Sunny W.

    Good prices, good food. The dan dan noodles were good. Three cup chicken was hot and savory. Cumin lamb was amazing. The only thing I didn't like was the dumplings in chili oil, but that was only cause it paled in comparison to everything else.

    (5)

  • Jay S.

    I love this place. Love the Dan Dan noodles, dried pepper shrimp, and wontons. Service is great. If you want a great dining experience with excellent food, you must try this place.

    (5)

  • Mark M.

    Han Dynasty is one of my favorite restaurants in Philadelphia. I first found the Manayunk location, and my wife and I ate there several times. We heard about it from a friend who turned us on to the spicy cucumbers, which are just wonderful. Eventually I tried the University City location, and it's much more "hip." I really don't care about ambiance, but if you are seeking a more polished/trendy type of place, go to University City over Manayunk. The food in both places is just incredible. Han Dynasty serves food in very large, family sized portions. It's most fun when you are with a bit of a group, so you can order a number of different things, and try them all. On their "specials" menu, they have Spicy Aroma Fish which is just absolutely beyond this world. SO good. Another major hit was the dry pot style. My wife and I are big seafood fans, so we get shrimp as the protein, but you have complete flexibility to pick whichever protein suits your taste. They have numbers on the menu, 1-10, beside each dish. This is the relative spiciness rating. It's really hard to describe the type of heat in these Szechuan dishes... it isn't the kind of heat that just burns your mouth. The heat is very strong, but it's all flavor. Dry pepper style is another type of preparation that we have tried and loved. Several reviews mention the Dan Dan noodles... they are wonderful, but they are indeed rather oily. It's just the nature of this cuisine. I think the food is wonderfully prepared, one just has to know that chili oil and sesame oil will make the food a bit on the oily side. Absolute top notch rating for this place. Love it!

    (5)

  • Teannie S.

    Terrify service. The service I had experienced today was the worst service ever. Got pull off 5 glasses of water from a waiter on my whole body.. No apology, no service, no one cares, one of the guy gave me a tshirt tho, thanks alot. And the most unacceptable point is they fixed the service charge as 18% after all this terrible serviced (no service). Honestly, I'm a fans of han dynasty, but I'm so disappointed about what happened today.

    (1)

  • Ted G.

    I tried the double-cooked flounder, mapo tofu, dan dan noodles, and kung pao chicken to share with my hungry friend. We kept the original spiciness ratings on the menu. The highlights were the dan dan noodles and kung pao chicken. Perfect amount of spiciness and great flavor. A new level of chinese food quality (as expected for the high price!). The mapo tofu was good. The tofu is very soft and delicate, which I enjoy (as an Asian diner perhaps), but my friend did not care for this consistency. A bit greasy and a little too spicy though... it is definitely a "we're obsessed with the 1-10 spiciness scale because it is so trendy, so we're going to tarnish a typical, traditional dish." I think the 1-10 rating is a new, convenient option, but I hope that Han Dynasty will also respect the tradition of the dishes they are serving... even if the diner doesn't necessarily know what they are supposed to taste like in the first place. The double-cooked flounder was OK. Kind of salty, which was disappointing for a $20 plate. Perhaps that is the flavor meant by "double-cooked." Maybe it was the added spices. I am getting a bit tired of talking about spices, and most likely, you will get tired of eating the spicy foods. I recommend mixing in a more subdued, cooler dish to provide your mouth some relief. I will come back for dan dan noodles.

    (3)

  • Mario B.

    Words cannot describe how good this place really is. Granted, I love Chinese food and very spicy food - and I think you definitely need to like both to appreciate this place. I've gone there several times with people that weren't crazy about Asian food or didn't like spicy food, and they weren't nearly as impressed (they may have even swayed to side of not liking this place entirely). With that said, I love it. At every generic Chinese take-out, I order the food extra spicy and never even feel a bit of heat. I don't have that problem here! As for specific food, yes, the Dan Dan Noodles are incredible. I'd also highly recommend the "wontons in chili oil." As for the full-size meat entrees, I really love the dry pepper style (but, we warned, it's an 8 - and it earns every bit of that ranking). Haven't tried this place yet for take-out. Hopefully, I'll get the chance soon. All in all, if you like Chinese/Spicy food, I highly recommend! You can't leave Philly without trying this place.

    (5)

  • Cat P.

    I've always enjoyed Han Dynasty's other location in Old City, but man, this one...this is the one to go to. The space itself seems a little more edgy, the servers/bartenders really know their stuff, and the food is nothing short of amazing. They seated us right away because we had made a reservation (I recommend this, especially for weekends). We started with the dan dan noodles, which I loved (the waiter put the pork off to the side for me because most of their meats are tenderized with eggs). Then the crispy cucumbers came out. How are they cool and hot at the same time? It's like they defy physics. We had a few entrees for dinner, but the dish that really stuck out for me was the pea leaves. The taste and texture was very unique. Drink service was incredible and they had Pumpking on tap. What more could I ask for? I don't usually head up to University City, but now, there's a great reason to.

    (5)

  • Ross K.

    My first experience here was during their soft opening several months ago. The experience then was great and it has only improved. The staff is always helpful and friendly. The hostesses are as hot as the food. The food is delicious and there are great choices for every spice range. I came recently with a vegetarian and there were plenty of options to choose from. Their beer selection is fantastic and varied for a restaurant not beer-centric. Try the cold sesame noodle, they are to die for!

    (5)

  • Peony Y.

    Came here with co-workers for lunch. We ordered full portions of the black bean chicken, kung pao chicken, and three cup chicken. The black bean and kung pao were good. The main reason I'm giving this place a lower rating is because the three cup chicken is listed as one of their specialties on their menu and it's usually one of my favorite dishes, however I didn't like how they made it. It's a simple dish yet I think they tried to improve on it and made it worse. It had a strong taste of cooking wine, which maybe some people like but since I was expecting something else I wasn't very happy with it. Otherwise, everything else was good. Full size portions were definitely filling, and we did family-style and shared our dishes. (They also have lunch size portions at 60% of the full portion for 60% of the price.) Service was good. We were given more rice when we asked for it. And decor's nice.

    (3)

  • Noheli T.

    The first Han Dynasty that I'd ever been to was the one in Manayunk and I loved it! I was excited to see that they opened one up close to where I work so I had to try it out. The interior design is very modern, which fits the needs of the clients in that area because they're mainly students. I went in a little after 5 so it wasn't too busy. We ordered the Scallion Pancakes, The Long Hot Peppers with Chicken, and the House Special. All items were delicious and very well portioned. Our waiter was on his A game and made it a great experience. Maybe it's just my imagination but I the menu may be a little different from the one in Manayunk. I was looking for something specific and couldn't find it, but then again it could just be my bad memory.

    (5)

  • Clare D.

    My second time at Han Dynasty was as pleasurable as the first. I went with my coworker friends, Robert and Ingrid, a couple who share my love for authentic Asian food. We each ordered and shared our family style dishes of Dan Dan Noodles, Spicy Beef Noodle Soup, and Taiwanese Sausage Fried Rice. Whoa... these dishes were simply amazing! Plentiful portions packed with so much heat, they were fine examples of how spicy hot food can be quite enjoyable. I've had the Dan Dan Noodles here before and recommended it to Robert. He and Ingrid loved the dish. Ground bits of pork, peanut sauce, and chili oil. So simple and yet so addictive. My Spicy Beef Noodle Soup tingled my lips with its exotic flavor that was equally as addictive as the Dan Dan Noodles. The beef and tendon chunks were very tender. I just wish there was more meat. The Taiwanese Sausage Fried Rice was the most ordinary of the three, but it was like the superior quality fried rice you get at Chinese weddings. "This is one the best meals I've had in my entire life," Robert admitted. "Even better than our wedding?" Ingrid challenged. "It's right up there with that," he replied. That's the best endorsement you can get!

    (5)

  • Keo N.

    I really enjoy their food despite the bad service on busy days, but I was craving the food and it's close to my job so I decided to dine alone on a slow Friday, I ate at the bar and the service was fast. Love the Dan Dan Noodles which has mince pork in it and I ordered the pork belly in garlic sauce. Both were great and the service was much better than my past experiences. I will only dine here when it's slow other wise I will take

    (4)

  • Carol M.

    Had a great dinner at the Han Dynasty! The service was wonderful. Our waiter took the time to explain every dish and rate the spice levels! We were happy with all of his recommendations.

    (4)

  • Amy H.

    All my co-workers loved this place....since my company was next to the place...all I smell was food from Han Dynasty around lunch hour. I finally took the chance to tried it with my co-worker and i was some what disappointed. I didn't go for any of the spicy stuff but I really did not enjoy it. We ate outside which is probably not the best idea since there were non-stop cars driving by but the food was not as good as i expected to be. Perhaps, I should try the spicy dished next time when I find the courage to go again!!!

    (3)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:30 am - 10

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : Yes
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner
    Parking : Garage, Street, Private Lot, Validated
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : Yes
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : Yes

Han Dynasty

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