"If you love spicy food and want to challenge your tolerance, go here. I especially like the double cooked fish and dry pepper style scallop dishes, spicy cucumbers and the dan dans. Service is always good and staff is friendly. Its also fun to go with a group and do the tasting menu, if you are feeling adventurous."
Dined on 6/15/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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"We got the spicy cucumbers - best thing we had. the dan dan noodles - they dont look like much but they are delicious! the hot sauce style pork - this was HOT. and I am a south texas girl who puts hot sauce on everything. delicious but spicy --it was a 7 (on the heat levels) thank GOD we didnt get the level 10. also we had the dumplings in chili oil - also VERY good and spicy. this was very unique and I would definitely go back!"
Dined on 6/10/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"One of my favorite places to eat in the city, little disappointed with the recent reduction in BYO to only Tuesday, but always a great place to eat. Food is top notch, it can be loud at times but, its all part of the experience."
Dined on 2/08/2013
2012
Special Features: scenic view
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"I've lived in the neighborhood for about 3 years, but I've never been to Han Dynasty. This past Sunday, my boyfriend and I decided to check it out. Our server was very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu and made a great drink recommendation (Han Jiang--yum!) I ordered the dumplings in chili sauce and the Dan Dan noodles and my boyfriend ordered the spring rolls and the garlic style lamb. Everything came out quickly and was delicious! I especially liked that they will modify the spice level based on taste, but bring you the chili oil so you can adjust. We left satisfied and with leftovers. The price is pretty reasonable too--for two people with meals, apps, and cocktails, we spent less than $60 before tip. Will definitely be back!"
Dined on 6/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch
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"I can always count on Han Dynasty in Olde City for a great meal! Try the sesame noodles- they are a great and mild change from the delicious dan dan noodles."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"My son, a chef in Philly, wanted to go here. So 4 of us made a reservation and went. I'm glad we made a reservation as the place is very small, and I'm sure the wait on a Saturday night would have been long. They have awesome specialty drinks, and 3 of us had one. We started with some apps so we could assess the heat level. The cucumbers, labeled a 7, were the most addictive thing I've eaten. Sweet, spicy, cold, and unreal. Couldn't stop. The dumplings were very good, and dan dan noodles excellent, but seemed to be spicier than the level given. I got the spicy lamb, and did bring most of it home and poured the oil off. IT was amazing. Didn't have to chew the lamb! The others all got a variety of dishes, alo emazing, some hot, some not."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Han Was recommended by a waitress in another restaurant. She was spot on in terms of the food quality, which was excellent, and in how hot the food was! We really enjoyed the experience and will recommend Han to our visiting friends."
Dined on 5/26/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Had an awesome meal in Han Dynasty. Our initial server was great. Energetic and friendly. Dan Dan noodle is one of the best I've had so far. A little spicy for some, but once you've had a taste you just couldn't stop. Would've given this place 5 stars if it wasn't for the 2nd server we had. He was being rather rude and gave us a nasty look. Ruined the mood a little, otherwise it would've been perfect."
Dined on 5/27/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"I've been to the Exton branch many times. The Philly location is quite different. Not only do they have a liquor license, but their menu is shorter. It still showcases quite a few authentic Chinese dishes and stays away from the Americanized tedium found in more mainstream Chinese places."
Dined on 5/26/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Han Dynasty was on my short list of must visit restaurants in the city. I've only heard great things. The food was delicious, but know rhat it can be spicy. On the other hand, you can ask them to tone down the spicy. They have a number syst"
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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"very unassuming from outside (as alot of places on that block are)- we literally didnt see it until our car was directly out from. The server was a really awesome Ukranian dude who was lightening fast. we did a family style order or apps & main courses & we were in/out so fast we didnt know what to do with all of our extra time! I loved the fish entree. It was very spicy and the breading they used was amazing. The won tons and dan dan were one of the greatest food things to happen to us. ever. and we were full for HOURS. By 7:30 this place was PACKED! on our way out there was a line of people waiting. If you have to wait- do it, its worth it."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"The reviews recommending the Dan Dan noodles and Crisp Cucumbers were spot on. They were awesome. As for the fear instilled regarding the spiciness I got nothing higher than a 4 and I know now I could have handled much hotter. The waitress, and other staff, were VERY helpful and courteous. This was the Old City location and I'll be trying one closer to home to compare, at least for the 2 apps mentioned. Traffic into Center City from the 'burbs was brutal."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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"Was looking for a "Chinese" restaurant with a nice ambience, spicy (but not too), different. This one, specializing in Szechuan cuisine, was a hit for our family! Excellent food, wonderful flavors, friendly knowledgeable staff, nice setting. The numbering system (to indicate level of adjustable spiciness) helped, and was fun. The clientele was a blend of all ages, and the baby behind us was cheerfully accommodated. But mostly, it was the delicious flavors of the food that won us over."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot, kid-friendly
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"I think I've been to this restaurant more times than I've been anywhere else in the city. It never disappoints. The dan dan noodles are a brilliant as everyone says, and the 3-cup chicken is awesome as well. This last visit we tried the scallion style beef for the first time, and it was also great. I'm always looking forward to coming back to Han Dynasty."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, kid-friendly
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"Food here is excellent and very diverse menu. The ambiance is nicer in their west Philly location is much better but can't go wrong with the food in either spot!"
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"If you want Chinese with a more authentic feel to it (and far more spicy) then give this place a try.
I didn't have a "wow" experience here, but it wasn't bad either. The server's were above par though, and for this reason I'll give it another try sometime."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: hot spot
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"Great food (esp. if you like spicy); warm and friendly (but noisy) upstairs; basement-grungy downstairs good for large groups that just want to eat and have fun; great value."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"This is Chinese food like you've never had it before! Authentic, spicy, unforgettable. It's a must try. The dan dan noodles are their speciality (and just as good without the pork for vegetarians) for an appetizer. You won't find General Tso's on this restaurant's menu, but you will leave with a new appreciation for Chinese food."
Dined on 4/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"If you like spicy food than this is your place. If you dont thats ok too. You can adjust the spiciness on all dishes. Everything was great! Make sure to try the Dan Dan noodles."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Food seems to be going downhill. Dan Dan noodles and wontons in hot chili oil were wonderful as always, but fried fish was soggy and pork belly was overcooked (how can pork belly be dry?). Although the restaurant was almost empty when we arrived (and didn't start to fill up until we were getting ready to leave) we were seated at a small table in a traffic pattern where there was not enough room for our dishes and the waitstaff kept bumping into us. When we asked to be reseated, we were told that all the other tables were reserved (we also had a reservation). Doesn't compare favorably with its University City offshoot, and there are lots of other restaurants in Old City where one can get a better (and more enjoyable) meal before the theatre."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2006
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"Service was excellent, and it was quick. Went here on Thursday night before a movie at the Ritz, and I was worried we wouldn't have enough time, but food came out promptly! The waiter was very knowledgeable about the dishes and spice level. This was one of the spiciest meals I ever ate, but that's because we went with the recommendations. They can change to whatever your tastes can accommodate. I recommend the Dan Dan Noodles as an appetizer to share. The entrees are large - intended for family style, so probably only one is required for two people. This would be a great spot for a group to go and share food!"
Dined on 04/11/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find
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"I had heard very good things about this restaurant and was not disappointed. The food was very good, the atmosphere was casual, and the service was outstanding."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Not for the faint of heart or sensitive palates. The spicy dishes are hot! But delicious. The Dan-Dan Noodles were fantastic, and the Dry Pepper Style Shrimp was the best shrimp dish I've ever eaten anywhere...simply amazing. Loved it and can't wait to go back."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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"Chinese cuisine done right. Very authentic, delicious. Low cost for high quality. Perfectly sized portions. SPICE or NO SPICE from mouth sizzling to numbing to tingling, it can be personalized and menu caters to preference. Casual dining atmosphere (don't expect the servers to gush over you, something I REALLY appreciated), they brought water and refilled our BYO wine (Tues. are BYO) when needed, nothing over the top, we really could enjoy and focus on the food. When we asked for a server's favorite, they gave it to us. Definite menu items to try are the Dan Dan Noodles at their original spice level and Pork Belly in Black Bean sauce. Delicious. Definitely going back for more. Great spot, great food, great staff."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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"Without doubt, the best Chinese food I've had in the U.S. I never eat Chinese food in the U.S. because it is either bland, soggy, oily, overcooked, MSGed and/or all of the above. Han is truly superb. It's an interesting menu that shies away from the usual American Chinese formulaic approach to Asian cuisine. The menu is bold, original and inventive and the food is exactly that too. Extremely spicy though, so be warned!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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"Best Szechuan I've ever had, really outstanding. Appetizers were good---we had spicy cucmbers and dumplings in chili oil. Main courses we had had dry chili chicken and beef with green chilies (you're getting a sense that there's some spice involved in the food at Han Dynasty, right?). This is as far from shopping-mall Chinese as you're going to get."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"We got the tasting menu which was amazing! They asked us about our spice preferences, price points, and if we had any allergies, etc., and costumized it based on our groups food tastes. There was a great mix of everything on the menu, and we got to try a nice sampling of dishes. Our server was great as well. Just make sure to bring cash if you're with a large group."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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"RUDE HOSTESS. Inattentive with a nasty attitude. Inattentive wait staff. Unappealing downstairs longgg table seating shared with many. With strange soft rock music playing. Food was good. The Dan Dan noodles were really delicious. The cucumbers were spicy and amazing. I don't even really like cucumbers, but they were awesome. I like the salt/pepper spicy shrimp dish as well. The dry pepper hot pot lamb and chicken didn't blow my mind.
Food doesn't matter because the service is absolutely horrible. I would come here if you want to be ignored."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2012
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"Han Dynasty is our new favorite casual hot spot. The wine list, though, is not anything to write home about. I liked when it was BYOB and you could just pay a corking fee. Other than that the food is awesome!! Dan Dan noodles, yummy with just the right amount of firy spice. And you cannot forget to try the spicy crispy cucumbers! If you like spicy, this your your hot spot!! If you don't like spice there are also non-spicy treats to choose from. The food is fragrant and delectable. Not your typical chinese restaurant...this is so much better."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, hot spot
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"Loved the spicy cucumber and Dan Dan noodles are a staple at this place. We generally eat a lot of spicy food given that we have Indian roots and we went for spice levels 4 to 6 and they were pretty spicy. The spiciness goes up to 10. If you get a two person table on the stage next to the entrance, it's cute, romantic and with a good view of the lit bridge."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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"Fairly decent place to get something to eat. Casual dress. Basement seating at rundown tables with plastic tablecloths if you have to eat downstairs. Food doesn't really justify the price."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups
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"Our group really enjoyed the food, but the service did not meet our expectations at all. The food will bring us back, but when recommending this place to others, I would tell them about the service."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"I was impressed how the ambiance encouraged small tables and larger groups! The food was excellent although I was a bit taken back by the spiciness ratings utilized. I don't mind spicy food but I try to avoid my sinuses running if possible. A 3 out of 10 spiciness (Garlic sauce style with chicken) did that to me XD I'd go back again in a heartbeat though. So good!"
Dined on 03/10/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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"Even with a reservation we waited 20 minutes to be seated, but the food here is unparalleled in the city and is worth every second of the wait. Not a date night spot due to less-than-soothing ambience. Go with friends for the delicious, authentic food. Highly recommended!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Chinese isn't my favorite kind of food, but Han Dynasty seems to have its own take on the cuisine, and I like it. I've been twice and will certainly return."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2006
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"The best Chinese food in Philadelphia without a doubt and, according to Travel and Leisure Magazine, the 13th best of 27 Chinese restaurants in the United States."
Dined on 03/04/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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