Amanda Shulman's Guide to Shumai, Sourdough, and Sandwiches in Philadelphia

Chef Amanda Shulman loves that Philadelphia has a little bit of everything. But the best part is that no matter what you’re craving, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find the best version of it within a 15-minute drive. On top of that, the hospitality industry isn’t afraid to innovate. “It’s a city where one can try anything,” says Shulman, a 2023 F&W Best New Chef and owner of Her Place Supper Club and My Loup. “People can take risks here and have a captive audience that is excited to try what they’re doing.”

It’s a city that supports new concepts, and the restaurant professionals are among the most supportive. “I feel so grateful to have an industry I can rely on for advice, event participation, or to even borrow salt and a bag of towels. It is really supportive, and I’m lucky to call many of these peers my friends.”

Here are some of the many places in Philadelphia that Shulman has supported, admired, and become a regular at. 

Hoagies forever

“Angelo’s Pizzeria and Middle Child for the win. Anything between bread at either is a winner, but I especially love the Italian hoagie at Angelo’s and the So Long Sal! at Middle Child.”

Dumpling dreams

“I’m a dim-sum-for-breakfast type of girl. Ocean Harbor on a Saturday morning always hits. I often wake up dreaming of shumai. I’ll eat six shumai by myself, then clear shrimp dumplings, steamed pork buns, rice rolls, and salt and pepper shrimp.”

Bread ready

“Mighty Bread’s loaves are sour as hell and have a crust like no other. Their chocolate sourdough is surprising and delightful, and pretty much anything the owner, Chris DiPiazza, touches is fire.”

A Canadian cocktail

“I’m obviously biased, but Jillian Moore, the head bartender at our new spot, My Loup, makes a dangerously banging Montreal. It’s too sippable.”

Wine time

“Fiorella has a list that is fun, easy-drinking, and unique. Sommelier Kyle O’Neill has crafted a gorgeous list that has both personality and thoughtfulness.”

Shopping trip

“I’m at the Rittenhouse Farmers Market every Tuesday and Saturday. I love Sue’s Produce and rely on them for everyday products. They always have beautiful herbs, and they make incredible kimchi and the best smoothies in the city.”

On the town (or the couch)

“My fiancé, Alex, and I visit a.kitchen or order EMei to our couch for a date night. We eat at a.kitchen probably more than anywhere, and I’m constantly craving the tongue-numbing noodles from Emei. For a fancy night out, we go to Royal Izakaya. The food rocks, and it’s one of those places you go and just feel cool for being there.”

Late-night tortas

“My go-to spot after work is Taqueria La Prima (1104 S. Ninth St.). Give me a chorizo torta and lengua tacos, or give me nothing!”

A red-sauce institution

“Palizzi Social Club is worth all the hype. The drinks are perfect, and the lamb chops are perfect, and the vibe is perfect.”

Vietnamese flavors

“I cannot get enough of Café Nhan’s fried shrimp and thin grilled pork chops with lemongrass and rice.”

Croissant cravings

“Let me tell you, my pastry dreams are wild, and Machine Shop always comes through. That chocolate croissant ...”