Beyond the 50 Best: 5 Promising Pop-Ups Redefining Dining Out in Philly
Meet the roving chefs redefining dining with ever-changing, ephemeral dining experiences worth following to the ends of the earth.
When we sat down to develop this year’s 50 Best Restaurants list, there were so many dining experiences that we wanted to include — dining experiences that go beyond what we think of as conventional restaurants. That’s why we expanded this year’s list so we could celebrate the best markets, casual bites, neighborhood classics, and, of course, the promising pop-ups whose experimental dishes and evolving menus kept dining exciting.
Chef Diana Widjojo / Photograph courtesy of Punch Media
Rice & Sambal
After stepping away from Hardena to focus on Rice & Sambal, Diana Widjojo has been taking diners on a spice-infused tour across the Indonesian archipelago. Jump on these reservations quickly; they sell out fast!
Kiki Aranita / Photograph by Claudia Gavin
Poi Dog
After rolling with the pandemic punches, Kiki Aranita has transformed Poi Dog into a dining series with menus that range from casual classics like mochi nori fried chicken to Hawaiian fine dining. (Sashimi-style Hawaiian kanpachi, anyone?) Just don’t forget to add Chili Peppah Water.
Liz Grothe of Couch Cafe / Photograph by Mike Prince
Ol Liz
Under the stage name Ol Liz, Couch Cafe’s Liz Grothe is taking her witty themed dinners out of her apartment and into kitchens across the city. Expect story-driven meals that pay homage to Oklahoman chain restaurants, her experiences as a Filipino American, and everything in between.
Jacob Trinh / Photograph by Mikhail Lipyanskiy
Jacob Trinh
Jacob Trinh (formerly of Càphê Roasters) is on a culinary journey to reconnect with his Vietnamese heritage, and we’re thrilled to follow him — especially for the coconut snails and lemongrass prawns.
Chef Reuby / Photograph by KC Tinari
Chef Reuby
Reuben Asaram combines a multitude of culinary influences to create the wildest Mexican-Asian dishes you’ll ever witness. Think butter chicken “reubychangas” and tika-spiced pork tacos.
Published as “Beyond the List: Promising Pop-Ups” in the February 2024 issue of Philadelphia magazine.
