Last weekend I was in Philadelphia’s Chinatown neighborhood around lunchtime. I find the dining options in this neighborhood overwhelming. The area restaurants range from tourist-filled eateries to small, dingy dives with stellar dishes and everything in between. While wandering on 10^th Street, we noticed a newer-looking spot, boasting hand-drawn noodles. After looking at its menu, we decided to try Spice C. Even slightly after the lunchtime rush, the restaurant was packed. Luckily, a group was leaving and we were seated immediately. My seat offered a prime view of the kitchen, where I saw the chefs making the noodles by hand. I ordered a bubble tea, but unfortunately they were out that day. We ordered the stir-fried Chinese broccoli for the table. The garlicky sauce was flavorful yet light, and the broccoli was perfectly cooked. Rather than trying something new for my main, I opted for a dish I’ve had many times before — the Pad Thai. Their version came with shrimp and squid. This was a new Pad Thai combination for me, and I enjoyed the pairing. I cleared almost my entire plate. While noodles and soups are the main draw, the restaurant offers several rice dishes and appetizer selections. With many traditional Chinese dishes to choose from, I plan to dine at Spice C again soon. — Katie Skrzek, digital director