Nam Chon

Nam Chon

228 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, United States

+1 267-766-8558

Korean restaurant
(359)
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About This Place

Nam Chon is a standout Korean restaurant nestled in the vibrant heart of Philadelphia’s South Street, offering an authentic taste of Korea that promises to delight your palate with each visit. Specializing in time-honored Korean classics, this cozy and welcoming spot is a haven for both seasoned fans of Korean cuisine and culinary explorers eager to indulge in rich, layered flavors.

The menu at Nam Chon is a vibrant celebration of Korean culinary heritage, featuring beloved dishes such as the hearty Bibimbap served sizzling in stone bowls, the spicy and comforting Brisket Tteokbokki, and the ever-crispy Korean Fried Chicken that sings with perfectly balanced seasoning. The Kimchi Brisket Dolsot and Mushroom Tofu Dolsot options demonstrate the kitchen’s expertise in cooking authentic hot stone rice dishes, each bursting with the warmth of slow-cooked broths and the satisfying texture of perfectly seasoned rice. For those craving something soul-soothing, the Egg Soup and Pork Soondubu options deliver a mellow yet deeply savory experience that lingers deliciously on the palate.

Each dish at Nam Chon resonates with a deeply satisfying harmony of flavors—from the carefully marinated broths that infuse every bite with richness, to the bold, piquant kimchi and side dishes (banchan) that complement the main courses impeccably. The hot stone pots not only serve the food but also keep it piping hot until the very last morsel, ensuring every bite is as fresh and vibrant as the first. Diners often mention the smoky char and tender, juicy textures in the beef ribeye and chicken soy bulgogi dolsots, alongside their delight for specialties like the Pulled Pork Bento, which layers sweet and savory notes beautifully.

Beyond the extraordinary food, Nam Chon offers a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels both casual and genuinely heartfelt. The owner’s warmth and attentiveness shine through from the moment you walk in, reflecting a sincere passion for sharing Korean flavors and culture. Guests frequently highlight the friendly, personalized service and the cozy dining environment that almost feels like a home away from home—even if the space can lean towards the warmer side during peak hours, a testament to its bustling popularity and intimate setting.

Nam Chon’s reputation is bolstered by heartfelt reviews praising not only the depth and authenticity of the food but also the attentiveness of the staff. From generous refills of kimchi to the owner revealing family-inspired secrets behind their famous bulgogi sauce, visitors leave feeling well cared for and eager to return. The thoughtful combination of fresh, well-seasoned dishes and genuine hospitality creates a dining experience that is as memorable as it is mouthwatering.

Whether you’re savoring the addictive crispiness of the Korean Fried Wings, the delightfully smoky Mushroom Tofu Dolsot, or warming up with the richly flavored Egg Soup, Nam Chon provides a truly immersive Korean culinary experience in Philadelphia. For lovers of bold spices, perfectly balanced textures, and authentic tastes served with kindness and care, Nam Chon is an unmissable destination that captures the heart and soul of Korean cooking.

Service options
Kerbside pickup Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Offerings
Comfort food Healthy options Quick bite Small plates
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Dessert Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly Locals Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Paid street parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    12:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    Closed
  • Wednesday
    12:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Thursday
    12:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Friday
    12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Saturday
    12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Sunday
    12:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Yuni Cedric
    4 week ago

    The dishes are very satisfying for our taste buds. We ate everything till the last drop. The pork soondubu is so tasty. The ahjussi is warm and kind. One thing I couldn’t like about is the place is too hot. Can you imagine eating hot and spicy soup and rice in a hot room? Outside is cooler than inside the restaurant.

  • Adam
    1 month ago

    The food was really good, the staff was very attentive. I went through the kimchi and they brought a bunch more without a question. The service was super friendly. The food was quite good. The broth was hearty and tasted as if it was marinated quite awhile. The japchae was also very well made. Overall great experience and food. Will come again.

  • Buster D
    2 month ago

    Highly recommend this Korean spot on South St! All of the food we had was full of flavor and intention. Seated by the owner who shared some of the secrets of his mother's bulgogi sauce. Kimchi was a great appetizer and the dumplings were mouth watering. The beef bibimbap came out in stone bowls and were balanced in flavor, I ate every part! We were given a surprise from the kitchen of fresh cut watermelon as a palate cleanser. Eat here!

  • Michelle Estrella
    3 month ago

    I had a great experience at Nam Chon in Philadelphia! The prices were very reasonable, the service was fast, and the food had really good flavor. Everything we ordered came out fresh and tasty. The ambiance was warm and welcoming — a cozy spot that feels both casual and authentic. One of the highlights was the owner, who was incredibly kind and even took a picture of us during our visit, which added a personal touch to the whole experience. Definitely recommend this place if you're looking for good Korean food and a friendly atmosphere. I’ll be back! Nam Chon offers a range of dishes with prices typically between $10 and $24, making it an affordable option for those seeking authentic Korean cuisine in Philadelphia.

  • Yến Nhi Vũ Cao
    3 month ago

    I discovered this place through TikTok, and wow, it did not disappoint! As an Asian who has been to hundreds of Korean restaurants, I can confidently say this is one of the best I’ve ever tried. The dishes were perfectly seasoned, and I loved that everything was served in hot pots, keeping the food warm until the very last bite. The banchan was amazing too, especially the fried potato one, which was my favorite! But the real star of the meal was the tofu soup. My throat was sore after the G-Dragon concert, and this soup honestly felt like it healed me . If you come here, I highly recommend trying their soups! The owner was also incredibly kind and attentive. You can tell he’s passionate about what he does as he personally checked on every table, explained dishes to customers, and even asked where we were from. When he said “thank you” in our language, it was such a sweet and emotional moment. To top it off, he surprised us with free dessert! This place has officially become a must-stop for me whenever I travel through the area. Delicious food, warm service, and such a welcoming vibe, couldn’t ask for more!

  • M Rd
    3 month ago

    Nam Chon is a hidden gem and underrated. We’ve been here multiple times and it never disappoints. The service was warm and welcoming—the owner even surprised us with fresh watermelon slices on a hot day, which was such a thoughtful touch. The cozy, clean indoor space made for a relaxed dining experience. Every dish we tried was full of flavor, but the standout for me was the soondubu—rich, savory, and comforting. (& actually spicy if you request it !) The tteokbokki had the perfect texture—not too chewy, just addicting. Definitely a spot worth revisiting! Not sure what the bad reviews about the banchan are about—personally, I loved them! The marinated potatoes were my favorite. The only slight miss for me was the kimchi—I’ve had better—but everything else made up for it. Nam Chon is definitely worth a visit for the cozy vibes, great service, and seriously flavorful food. I’m so glad to have a good Korean spot nearby !

  • Euna Bae
    4 month ago

    Nam Chon in Philadelphia is a hidden gem! The food was incredibly authentic with such a fresh taste — it felt like a home-cooked Korean meal. The service was warm and attentive. And the best part? The prices are unbeatable for the quality you get. Highly recommend if you’re craving real Korean food.

  • Hannah Cui
    4 month ago

    We had the best experience dining at Nam Chon! We ordered range of items including kimchi pancake, seafood pancake, kimchi jigae, and bulgogi bimbimbap - not only was every dish amazing, the bonchon and the house made gochujang sauce was just out of this world!! The man who seated and served us who appeared to be the owner was so extremely kind, attentive, and caring, just the sweetest person! We will become a regular there for sure - felt like eating a homemade Korean meal:) so yummy and cozy!

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