Messy and Picky

Tampopo has lots of good take-out Japanese and Korean food on the cheaps - in fact, the cheapest Korean food Picky has ever had, in his whole Korean life. The vegetarian rolls are also very good, but not as filling as the traditional Korean specialties like Bi-Bim-Bab and spicy Kal-Bi [spicy beef teriyaki on the menu]. Basically any of the "bowl" dishes [hot-and-spicy or teriaki tofu/beef/etc.] are great choices, as they are served in bowls with plenty of white rice, and they don't skimp on the meat/tofu. We also noticed a few creative variations on standard roll options for the adventurous, but we did not try them. The most expensive thing we saw on the menu was $8 and that was for a 12-piece order of eel roll with cucumber. [One of the few things we have in common: we're not big fans of eel rolls.]

There's not too much available in terms of seating, as Tampopo is primarily a take-out place. There are a few tables, but no table service. However, the service is extremely fast and they do deliver [$15 minimum], but unfortunately, not to our neighborhood.

Messy ***
Picky ***1/2

The final word: Quick and yummy, for cheaper than one might expect.

Tampopo
104 S. 21st St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 557-9593
M-F: 11.30 - 2.30 [lunch] 5.30 - 9.30 [dinner]
Sat: Noon - 9