Asia on the Parkway is located, unsurprisingly, right on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which is both good and bad. The location is certianly convenient, but the overall feel of the restaurant is kind of weird. The inside is huge, extending into a more private area away from the large windows facing the Parkway. As soon as we walked in, looking perplexed over the choice of doors, a gentleman offered to seat us.
We noticed that there were drink specials, but we opted to just drink water. We began our meal with the fried vegetable dumplings. There were six pieces in all, and they were over fried with thick skin. It came with yummy dipping sauce and plenty of it — we didn't run out, and both of us are enthusiastic dippers. Our server provided a knife when the dumplings came out, no chopsticks to be seen, but Picky noticed they were available upon request.
When it came time to order our meals, Asia on the Parkway accomodated Messy's request to have her pad thai with tofu instead of the beef/chicken/shrimp choices listed on the menu. It tasted really yummy but it should be noted that Messy felt sick the next day, which may or may not have been related. Picky opted for the mango chicken which also came in a "Thai" version. It arrived on a big plate and served on top of a banana leaf with a cup of white rice on the side. Yummy without too much sauce, a good balance of mango, chicken and rice. As a garnish, the dish was crowned with two halves of mango skins.
We were poured some hot tea before our meals arrived and the server was very prompt to refill our tea mugs and glasses of water whenever they teetered on half empty. We went for an early-ish dinner before 7p and the place only had a few other tables of customers.
Messy ***
Picky ***
The final word: Predictable Asian fusion dishes with prompt service.
Asia on the Parkway
1700 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 1st fl
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 988-9889/0728
Sun – Th: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
