Phila Lorn has always been bound to Philadelphia. The youngest son of Cambodian refugees, and the first to be born in the United States, he was named after the city. He discovered cooking there, too, learning from his mother to make much of the few ingredients their food stamps covered.
At 19, fresh out of high school, Lorn took a job as a food runner at 1225 Raw, a now-shuttered Japanese restaurant. Thrown into the kitchen by chance, he soon became hooked on the fire and the chaos, climbing his way up through kitchens across the city. In 2023, he and his wife, Rachel—a fellow Philadelphia native—opened Mawn, a self-described “noodle house with no rules.” Named after the Khmer word for chicken, the restaurant is an ode to the Cambodian comfort food of Lorn’s childhood.
The couple has since opened Sao, a Southeast Asian-style oyster bar specializing in crudos. Now, with the James Beard Awards approaching, Lorn—who won Best Emerging Chef last year—shares his favorite spots in his hometown.
Rocco’s Italian Sausages & Philly Cheese Steaks
For a perfect day, start at Rocco’s food stand at the Home Depot, deep in South Philly. A hot dog with cooked onions and ketchup will make you feel like a young lad again. (roccositaliansausages.com)
Stina
Drive up a bit to 17th and Snyder, where you’ll find Stina, and ask Chef Bobby Saritsoglou if the oven is on. If it is, order a shawarma sandwich and an espresso. (stinaphiladelphia.com)
Farina Di Vita
Any hoagie at Farina Di Vita makes for a successful lunch. Pick up one or two for a group, and you’ll be the hero of the day! (instagram.com)
Cafe Cuong
Head to Cafe Cuong for a banh mi—it’s as O.G. as it gets. (instagram.com)
Sweet Peel vintage
Walk up a couple of blocks and pick up a vintage tee at Sweet Peel Vintage. There’s always gold in that treasure chest. (sweetpeelvintage.com)
Anastacia’s Antiques
Stop by Anastacia’s Antiques for some haunted vibes and real finds. Talk to the owners … they know things we don’t. (anastaciasantiques.com)
Angelo’s Pizzeria
Walk a couple more blocks and get in line for the cheesesteak at Angelo’s. American wit, light mayo, ketchup, and pickles—back off, that’s how I eat it. (angelosphl.com)
Mawn
Then hop over to Mawn (wink wink) and grab a bowl of oxtail noodle soup. It warms the soul. (mawnphilly.com)
Binding Agents
Stop over and buy a cookbook. (bindingagentsphilly.com)
Fountain Porter
It’s probably getting late now, so get to 10th and Tasker and grab a bar stool at Fountain Porter. Get a $6 burger and a light beer, trust me—you have to get up early tomorrow and do it again. (fountainporter.com)
