Exploring the Best Borscht in Philadelphia: A Foodie’s Guide

Laura Williams

Updated on:

Photo by Rasmus Gundorff Sæderup on Unsplash

Philadelphia is a city that is known for its diverse food scene. From cheesesteaks to soft pretzels, the city has a lot to offer when it comes to food. However, there is one dish that is often overlooked but is a staple in many Eastern European households – borscht. This hearty soup is a favorite among many and can be found in various restaurants and cafes throughout the city. Let’s find the best Borscht in Philadelphia.


Borscht is a part of Eastern European cuisine, which includes dishes from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and Poland. Two other popular dishes from this cuisine are pierogi and goulash. Pierogi are dumplings that are filled with various ingredients such as potatoes, cheese, and meat. Goulash is a stew that is made with beef, vegetables, and paprika. While these dishes share some similarities with borscht, they each have their own unique flavors and ingredients.


Borscht is a soup that is made with beets, cabbage, potatoes, and other vegetables. It is often served with sour cream and dill, which adds a tangy and herbaceous flavor to the dish. Some variations of borscht also include meat, such as beef or pork. In this article, we will explore the different types of borscht that can be found in Philadelphia and where to find them. Whether you are a fan of Eastern European cuisine or just looking to try something new, borscht is a dish that is worth trying.

Pierogi Factory

Exploring the Best Borscht in Philadelphia: A Foodie's Guide - Pierogi Factory - <a href="https://www.pierogifactoryphl.com/">Photo Source</a>
Pierogi Factory – Photo Source

9965 Bustleton Ave Philadelphia
(215) 516-1111
Pierogi Factory Menu

Pierogi Factory is a must-visit restaurant for anyone who loves Polish cuisine. The food is always fresh, delicious, and made to order. The menu has both traditional and unusual flavors, so there is something for everyone. The kielbasa is a standout dish, and the best you will ever have. The pierogies are fried crisp, and the potato pancakes have crispy edges that are incredibly delicious. The stuffed cabbage is outstanding, and the crab is a must-try. The cheesesteak is also highly recommended. The customer service is always consistent, with friendly, attentive, and speedy staff. The restaurant has a cozy and old-world feel, and the bathrooms are clean. The vegetarian options are plenty, and there is free and easy parking. Although some reviewers mentioned minor issues, such as less filling in the pierogies or the food being a bit salty, these are easily overlooked when you consider the overall quality of the food and the excellent service. Pierogi Factory is a gem of a restaurant that you will want to visit again and again.

Gamarjoba

13033 Bustleton Ave Philadelphia
(215) 677-6070
Gamarjoba Menu

Gamarjoba is a fantastic restaurant that offers a wide variety of authentic Georgian dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. The kharcho soup is a must-try, with sizeable chunks of tender meat that are cooked to perfection. The pork ribs kebab and chicken kebab are also highly recommended and are sure to leave you feeling satisfied. The lunch portions are just as generous as the dinner portions, and with the current 15% off promotion, it’s an excellent time to visit. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the ease of online ordering is a plus.

See also  Caribbean Delights in Philadelphia: Exploring the Flavorful World of Caribbean Cuisine

While there was a negative experience mentioned in one of the reviews, it’s important to note that incidents like that can happen anywhere. It’s unfortunate that the manager did not handle the situation well, but the cancellation and service staff were able to save the day and ensure that the event was still a success. Overall, Gamarjoba is a great restaurant that offers delicious food, friendly service, and reasonable prices. Highly recommended for anyone looking to try something new and exciting!

The Dinner House

Exploring the Best Borscht in Philadelphia: A Foodie's Guide - The Dinner House - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/polishdinnerhouse/photos/pb.100059128942606.-2207520000./883737418411274/?type=3">Photo Source</a>
The Dinner House – Photo Source

2706 E Allegheny Ave Philadelphia
(267) 596-7727
The Dinner House Menu

The Dinner House is a must-visit restaurant for anyone who loves authentic Polish cuisine. The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re eating at home. The dishes are made with love and care, and you can taste it in every bite.

The menu offers a wide variety of traditional Polish dishes, including kropnik, borscht, potato pancakes, meat pierogis, mushroom pierogis, and strawberry pierogis. The pierogis are a must-try, and they come in different flavors that will satisfy any craving. The gnocchi and goulash are also highly recommended, and the chicken soup is perfect for a cold day.

The staff at The Dinner House is friendly and attentive, and they make you feel like family. The restaurant is a great place to go with friends and family, and it’s also perfect for a romantic dinner.

While some reviewers had negative comments, it’s important to note that everyone has different tastes and preferences. The Dinner House is a gem in Port Richmond, and it’s worth a visit. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is cozy, and the staff is friendly. Don’t miss out on this authentic Polish dining experience!

The Pierogie Kitchen

Exploring the Best Borscht in Philadelphia: A Foodie's Guide - The Pierogie Kitchen - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10155001464101774&set=pcb.10155001616651774">Photo Source</a>
The Pierogie Kitchen – Photo Source

648 Roxborough Ave Philadelphia
(215) 483-5301
The Pierogie Kitchen Menu

The Pierogie Kitchen is a hidden gem in the heart of Roxborough that is definitely worth a visit. The extensive menu offers a variety of pierogies that will take you back to your childhood, including the classic potato and sauerkraut, as well as unique flavors like buffalo chicken and cheesesteak. The creamy and meaty fillings are sure to satisfy any craving. Don’t forget to try the stuffed cabbage, which is a must-have. The staff is friendly and patient, making the ordering process a breeze. Even if you’re in a rush, you’ll be in and out quickly if you’re just picking up some frozen pierogies to take home. The limited outdoor seating is perfect for a quick lunch on a nice day. The Pierogie Kitchen is also dog-friendly, and the staff will even offer water for your furry friend. While parking can be a bit of a struggle, it’s worth it for the quality of the food. Overall, The Pierogie Kitchen is a great spot for anyone looking for some delicious comfort food.

Uzbekistan Restaurant

12012 Bustleton Ave Philadelphia
(215) 671-1990
Uzbekistan Restaurant Menu

Uzbekistan Restaurant is a hidden gem that offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere with delicious food that will leave you wanting more. The menu has a variety of options to choose from, including kharcho soup, kabobs, beef and lamb rib kebob, pickled vegetables, potato vareniki, lamb kebab, pilaf Uzbekistan, honey cake, borscht, and chebureki. The portions are reasonable with prices that won’t break the bank. The staff is friendly and helpful, making it easy to choose from the menu. The baklava is not too syrupy, and the Turkish coffee is excellent. The loose leaf green tea is the best green tea you will ever taste. The carrot salad is flavorful and yummy. The restaurant is cozy and clean, and the parking is ample. The covered patio is perfect for enjoying a beautiful summer evening. The Christmas decorations are beautiful, making it a perfect spot for a holiday dinner. The negative reviews are minimal, and the restaurant is worth the journey.

See also  Discovering Philly's Sweetest Secret: The Ultimate Guide to Baklava and More!

Suzani Restaurant

Exploring the Best Borscht in Philadelphia: A Foodie's Guide - Suzani Restaurant - <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/suzani-restaurant-philadelphia-4">Photo Source Yelp </a>
Suzani Restaurant – Photo Source Yelp

1916 Welsh Rd Philadelphia
(215) 676-2121
Suzani Restaurant Menu

Suzani Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking for a delicious meal in Philadelphia. The extensive menu offers a wide variety of Uzbeki traditional dishes as well as East European specialties, ensuring that there is something for everyone. The kebabs are a standout, with options ranging from chicken to shrimp to beef tenderloin. The manti and plov are also must-orders, and the gourmet salads and soups are endless. The restaurant is decorated beautifully, creating a great ambiance for a night out. While there may be a wait for your food, it is well worth it as everything is cooked fresh with love. The staff is friendly and helpful, and they are honest about any issues with your order. Even negative reviews about the service are outweighed by the amazing food. Don’t miss out on trying Uzbecki cuisine at Suzani Restaurant – you won’t regret it!

Passage Restaurant

10783 Bustleton Ave Philadelphia
(267) 538-4157
Passage Restaurant Menu

Passage Restaurant is a hidden gem in Philadelphia that offers a unique and delicious dining experience. Despite a few negative reviews, the majority of customers rave about the food and service. The menu is a fusion of French and Ukrainian cuisine, with dishes like cherry dumplings, borsch, solyanka, and chicken schnitzels. The chef is professionally trained and has put her own spin on traditional dishes, resulting in a mouth-watering experience. The 3-course lunch is a steal at only $12 and includes a choice of 4 soups, 8 entrees, 2 salads, and a soft drink. The homemade kompot is a must-try and is made from fresh fruits. The service is attentive but not overbearing, and the restaurant is clean and well-maintained. While some reviewers had negative experiences, it’s important to note that everyone’s taste and preferences are different. Overall, Passage Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and delicious dining experience in Philadelphia.

Sakartvelo

Exploring the Best Borscht in Philadelphia: A Foodie's Guide - Sakartvelo - <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/sakartvelo-philadelphia">Photo Source</a>
Sakartvelo – Photo Source

705 Chestnut St Philadelphia
(267) 319-1631
Sakartvelo Menu

Sakartvelo is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking to try authentic Georgian cuisine. The staff is incredibly hospitable and accommodating, making it a great option for those who are new to the cuisine. The Adjaruli Khachipuri and Lula Kebab are both must-try dishes, with the former being a standout favorite. The potatoes could use a bit more seasoning, but the provided sauce helps to add some flavor. The portion sizes may be a bit small for the price, but the quality of the food more than makes up for it. The kompote is a delicious and nostalgic drink that is highly recommended. The warm and attentive service from Levan is a standout feature of the restaurant, making it feel like a high-end dining experience. Sakartvelo is a great option for a unique dinner experience with friends, and the BYO/BYOB policy is a nice touch. Overall, Sakartvelo is a fantastic restaurant that is definitely worth a visit.

See also  The Ultimate Guide to Philadelphia Lahmacun: Where to Find the Best

Samarkand Restaurant

Exploring the Best Borscht in Philadelphia: A Foodie's Guide - Samarkand Restaurant - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Samarkand.restaurant/photos/a.664417556916033/969296096428176">Photo Source</a>
Samarkand Restaurant – Photo Source

1135 Bustleton Pike Feasterville Trevose
(267) 619-8227
Samarkand Restaurant Menu

Samarkand Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone who loves delicious food and great service. The menu is filled with a variety of options that will satisfy any craving. From the salad with eggplants and vegetables with a touch of garlic to the Steaks Kebab board, each meal is made with love and perfection. The meat is halal, which is great for those who are looking for that. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the ambiance is comfortable and cultured. The servers are very attentive and will help you with nice recommendations to their best knowledge.

The managers walk around and check on you every time when they get a chance to make sure you receive the best experience ever. The catering service is also amazing, and they have all kinds of food options on the menu for meat lovers, vegans, and kids. The catering manager is always helpful to set up a menu according to the number of guests, the food and dietary preferences. The restaurant is spacious, comfortable, and has convenient parking. The decor is also very nice, and the available private booths allow for an intimate setting. The live music, calming lights, and fast service make the atmosphere amazing. The owner is very hands-on and makes sure everyone is having a good experience. The meat quality is beyond 10 stars, and the Plov Samarkand is a must-try. The Raspberry Mango Salad is amazing, and the lamb shank is also great. The pricing is the best bang for your buck. Overall, Samarkand Restaurant is the best authentic restaurant in the area, and we will definitely be back soon.

Conclusion

Philadelphia offers a diverse food scene, and one dish that shouldn’t be overlooked is borscht. This hearty Eastern European soup can be found in various restaurants throughout the city. Made with beets, cabbage, potatoes, and other vegetables, borscht is a flavorful and comforting option. Whether you’re a fan of Eastern European cuisine or simply looking to try something new, borscht is a dish worth exploring in Philadelphia.

In conclusion, borscht is a hidden gem in Philadelphia’s food scene. Despite being overshadowed by other popular dishes, this Eastern European soup is a must-try for its unique flavors and comforting qualities. From its vibrant colors to its rich flavors, borscht offers a delightful dining experience. Whether you’re searching for traditional variations or creative twists, Philadelphia has options to satisfy every palate. Don’t miss out on this delicious and hearty soup that is sure to warm your soul.

Leave a Comment

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. You can learn more about our editorial policies here.