My favorite Thai joint is in Reading Terminal Market. I don't even know if the place has a name, but it is so damn good (and remarkably cheap). Just walk around... it is closer to the 12th and Filbert corner, and sandwiched between a fish monger and the shop that sells African-style jewelry/trinkets. SO SO Yum...

I also second the thumbs-down for Pad Thai Shack. I went there once, and it was miserable.

[quote=McSpazitron;813263]My favorite Thai joint is in Reading Terminal Market. I don't even know if the place has a name, but it is so damn good (and remarkably cheap). Just walk around... it is closer to the 12th and Filbert corner, and sandwiched between a fish monger and the shop that sells African-style jewelry/trinkets. SO SO Yum...quote]

I really like that place too at RTM. Also, have no idea of the name. They sure are efficient there you order and are on your way within a minute. I have been waiting for someone who knows Thai to mention the place. I'm not an expert on Thai, but their veg pad thai is awesome.

isn't there a thai/malaysian place next to 707 on chestnut?

I haven't been there in a while, but Erawan Thai at 123 S. 23rd always had a great lunch special. Very tasty!

i'm going to second (or third or fourth) the thai place in the reading terminal is great (and inexpensive), so is pad thai @ 2nd & south.

for vietnamese food just go to washington ave between 6th & 11th. your choice of at least 20 vietnamese restaurants. most notable are pho ha @ 6th & wash, pho hoa @ 11th & wash on the east side (both of those have more than just pho), nam phuong in the shopping center at 11th & wash. of course, everyone has their favorites.

vietnam in chinatown is awesome.

for malaysian, penang or banana leaf, both in chinatown. they have similar menus b/c banana leaf was opened by former owners of penang.

i've never been to cafe de laos, but really want to go!! this post just reminded me. maybe this week...

i also recommend the thai stand at reading terminal. i believe it is affiliated with thai singha house, a restaurant on chestnut near 40th street that is also a favorite of mine.

hey guys - if you like the place in RTM, definitely do yourself a favor and go to erawan at 23rd & sansom - same owner, her name is toun and she can often be seen working the kitchen at both. erawan has more variety than the RTM stand, which is why they get a big thumbs-up from me.

totally forgot about aqua!! yes i'd heartily second them. BYO again. why are all thai places BYO?!

and you're right on with vietnam, too, for vietnamese food. and if you are willing to venture outside of center city, their new place is vietnam cafe at 47th and baltimore - so so so tasty, more modern decor, tons of yummy vermicelli options. next door, fu wah grocery is also owned by the same family, and makes a tofu hoagie for $3.50 that is to die for.

A big thank you to everyone !! It was a really great idea to join this blog, I have already got so much info !!

Doesn't address Thai specifically, but thought this was interesting, from the Washington Post:

I have said it before but in case you didn't see it in one of the other threads I like Pattaya Thai Cuisine in West Philadelphia: http://pattayarestaurant.com/