In Craig LaBan’s latest online chat one of his Crumb Tracker Quiz items was “the best scallion pancakes in town.” The answer was Chinatown’s Sakura. LaBan describes the pancakes as:

the ultimate blend of crispy and pliant, their flakiness sitting on the plate like lightly bundled handkerchiefs of silk flecked with scallion. And they are simply amazing.

Philadining, the region’s official arbiter of soup dragon goodness makes a return trip to Sakura to praise the Xia Long Bao.

These seem in perfect balance. The skins are tender, yet strong, holding in just the right amount of broth. That soup inside is less salty than many other versions, but comes into perfect balance with a few drips of the gingery sauce that accompanies. 

Xia Long Bao / XLB / soup dumplings / steamed juicy buns, whatever you call them, be sure to check out Philadining’s tips on how to eat them.

Craig LaBan Restaurant Chat [Philly.com]
Sakura – More Soup Dumplings in Chinatown [The Philadining Blog]

David Snyder says skip the Japanese food at Sakura and focus on the Chinese portion of the menu for some winning fare.

Sakura’s authentic regional Chinese cuisine — spanning Shanghai, Szechuan and Mandarin traditions — is already a winner. The ginger and plum I detected in a secret sauce granted a cold Shanghai marinated duck appetizer a deep, resonant intensity. Elemental sweet and tangy flavors helped rice wine chicken shine. It took only a few seconds for the moist, buttery pork of the “Lion’s Head” meatballs to melt on my tongue. Thick, chewy, pan-fried udon noodles swam in a simple yet comforting brown sauce.

Temple of Bloom [City Paper]

Philadining issues an “Awesomeness Alert” for James where they discover a comfortable bar to eat at and a favorite charcuterie plate. [Philadining]

Mac & Cheese may have made some ordering missteps but still comes away impressed with Zahav. [Mac & Cheese]

Sketch on Girard Avenue knows how to make a tasty burger. [Foodaphilia]

Fidel Gastro finds two out of three ain’t bad at Pub & Kitchen. [Fidel Gastro]

Durian juice may not be for everyone but the good and simple Indonesian food at Indonesia on Snyder should have greater appeal. [Drawing for Food]

I’ll Eat You finally visits the South Philadelphia Taproom and gives dinner a split decision but will return. [I'll Eat You]

Philadining concentrates on the Chinese side of the menu at Chinatown’s Sakura. [Philadining]

We recently remarked we never knew anyone who had been to Pagoda Noodle Cafe. But Veggicurious has been there and shares the results. [Veggicurious]

Fries with that Shake makes sure to visit Shank’s & Evelyn’s one more time before the curtain falls. [Fries with that Shake]