Our Story

In 2011, head chef and his partner, took over the cozy space at 915 Arch Street in Philadelphia’s Chinatown and called it EMei or 峨嵋, named after one of the four biggest mountains in China and an icon of the Szechuan (Sichuan) province. Popular in China for its hardcore heat and bold flavors, Sichuan style cuisine has grown in popularity among US citizens in the past decade. While various styles of Sichuan cooking exist in today’s market, EMei keeps it completely authentic.

Opening our doors without much advertising, EMei became an instant success, with lines of customers hoping to get a taste of Chef Zhao’s genuine Sichuan cuisine. With almost 40 years of experience exclusively practicing Sichuan cooking, Chef Zhao incorporates heat-packed chili oils, aromatic pepper corns, and expertly-seasoned cuts of fish, meat, and produce into the restaurant’s wide range of dishes. Our menu stands up to the scrutiny of native palettes, making EMei the premiere destination for Chinese locals.