The Real Le Anh
The University of Pennsylvania may be renowned for its ties to Benjamin Franklin and the Ivy League, but to a foodie, its claim to fame are the food carts that dot its campus.
Ground zero is Spruce Street between 36th and 38th Streets, where fierce competition yields outstanding quality and excellent prices. Take Le Anh and its cross-street rival the Real Le Anh, which dispense similar, wide-ranging Chinese-Vietnamese menus from their stainless-steel carts. Similarly, fans of Lucky’s Mexican Spot tout the cart's sopes, while aficionados of Mexi Philly, just a few feet away, rave about its burritos.
Veg seekers step up to the green awnings of Magic Carpet (two locations: 36th and Spruce Streets and 34th and Walnut Streets) for pita sandwiches and whimsically named combo plates such as "Smurf 'n' Turf" (tofu meatballs, rice, veggies and cheese) and the "Trojan" (a spinach pie).