En route to 40th & Market — whether it’s to frequent Distrito, hop on SEPTA or make a liquor run at Wine & Spirits — you might notice Nan Restaurant. Obscured by a shoddy storefront, this Thai-French fusion BYO is rumored to be a “hidden gem.”
The convenient campus eatery provides creative plates eager to please both traditionalists and the fusion set. With its stark décor and white walls, Nan feels incongruous in University City. A good choice for visiting parents and relatives, Nan’s sophisticated atmosphere welcomes your guests with its relaxing environment — a nice break from the hustle and bustle of Sansom Street shopping.
Keeping true to its “fusion” label, many of the dishes feature traditional French meats, such as sweetbreads and rack of lamb, accented with Thai flavors. For the budget conscious, appetizers are a safe and affordable alternative. While the chicken sate with a tamarind peanut sauce might be the best Thai bite around campus, the unexciting salads are neither aesthetically nor gastronomically appetizing. If you’re craving a more traditional Thai dish, the shrimp pad thai will surely satiate, and Peking duck is another highlight of the entrees.
Despite the hype (it’s Zagat-rated) that surrounds this rumored gem, the food falls short of its high accolades. While some dishes are stellar, others are largely forgettable. For a quiet and affordable meal, try Nan for an interesting amalgam of spices and flavors — the restaurant does well to blend Thai and French cuisines. And although the BYO status may entice you to sit for a rowdy pre-party dinner, the older clientele and quiet ambience is more conducive to sipping than chugging.
