Philadelphia El Chingon: Red and Black Contrasts

Visited Philly this winter and luckily avoided heavy snow. Though temperatures dropped at night, it was still perfect for wandering the streets and exploring small eateries. El Chingon on South Street is a neighborhood Mexican restaurant—small in size but big on reputation. It earned a Michelin recommendation last year, was named one of The New York Times' 50 Best Restaurants in the U.S. for 2023, and scores highly across major food platforms. Arrived with high spirits. Stepping inside, we were welcomed not just by cozy warmth, but also by lively, energetic music 🎶. The menu is concise yet distinctly Mexican; besides the regular offerings, there are daily specials, making for a well-rounded selection. Appetizer: 🥑 Broccoli & Avocado – Crisp broccoli, creamy avocado, and red quinoa added texture. Lightly dressed with a tangy, slightly spicy sauce—refreshing and appetite-whetting. Main Courses (both served with tortillas): 🦐 Shrimp Costra Tacos (from the specials menu) – The highlight of the night! Large shrimp marinated with Spanish chorizo, grilled until the shell was crispy and the meat tender—sweet, savory, and gently spicy. Wrapped in a soft squid-ink corn tortilla, the natural sweetness of the corn complemented the seafood's umami. Topped with smooth avocado, crisp onion strips, and a slightly spicy salsa marita—layers of flavor and texture in every bite. 🐷 Pork Shank Cochinita Pibil Style – Pork shank slow-roasted in banana leaves, tender and fragrant with herbs. Served with tangy pickled red onions and warm corn tortillas—a hearty and flavorful dish. The only slight letdown: without the skin, some moisture was lost during roasting, making the meat a tad dry. A side sauce for drizzling over the pork or spreading on the tortillas would have made it even better. With great music and a relaxed vibe, it was a thoroughly satisfying meal. Really well done! #PhillyFood #MexicanCuisine #ElChingon #MichelinRecommended #NYT50Best #SouthStreetEats