Dragon City 2 Restaurant Phila: A Taste of Cultural Fusion in West Philly

The pandemic may have been a catalyst for many, but for Heidi Ratanavanich, Rachelle Faroul, and Jeremiah Jordan, it was an opportunity to turn their dreams into a reality. The owners of Golden Dragon in West Philadelphia had been discussing opening their own storefront even before the shutdowns began. However, as they reflect on those difficult times, they realized that people were craving more than just a meal – they were yearning for connection and community.

'We couldn't eat with friends or share food with others,' Ratanavanich shares. 'With the 2020 shutdown, we realized that a lot of how people came together was halted.' This realization sparked the trio to create Golden Dragon, a Black and Asian-operated food project that brings affordable and thoughtfully sourced dishes to the community.

Step inside, and you might be surprised by what you don't find on the menu. Gone are the traditional takeout staples like sesame chicken or beef and broccoli. Instead, Golden Dragon serves up kimchi, egg, and cheese sandwiches, cucumber salads, and fish cakes drenched in curry. The owners' diverse backgrounds – Ratanavanich's family is Thai American, while Faroul's family hails from Barbados – have influenced the menu, blending flavors and traditions to create something truly unique.

The exterior of Golden Dragon may resemble a traditional Chinese takeout spot, but scratch beneath the surface, and you'll find a more nuanced story. This isn't just a place; it's a labor of love, where every dollar counts, competition is fierce, and the margins are razor-thin. You can sense the owners' dedication to their customers, who have come to rely on Golden Dragon as a staple in their community.

Golden Dragon may look familiar at first glance, but it's a place that will leave you feeling like you've discovered something new. It's a testament to the power of food to bring people together and create memories. As Ratanavanich says with conviction, 'We needed to actualize these dreams sooner.' And for those who have been lucky enough to taste Golden Dragon's creations, they'll agree – this is a place that's truly worth fighting for.

Dragon city 2 restaurant phila