Chinatown’s Last Kosher, Vegetarian Restaurant Is Closing for Good

New Harmony, a long-running kosher and vegetarian restaurant in Chinatown, is closing for good at the end of August. It’s the last of its kind in the neighborhood.

The restaurant, on Ninth Street just north of Cherry, is known for its massive menu full of meat-free versions of Chinese-American staples like General Tso’s chicken, spare ribs, moo shu pork, and lo mein. It’s always been popular in both the kosher and vegetarian/vegan communities and fans are expressing dismay on social media, commenting “So sad! This has been my go to Chinese since I can remember,” “So sad!!!! One of the originals!!!!,” and a succinct “NOOOOOOOOOOOO.”

Owner Ming Chu, who opened New Harmony 23 years ago when vegetarian and vegan restaurants were not nearly as common as they are now in Philly, says there’s no drama surrounding the impending closure — he just wants to retire.

The chef’s proteges went on to open their own vegetarian restaurants in Chinatown, including Kingdom of Vegetarians and Cherry Street, both now closed.

Other options for vegetarian Chinese fare include Unit Su Vege in the Art Museum area and Su Xing House in Center City.

There’s still time to get to New Harmony for a final meal: The last day is August 31.

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