Amina Slays Southern Cuisine with African Influences in Old City, Philadelphia
Story, photos and videos by Cassie Hepler
I dub Amina Philly as Philadelphia’s best soul food, hands down! Located in Old City, this vibey space has seriously next level flavors that will leave you licking your fingers and hungry for more. It really is a #findyourtribe space that is Black owned and run by Felicia Wilson with Chef Darryl Harmon formerly from Fairmount Water Works leading the outstanding flavor train. I went in on a Thursday night in not the best mood and by the time I left, I was laughing, tipsy and stuffed silly with Southern Cuisine with African influences. This takes putting the South in your mouth to the next level with cocktails that are unique, tasty and potent too like the Caribbean Cure made with rum will fix what ails you. Even if you just order the fried chicken with some champagne, you’re gonna be blown away. Put it on your Philly foodie bucket list asap!
You can take the train easily from most anywhere in or around the city to Second Street via Philadelphia’s public transit that tries its hardest, Septa, serving Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Fortunately, they have upgraded their infrastructure to include being able to tap your credit card – or get a pass if you plan on traveling around the city a lot. Check your statements though, a couple of double charges I noticed. Of course for lucky ol’ me, the West Philadelphia trolley line tunnel that I was counting on was closed the second half of the month I was visiting so that was a not-so-fun experience. Trying to navigate how and when to jump off the trolley and onto the train was much like sheep herding, just follow the crowd. Because of that, it was packed like sardines and it was that evening that I decided I hate public transit… or maybe just the always floundering Septa who left me stranded many times when I lived in Manayunk.
Exiting the train stop underground, you pop out onto a bustling street full of energy and activities and people heading in every direction on their various life missions. I was pretty pissed off this afternoon and almost rescheduled as a “friend” left me hanging who said they were joining until a few hours beforehand… when I could have asked 5 other people I haven’t seen in ages in their place. But not one to be totally phased or surprised at this point with how flaky and selfish people are, I forged ahead on my own. I mean this is called Explore with Cassie after all – and sometimes that includes friends but like real friends, homies if you will. And soon I was about to make some more…
Then it was time to order before we lost sunlight and me and my waitress went through the “best of” list aka the house specialties which I then ended up bringing home so many leftovers. The place was getting packed as well with a buzz in the air. Honestly there was so much more on the list I wanted to try but being just me, it seemed very extra. Mark these down to try too like the flaming lobster bisque, watermelon salad, cheesesteak beignets, cornbread skillet, sticky wings and deviled eggs with lobster. So pretty much just order the whole menu haha!
At one point I went to use the restroom and then fix my hot mess hair in a claw clip. A young girl and I started talking in the lounge and she asked if I was a food critic. I said I guess? She said I looked familiar and was from the bay area. I asked if she saw my mermaid videos and she exclaimed yes! We both started screeching and took a selfie together, it made my night even sweeter. The moral of the story, keep moving forward you never know who is watching and is inspired by you – including this soul food sweet spot with plenty of love in every bite.
