Menu of DOHO Restaurant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Menu Overview

DOHO Restaurant, located at 18 W Hortter St in Philadelphia’s Mt. Airy neighborhood, is a small plates gem that crafts a unique dining experience grounded in bold, inventive flavors. Stepping into DOHO, you’re immediately struck by its warm, modern ambiance—soft lighting, high ceilings, and a beautifully designed bar area create an intimate yet lively setting that elevates every visit.

The menu is a vibrant tapestry of global influences, predominantly weaving Asian and Mexican culinary elements, with each dish thoughtfully constructed to offer layered tastes and textures. Highlights include the DOHO Bao Tacos, where the Roast Pork Bao Taco dazzles with its sweet and sour BBQ glaze, bright pineapple notes, and the punchy tang of kimchi salsa accented by fresh cilantro. The Hot Chicken Bao Taco stands out equally with its spicy chipotle sriracha, creamy kewpie mayo, and the unexpected crunch of zucchini bread n' butter pickles—each bite a satisfying dance of heat, creaminess, and tang.

For those seeking plant-based sides that don’t skimp on flavor, DOHO delivers with the Black Beans in soy, ginger, and scallion-lime sauce, and the aromatic Yellow Jasmine Rice infused with saffron and sazónish seasoning. These sides complement the mains beautifully, adding a clean, balanced counterpoint to the more robust proteins.

The bowls are heartier offerings that showcase the kitchen’s mastery of seasoning and technique. The Grilled Chipotle Sriracha Hot Chicken Bowl is an explosion of bold smoky heat anchored by juicy, perfectly grilled chicken. Similarly, the Sweet + Sour BBQ Roast Pork Bowl delivers a harmonious blend of tangy and savory notes, perfect for those who appreciate a layered palate experience in a wholesome format.

Notably, the Korean fried chicken is a true star and a must-try dish, epitomizing DOHO’s ability to marry crispy textures with well-balanced seasoning. It’s a dish that transcends expectations, combining the soulful richness of Korean flavors with a delicate execution that is both comforting and exciting. This legendary fried chicken is frequently praised as the restaurant’s signature and rightly so.

Although DOHO’s menu boldly ventures across flavor territories, ranging from Asian-style salsas to Mexican-inspired elements, it occasionally wrestles with cohesiveness. Some diners have found the transitions between dishes—from one cultural profile to another—somewhat abrupt, which can challenge harmonious pairing when sampling multiple small plates. The middle eastern–inspired lamb entree, highlighted by a pomegranate molasses glaze, sits somewhat apart from the otherwise Asian-Mexican fusion style. While the lamb is well-prepared, it may not offer the same synergy found in other dishes and is generally recommended to be passed over in favor of the Korean fried chicken experience.

Customer reviews reflect a strong appreciation for DOHO’s elevated, fine-dining caliber without pretension. The attentive, enthusiastic service—personified by knowledgeable servers like “Doug”—and the creative presentation add to the overall experience. The bar program is also noteworthy, with cocktails such as the Black Manhattan and carefully curated beer selections complementing the culinary journey, enhancing the hip yet relaxed vibe that locals adore.

DOHO represents a long-overdue evolution for Mt. Airy’s dining scene: a place where clink of silverware, carefully crafted menus, and convivial ambiance come together. It fills a distinct niche as a community hub for those seeking both inventive fare and a sophisticated atmosphere. Though the dark window tint may initially mask its vibrancy, inside DOHO shines as a place well worth visiting, whether for a casual night out or a special occasion.

In sum, DOHO’s menu is a compelling showcase of small plates that excite the palate, embrace cultural fusion, and invite adventurous eating. It’s a culinary experience rich with texture, warmth, and thoughtful detail—an essential stop on Philadelphia’s growing roster of dynamic small plates restaurants.