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Chinese · Cantonese · Chinatown

David's Mai Lai Wah Menu Prices 2026: Full List & Best Value

David's Mai Lai Wah has been a cornerstone of Philadelphia's Chinatown since 1982, drawing loyal fans with Cantonese classics, generous portions, and one of the latest kitchens in the city — open until 2:30 AM most nights. The restaurant operates as takeout only, with customers ordering through an inside window, making it a favorite late-night stop for both locals and night-shift workers.

Open until 2:30 AMTakeout onlyChinatown since 1982
Jump to full menu Cheapest items
Sample · $$

Signature items

Seafood Bird's Nest$13.50
Salt & Pepper Wings (10)$6.00
Peking Duck$25.00
General Tso's Chicken$9.95
Jump to: Quick answers Full menu Cheapest items Most popular Compare prices About FAQ
Quick answers

What to order — at a glance

Cheapest item
Wonton Soup $2.25
Most popular
Salt & Pepper Wings (10) $6.00

A perennial crowd favorite

Signature dish
Seafood Bird's Nest $13.50
Best late-night value
Shrimp Egg Roll $1.40
Full menu with prices

David's Mai Lai Wah full menu and current prices

Menu prices sourced from publicly available listings. Verify current prices directly with the restaurant at (215) 627-2610.
Appetizers13 itemsSoup12 itemsChef's Suggestions11 itemsDuck9 itemsSeafood10 itemsSquid5 itemsChicken8 itemsBeef8 itemsPork6 itemsNoodles & Fried Rice11 itemsVegetarian Delights8 itemsEgg Foo Young6 items
Budget picks

Cheapest items on the David's Mai Lai Wah menu

  1. 1Wonton SoupSmallest bowl$2.25
  2. 2Chicken Egg Drop Soup$2.25
  3. 3Shrimp Egg Roll$1.40
  4. 4Vegetarian Spring Roll$1.40
  5. 5Shanghai Spring Roll$1.50
  6. 6Steamed Rice$1.00
  7. 7Roast Pork Fried Rice$3.75
  8. 8Fried Wontons (10)$4.95
  9. 9Vegetable Dumplings$5.25
Price comparison

Popular dishes at a glance

A selection of David's Mai Lai Wah signature items with their prices.

ItemCategoryPrice
Seafood Bird's NestChef's Suggestions$13.50
Seven Stars Around the MoonChef's Suggestions$15.95
Peking DuckDuck$25.00
Salt & Pepper Wings (10)Appetizers$6.00
General Tso's ChickenChicken$9.95
Beef with BroccoliBeef$8.50
Salt & Pepper SquidSquid$8.95
Singapore NoodleNoodles$7.75
Price comparison

How David's Mai Lai Wah prices compare to similar Chinese restaurants

Like-for-like comparison across common Chinese menu categories.

CategoryDavid's Mai Lai WahChina GardenPanda Express
Cheapest appetizer$1.40~$2.00~$3.00
Chicken with Broccoli$8.50~$9.00~$9.50
Fried Rice (pork)$3.75~$5.00~$8.00
Beef with Broccoli$8.50~$9.50~$9.50
Signature seafood dish$13.50~$14.00N/A
About

About David's Mai Lai Wah

David's Mai Lai Wah opened in 1982 on Race Street in the heart of Philadelphia's Chinatown, founded by Hong Kong native David Chan. The restaurant quickly became a neighborhood institution, celebrated for its authentic Cantonese cooking, wide-ranging menu of over 200 dishes, and hours that stretch well past midnight — a rarity even in a city full of late-night options.

The kitchen specializes in Cantonese seafood preparations: the Seafood Bird's Nest, a spectacular fried noodle nest filled with lobster meat, shrimp and scallop, has been a signature since opening day. Salt and pepper preparations — wings, shrimp, squid and soft-shell crab — draw repeat visitors who consider them among the best in the city. The Peking Duck, available whole, represents the restaurant's formal Cantonese ambitions alongside its beloved everyday dishes.

After the pandemic, David's Mai Lai Wah transitioned to takeout-only service, with customers ordering through an inside service window. The format changed; the food did not. The restaurant remains a defining institution of Chinatown, open Monday and Wednesday through Sunday from 4:00 PM until 2:30 AM, closed on Tuesdays.

1982Year opened
200+Menu items
2:30 AMClosing time

Ready to visit David's Mai Lai Wah?

Call ahead to confirm hours and today's specials. The restaurant operates takeout-only at 1001 Race St in Philadelphia's Chinatown.

Order from David's Mai Lai Wah
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Does David's Mai Lai Wah offer dine-in?

As of the most recent reports, David's Mai Lai Wah operates as takeout only. Customers place orders through an inside service window at 1001 Race St. Call (215) 627-2610 to confirm current service options.

What are David's Mai Lai Wah's hours?

The restaurant is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4:00 PM to 2:30 AM. It is closed on Tuesdays. These hours make it one of Philadelphia's most popular late-night dining destinations.

What is David's Mai Lai Wah most famous dish?

The restaurant is best known for its salt and pepper chicken wings and its Seafood Bird's Nest — a dramatic presentation of a crispy fried noodle nest filled with lobster meat, shrimp, scallop and Chinese vegetables, priced at $13.50.

Is David's Mai Lai Wah good for vegetarians?

Yes. The menu has a dedicated Vegetarian Delights section with over 20 items, including Buddha's Vegetarian Delight, various tofu preparations, stir-fried vegetables, and vegetarian noodle dishes like Vegetable Chow Fun and Vegetable Singapore Noodle.

How much does a meal cost at David's Mai Lai Wah?

You can eat well for under $15 per person. Soups start at $2.25, appetizers from $1.40, and most entrees range from $8.50 to $12.95. Splurge items like Peking Duck ($25.00) and Seven Stars Around the Moon ($15.95) are available for special occasions.

Does David's Mai Lai Wah serve Peking Duck?

Yes. Peking Duck is available for $25.00. Given the preparation involved, it is advisable to call ahead at (215) 627-2610 to ensure availability on the night you plan to visit.

Where exactly is David's Mai Lai Wah located?

The restaurant is at 1001 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, on the corner of 10th and Race Streets in Chinatown. It is walkable from Reading Terminal Market and within a few blocks of City Hall.

Does David's Mai Lai Wah take online orders?

The restaurant has an online ordering system accessible through mailaiwah.com and order.mailaiwah.com. You can also order by calling (215) 627-2610 directly.

What are the best dishes to order for a first visit?

First-time visitors typically gravitate toward the salt and pepper wings ($6.00), one of the salt and pepper seafood options, and a house special like the Seafood Bird's Nest ($13.50) or Four Seasons ($12.50). Add wonton soup ($2.25) and fried rice ($3.75–$5.95) to round out the meal.