Top Latin Restaurant in Reading, PA: La Casa Del Chimi

La Casa Del Chimi: A Taste of Home, Right in Reading, PA

For the past 30 years, I have been fortunate to call various places around the world home, from the bustling streets of New York City to the vibrant heart of Accra, Ghana, but it was Reading, Pennsylvania, that became my sanctuary when I turned 13 in 2006. It was in Reading that my divine Madre Luz Phipps Solano, alongside thousands of her fellow countrymen from the Dominican Republic, made the bold journey from NYC to Reading, PA, in search of a place to manifest their version of the American Dream. Today, when you enter Reading, it's a tapestry of cultures that welcomes you with open arms, a harmonious blend of Bachata music flowing from car windows, GuaGua (Bus Shuttles) ferrying families between Reading and NYC, Chimi Food Trucks lining the streets, and transformed row-homes, now vibrant restaurants with nightclubs in the back. Slowly but surely, the Latino community in Reading started crafting an economy and ecosystem that not only sustained us but also made us feel seen, comfortable, and culturally nourished.

La Casa Del Chimi, tucked away at 402 Franklin St, stands as a testament to this thriving community. It's a Dominican restaurant that has not only weathered the test of time but has evolved and improved with each passing year. Stepping into La Casa Del Chimi is like a step back in time for me, evoking cherished memories of the two restaurants my Abuelita (Grandma) used to own in The Bronx. As a "restaurant kid," I learned early on to recognize the flavors of food prepared con cariño, with love, and this place absolutely delivers.

The menu at La Casa Del Chimi is a delightful journey through Dominican cuisine. From the heavenly Arroz con Habichelas (rice and beans), Moro (Rice with Beans), to Locrio (Rice with Meat) that my family and I often enjoyed. They also have cultural staples like Dominican Breakfast - Los Tres Golpes, Pastelitos, Bistec Encebollado, to fresh juices like Morio Sonado.  Regardless of what you choose you will leave satisfied and full.

Whether you're a local seeking a taste of home or a curious foodie looking to explore the rich and diverse world of Dominican cuisine, La Casa Del Chimi is a must-visit. It's a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Reading Latino community, a place where you can savor the essence of the Dominican Republic, and most importantly, it's a place where you're embraced as a part of the family.

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