Mod Spuds

At Mod Spuds, the humble baked potato is the entire universe. This Philadelphia fast-casual spot is built around the jacket potato, an English comfort food staple treated as a substantial meal. The foundation is a russet potato baked until its skin is dark and crisp, with a perfectly fluffy interior ready to be loaded with an array of globally inspired toppings. This spin transforms a familiar comfort food into something entirely new for the city's dining scene. The kitchen's creativity is showcased in a list of options that spans continents. One of the signature offerings that quickly gained a following is the Malaysian spud, featuring a rich beef rendang, sambal, and fresh herbs, reflecting the culinary background of the restaurant's creators. Other combinations bring together distinct flavors from around the world, from a Bollywood Spud with chicken tikka masala and dhall to a Nacho Spud topped with chorizo and pico de gallo. For a more local flavor, there is even a version that incorporates the city's famous cheesesteak. Born from a successful pop-up that drew long lines and repeat customers, Mod Spuds established a permanent home in Philadelphia. The idea was inspired by the jacket potato bars common in the UK, reimagined for a local audience with a border-crossing pantry of ingredients. The selections extend to house-made sodas and Malaysian iced tea, rounding out a focused and inventive assortment of dishes. The restaurant also provides vegetarian and build-your-own choices, ensuring a customizable meal centered on its perfectly cooked potato base.