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Han Dynasty, Sal Vetri’s meatballs, and a sandwich topped with gold join the food lineup at Wells Fargo Center

Sixers and Flyers fans can get favorites from the popular Chinese restaurant chain, as well as Philly's most famous meatball and a beef-rib sandwich that is the full drip.

Han Dynasty chef/owner Han Chiang with vegetable lo mein at a Wells Fargo Center menu tasting.
Han Dynasty chef/owner Han Chiang with vegetable lo mein at a Wells Fargo Center menu tasting.Read moreMichael Klein / Staff

Han Dynasty, one of Philadelphia’s homegrown Chinese restaurant success stories, is joining the food lineup at the Wells Fargo Center this season.

Also on board are Sal’s meatballs (a classic menu item from Marc Vetri), walking tacos, and what is arguably the blingiest sandwich ever offered by concessionaire Aramark: chopped beef rib topped with truffle cheese sauce, caramelized onions, A.1. demi sauce, and 24k gold. (Is blingiest even a word?)

Han Chiang, who with his mother, Lung Lung, opened his first restaurant in 2007 in an Exton shopping center, said Aramark approached him over the summer to see if he’d be interested in a partnership and sharing recipes.

“It was a no-brainer,” said Chiang, a major Sixers fan. The Han Dynasty empire now includes restaurants in Old City, University City, Manayunk, and Cherry Hill, as well as several in New York City.

» READ MORE: All about Han Chiang of Han Dynasty

Han Dynasty — whose fans delight in running the words “Han Dynasty” together to call it “Handynasty” — will occupy the Launch Test Kitchen at Section 107, whose lineup will feature items from local restaurants.

Han Dynasty’s Wells Fargo menu will include some of its most popular items: vegetable lo mein, chicken lo mein, chicken dumplings, vegetable dumplings, fried rice, and Chiang’s spin on General Tso’s chicken, known as General Han’s chicken. Alas, no dan dan noodles.

The Wells Fargo Center and Aramark beefed up the food options last year as part of an arena renovation that included new stands by Vetri and chef Jose Garces and the Adrian restaurant conceived by Stephen Starr.

As for that gold-topped sandwich — known as the 24stK — it’s smoked beef rib, carved off the bone and topped with truffle cheese sauce, caramelized onions, A.1. demi sauce, and 24k gold (it’s water-soluble), served on a Liscio Bakery roll. Anthony Campagna, senior executive chef at the center, said corporate had asked him and his team to develop something over the top for the stands to create buzz. They riffed on the short-rib sandwich offered at Adrian, morphing it into a beef rib that’s smoked for 12 hours. A limited supply — 24 at the home opener — will be available at Section 117 for $28.49.

Also new at the center:

  1. Vetri meatballs (at the MVP stand): Basically, these are the Sal’s meatballs from Vetri’s dad’s recipe that are sold at Pizzeria Salvy. They’re topped with whipped ricotta and basil and served with a breadstick.

  2. Butternut squash pizza (at MVP): The stand’s first seasonal pizza will be topped with butternut squash, fontina, fresh rosemary, garlic oil, and shaved Parmesan.

  3. Mission burrito (at Garces Eats): San Francisco-style burrito with chicken adobo, black beans, poblanos, roasted corn, casa blend cheese, and salsa roja.

  4. Beef tacos (at Buena Onda): Beef taco with refried beans, queso fresco, cilantro, red chile sauce, and crema.

  5. Chicken pesto sandwich (Section 104): Chicken breast on ciabatta with basil pesto, melted fresh mozzarella, and arugula.

  6. Veggie cheesesteak (Section 104): Mushrooms, onions, green peppers, and red bell peppers with melted provolone on a Tuscan roll.

  7. BAR burger (Sections 122/221): Beef patty with melted cheddar, bacon, ranch dressing, avocado spread, lettuce, and tomato.

  8. Walking taco (Sections 104, 110, 122): Choice of Doritos, Tostitos, or Fritos with beef taco meat, melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, and lime crema.

  9. Ultimate veggie sandwich (Sections 107/209): Multigrain bread with red pepper hummus spread, provolone, cucumber, red onion, lettuce, shredded carrots, and avocado spread.

  10. Turkey club (Sections 107/209): House-made Taglio bread with garlic aioli, roasted turkey breast, cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado spread.

  11. BBQ brisket sandwich (Section 202): Brioche with smoked brisket and barbecue sauce.

  12. BBQ pulled pork sandwich (Section 202): Brioche with smoked pork, Carolina Gold barbecue sauce, and coleslaw.

  13. Mexican street corn (Sections 205/217): Roasted corn on the cob topped with MSC sauce, cotija cheese, tajin, and cilantro,

  14. Char-grilled chili cheese dog (Sections 205/217): All-beef hot dog with chili, shredded cheddar, and onions.

  15. Pigs in a blanket (Section 218): All-beef hot dog wrapped in puff pastry, topped with sesame seeds.

  16. Classic grilled cheese (Section 218): White bread and cheddar. (I mean, it’s a grilled cheese.)