16 Mar The Best Things to Eat at Reading Terminal Market
Reading Terminal Market in downtown Philadelphia is the oldest indoor farmers market in the country. First opening its doors in 1892, today the historic market has over 80 vendors and sees around 17,000 visitors each day. Inside, a sea of people await— some brazenly shoving their way through the crowd, others politely squeezing through and many standing still in lines that wind their way around the various booths. From seasoned locals to wide-eyed first-timers, each is in pursuit of their favorite market delicacy.
A view of the weekday crowd at lunch
And it can be certain that there is no shortage of delicacies.
From iconic Philly cheesestakes to deep-fried Pennsylvania Dutch treats… From all-American staples like burgers and pizza to ethnic specialties like gumbo, falafel and peking duck… From farm stands to cupcakes, from a cheese monger to a salumeria… it can be safe to say that there is something to satisfy any craving.
With so many choices, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. To help you make every single calorie count, here are my picks for the absolutely best things to eat at Reading Terminal Market:
- A HAND-ROLLED DOUGHNUT AT BEILER’S BAKERY
Boiler’s has nearly 50 different varieties of doughtnuts, with flavors ranging from chocolate mousse to maple bacon.
My favorite was the blueberry fritter… crunchy on the outside, soft (and still warm!) on the inside. Perfection!
- A ROAST PORK SANDWICH AT TOMMY DINIC’S
The line may wind around the entire booth, but the sandwiches at DiNic’s are worth waiting for.
The roast pork sandwich with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone is the clear standout. Voted the Best Sandwich in America by the Travel Channel, this sandwich definitely lives up to the hype.
- A CHOCOLATE CHIP CANNOLI FROM TERMINI BROTHERS BAKERY
Termini Brothers Bakery has one of the most mouth-watering displays at Reading Terminal Market
This cannoli was filled in front of my eyes… super fresh and super delicious!
- THE CAJUN SPECIALTIES AT BECK’S CAJUN CAFE
From bowls of steaming gumbo to muffaletta and po boy sandwiches, the menu at Beck’s will have you feeling like you’re in New Orleans. I picked the spicy fried mac and cheese balls, but even more than that I’d recommend the étouffée of the day served over white rice.
- THE SOUR CHERRY CHOCOLATE CHIP SEA SALT COOKIE FROM METROPOLITAN BAKERY
My twitter-friend @philatravelgirl recommended I stop at Metropolitan Bakery for the special cherry/chocolate/salt cookie… and I’m so glad I did. I liked it so much, I got one to eat… and one to take back to DC!
- THE BUTTER CAKE AT FLYING MONKEY BAKERY
Flying Monkey’s display is full of whimsical treats like whoopie pies and cupcakes.
The Butter Cake from Flying Monkey Bakery may appear simple on the surface, but this Inexplicably sweet, salty, chewy and crunchy treat was the best thing I ate at Reading Terminal Market. That is on seriously delicious treat. YUM.
Those are my picks, but I’d love to hear your thoughts. What do YOU think is the best thing to eat at Reading Terminal Market? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
Sonja
Posted at 13:20h, 14 AprilThis is definitely on my must visit list! I used to work with someone who went to Philly a lot and she always brought back Termini’s cannolis… heaven.