Philadelphia, PA
- For any food lover visiting Philadelphia, a trip to the Reading Terminal Market is an absolute necessity. Housed beneath a former railroad shed since 1893, this historic indoor farmers market is the bustling, delicious heart of the city's culinary scene. It's a vibrant and sometimes chaotic microcosm of Philadelphia, with over 80 independent merchants selling everything from fresh local produce and Amish baked goods to the city's most iconic sandwiches. This guide will help you navigate the can't-miss eats at this national historic landmark.
The Iconic Sandwiches: A Rite of Passage
The Market is home to some of the most famous sandwiches in America. Be prepared to wait in line—it's always worth it.
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The Roast Pork at Tommy DiNic's: While many come to Philly for cheesesteaks, locals know that the roast pork sandwich is the city's true signature dish. DiNic's serves what has been crowned the "Best Sandwich in America," featuring tender, thinly sliced roast pork, sharp provolone, and garlicky broccoli rabe on a seeded roll. It is an absolute must-try.
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The Cheesesteak at Carmen's Famous Italian Hoagies & Cheesesteaks: You can't leave without trying a cheesesteak, and Carmen's is a classic Market stand serving up delicious versions of the iconic sandwich. They also offer a variety of other classic Italian hoagies.
Pennsylvania Dutch Delights
A significant part of the Market's charm comes from its Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch merchants, who bring their fresh, homestyle goods from Lancaster County.
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Beiler's Doughnuts: Prepare for a line to get your hands on these legendary, fresh-made donuts. Beiler's offers dozens of varieties, from classic glazed to creative flavors, all known for being incredibly light and pillowy.
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The Dutch Eating Place: This is the spot for an authentic Pennsylvania Dutch breakfast or lunch. Grab a seat at the counter and enjoy hearty dishes like apple dumplings, scrapple, and fantastic pancakes.
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Miller's Twist: For the perfect Philly soft pretzel, head to Miller's Twist. Their hand-rolled pretzels, made from a buttery, slightly sweet Amish dough, are a true delight, especially when served hot out of the oven.
Global Flavors Under One Roof
The Market is a true melting pot of international cuisine.
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Careda's Caribbean Cuisine: This popular stand, run by a Jamaican-born chef, serves up authentic Caribbean staples like flavorful jerk chicken, oxtail stew, and curried goat.
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Little Thai Market: For authentic Thai food, this counter uses fresh, local ingredients to create delicious curries and noodle dishes, making their own curry blends in-house.
Sweet Treats & Historic Scoops
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Bassetts Ice Cream: A true piece of American history, Bassetts is the oldest ice cream company in the country and has been operating its iconic marble counter at the Market since 1892. A scoop of their rich, creamy ice cream is the perfect way to end your culinary tour.
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4th Street Cookie Co.: If you love a classic, perfectly baked cookie, the 4th Street Cookie Co. is a must-visit. Their chocolate chip cookies are legendary, known for their chewy texture and high-quality ingredients.
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Mueller Chocolate Co.: This multi-generational candy shop is a paradise for chocolate lovers, offering everything from classic turtles and caramels to their unique, anatomically correct chocolate hearts.
The Reading Terminal Market is more than just a place to eat; it's a vibrant, essential Philadelphia experience. The combination of its historic atmosphere, diverse food offerings from dozens of independent merchants, and its role as a community gathering place makes it a true national treasure. Whether you're grabbing a legendary sandwich, sampling a fresh donut, or shopping for local produce, a visit to Reading Terminal Market is a feast for all the senses.
