As one of Philadelphia’s most iconic food destinations, Reading Terminal Market is not only an old building full of historical memories, but also the heart of the city’s taste buds. From Amish handmade desserts to freshly caught seafood, from hot BBQ to flavors from all over the world, this place seems to be a three-dimensional food encyclopedia. Whether it is a first-time visitor or a local gourmet, everyone can find a delicious answer of their own here.
The history of Reading Terminal Market can be traced back to 1893. At that time, as part of the Reading Railroad station, it assumed the important function of providing fresh agricultural products and handmade food to urban residents. After more than a hundred years of changes and reconstruction, this market has now become one of the oldest and most vibrant public markets in the United States.
Despite the rapid changes of the times, Reading Terminal Market has always retained the flavor and human touch of old Philadelphia. Walking on the old but clean tiled floor, the smell of fried food, baking aroma and spices wafting between the stalls on both sides makes people feel like they are in another time and space.
1.Beiler’s Donuts: The gentle memory of Amish desserts
Beiler’s Donuts was founded by an Amish family and is one of the most popular dessert stalls in Reading Terminal Market. It carries the baking skills inherited by the Dutch community in Pennsylvania for a hundred years. The main donuts are fermented with traditional yeast to retain the original flavor.
Food Features and Taste
There are many kinds of donuts, the classic ones are Vanilla Cream, Maple Cinnamon and Strawberry Jelly. Take a bite, the outer layer is light and crispy, the inner core is soft and moist, and the filling is dense and sweet but not greasy. The maple walnut flavor is especially recommended. The surface is covered with caramel sauce and crushed walnuts. The sweet fragrance reveals the slight bitterness of nuts, and the layering is very strong.
Personal Experience
Visited around 10 o’clock in the morning, the flow of people has not yet emerged, and standing in front of the stall can clearly see the baking process. The donuts are warm out of the oven, and even the wrapping paper is slightly hot. Eat while walking, the aroma diffuses on the corner of the street, like returning to childhood.
Location and Booking Platform
Located in the middle of the market near the north channel, the iconic yellow sign is very easy to identify. Although seat reservations are not accepted, orders can be placed and delivered through Doordash and Grubhub.
Cost information
A single donut is about $1.50-$2.50, and a package of six is $8-$10, which is very cost-effective.
2. DiNic’s Roast Pork: Another food card of Philadelphia
DiNic’s is a family-run Italian meat deli stall that has been in business since the 1950s and moved to Reading Terminal Market in the 1990s. It became famous for its Roast Pork Sandwich and was rated as the “No. 1 Sandwich in the United States” by Travel Channel.
Food Features and Taste
The signature roast pork sandwich uses low-temperature slow-cooked pork shoulder, which is sliced and spread on soft Italian rolls, served with Italian bitter vegetables (broccoli rabe) and rich Provolone cheese. The meat is soft and tasty, with a hint of garlic and the sweetness of the meat itself; the bitter fragrance of the greens relieves greasiness, and the cheese is dense and stringy, with layers of taste, and you feel happy when you put it in your mouth.
Personal experience
When ordering, the waiter skillfully picked up the stewed meat and put it into the bread, and the action was done in one go. After picking up the food, I stood by the market and ate it. The juice flowed out along the seam of the bread, and I didn’t feel rude to wolf it down – it was the most primitive response to delicious food.
Location and booking platform
The stall is on the south side of the market near the 11th Street entrance, and the queue is always crowded. It is recommended to place an order through Uber Eats or book a flash event outside the market. You can check the recent event schedule on Resy.
Cost information
The classic roast pork sandwich costs between $11 and $13, and the portion is so large that one serving can be used for two meals.
3. Pearl’s Oyster Bar: Gift from the sea, comfort of the city
Founded in 1981, Pearl’s Oyster Bar is one of the earliest restaurants in Philadelphia specializing in oysters and seafood platters. It has now become a “seafood sanctuary” in the hearts of locals.
Food Features and Taste
Oysters are airlifted daily, mostly from the East Coast of the United States, including Blue Point, Malpeque, Wellfleet, etc. They are extremely fresh and have a distinct mineral salty taste. I also recommend their New England Clam Chowder, which has a rich milky flavor and sweet shellfish meat. The Lobster Roll is also very popular, with more meat and less sauce, and you can taste the original flavor of lobster.
Personal Experience
Sitting at the pearl-colored bar, the waiter skillfully splits the oysters and explains the origin of the variety, like a miniature seafood class. Every bite can feel the breath of the ocean, and the freshness goes straight to the nose.
Location and Booking Platform
Located in the west of the center of the market, the bar seats are open, and the morning and afternoon time periods are relatively loose. Seat reservations are not currently supported, but takeout packages can be booked through the Caviar platform.
Cost information
Oysters range from $2 to $3 each, and platters cost $16 to $22; clam chowder costs $7 per bowl, and lobster rolls cost about $18, which is slightly higher but worth the money.
4.Hunger Burger: Using food to promote a chain reaction of kindness
Hunger Burger is run by a husband-and-wife team, inspired by their family’s investment in charity after their experiences. For every burger sold, a free meal is donated to a poor child.
Food features and taste
The classic beef burger is thick and juicy, paired with handmade bread and fresh-cut ingredients, and the taste is balanced. The “Loaded Burger” is recommended, with caramelized onions, pickles and chili sauce for a distinct flavor. Vegetarians can also try the “Black Bean Burger”, which tastes almost the same as the beef version, with a strong bean aroma.
Personal experience
While eating a burger, watching the video of them helping others in the store, it is easy to be moved by the humanistic care. Every bite seems to be a belief.
Location and reservation platform
Located at the end of the east aisle of the market, the red decoration style is eye-catching. Supports online ordering on the ToastTab platform, suitable for takeout.
Cost information
The burger is priced at $9-$12, and the set meal includes fries and drinks, and the whole portion does not exceed $15.
5. The Rib Stand: The Soul Fireworks on the Streets of Philadelphia
The Rib Stand is famous for its street-style barbecue and is one of the first choices for many locals to have dinner on holidays. It mainly features BBQ-style ribs, roasted chicken and Southern soul food (Soul Food).
Food characteristics and taste
Half a rack of roasted pork ribs is a signature dish, with a rich sauce, a slightly bitter taste after caramelization and a blend of meaty aroma. Mac & Cheese is recommended as a side dish, with a strong cheese flavor and a dense taste, which is very satisfying after eating.
Personal experience
The meat is fragrant, and the on-site roasting adds more fireworks. Sitting on a public bench next to it and eating ribs in big mouthfuls, wiping hands and licking mouth, is the most realistic picture in Reading Terminal.
Location and booking platform
Close to the 12th Street side door, there are often queues at the door. It supports booking through Uber Eats and ChowNow platforms, which is suitable for tourists in a hurry.
Cost information
The half-rib set meal is $14-$18, including two side dishes and drinks, suitable for two people to share.
Reading Terminal Market is not only a food market, but also a microcosm of urban culture. It records the footprints of immigrants, inherits the original intention of craftsmen, and carries the common memories of “eating” of generations of Philadelphians. In this market, every stall has a story, and every dish is warm.
Whether you are a tourist or a local resident, coming here is not only to eat well, but also to experience the beating soul of the city. The next time you stand in front of the door of Reading Terminal Market, you might as well go with an empty stomach and slow down, because the real delicacy is worth savoring slowly.
