Top 5: Dishes in Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal Market

Markets have been part of Philadelphia’s culinary traditions since the city’s founding. At one point, the open-air markets of High Street occupied a full six blocks, measuring one mile, earning the street’s renaming as Market Street. Eventually the open-air markets grew too big, and were considered unhygienic by the public. This led the city to shut them down and open Franklin and Farmer’s Market in 1859, serving as the foundation of today’s Reading Terminal Market. The market now features cuisine from a variety of influences.

Pastrami on Rye at Hershel’s East Side Deli

Hershel’s is a Jewish-style deli that features roast beef and pastrami they cure themselves in a basement below Reading Terminal. Thick slabs of meat are sliced right in front of you, stacked high with just the right amount of sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing.

Roast Pork Sandwich at Tommy DiNic’s

Adam Richman of Man v. Food fame declared this the greatest sandwich in America. Philly might be known for cheesesteaks, but DiNic’s roast pork, provolone and broccoli rabe can give Pat’s a run for its money.

Cannoli at Termini Bros. Bakery

Originally founded in 1921, Termini Brothers gained a reputation for selling the best cannoli in the heavily Italian city of Philadelphia. In addition to the classic variety, desert offerings include chocolate cream cannoli, peanut-butter-filled cannoli, candy bananas and gluten-free pignoli cookies.

Jambalaya at Beck’s Cajun Café

Beck’s Cajun Café serves some of the most authentic New Orleans cuisine you’ll find this far north. In addition to their jambalaya, Beck’s has some great gumbo and po-boys served on rolls from Le Bus. For something a little sweeter, try their freshly made beignets, hot out of the fryer and dusted with sugar.

Grilled Cheese at Valley Shepherd Creamery

Valley Shepherd Creamery is a New Jersey dairy farm that recently opened a location in Reading Terminal. Serving artisan grilled-cheese sandwiches, patrons have the option to grill them in butter, bacon fat or even duck fat. Be sure to try the Valley Thunder with cheddar, beef brisket and mac and cheese.