From John Fischer,
Your Guide to Philadelphia / South Jersey.
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The food markets in the Greater Philadelphia region serve as modern-day town squares - where people mingle, exchange news and call the vendors by name. In addition, the markets are a source of fresh produce, as well as hard-to-find ingredients for the traditional dishes made by the many ethnic groups that have made a home in the region.

For tourists, food markets provide a taste of the ethnic diversity and lifestyle of local Philadelphians. Best-known markets include the Reading Terminal Market and the Italian Market. Many other markets flourish throughout the region and the number is growing as organizations like The Food Trust and the Farm to City program work to create and strengthen markets.

Reading Terminal Market was established in 1892 when trains rolled into Reading Terminal. Today, two of the nearly 90 merchants are descendents of original stand holders. They have been joined by Amish merchants from Pennsylvania’s countryside, who bring fresh goods to the market four days a week, as well as merchants who reflect the melting pot that is Philadelphia - those like Alfoncie B. Austin, who was the first African American to own a business in this market with the opening of The Basic 4 Vegetarian Snack Bar.

Visitors can stroll through the vast food bazaar and buy everything from handcrafted imported crafts and American quilts to fresh produce, dairy products, meat, seafood, fresh cut flowers, cookbooks and prepared foods ranging from cannoli to soul food. Among the nearly 90 merchants are some 30 restaurants and lunch counters. The Market has retained its old-fashioned flavor and, today, the train station above the Market has become a dramatic space in the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

The Italian Market in South Philadelphia is one of the world’s largest working outdoor markets. Ninth Street from Catharine Street to Wharton Street is lined with family-owned gourmet shops and small groceries selling handmade pasta, cheese, fresh herbs, cookware, unusual sausages made from game meats, meats and seafood, barrels of fresh olives and dozens of olive oils. Shops selling produce spill out onto the sidewalks along 9th Street, creating an old-world experience. There are also home-style Italian restaurants and charming cafes, open for breakfast, lunch, dinner or an espresso break.

NEXT PAGE > Farmers' Markets in the City of Philadelphia