Most people automatically think of cheesesteaks when they think of Philadelphia’s most famous foods, but there are a few other iconic food landmarks in the City of Brotherly Love. Here are just a few of Philly’s most memorable bites, and none of them come in traditional restaurant form.
Reading Terminal Market
This historic public market is located conveniently in Philadelphia’s Center City, and it is home to a wide variety of restaurant stands and grocery vendors. The market’s stands sell local produce, Amish specialties, meats and seafood, and even fresh cut flowers. Visitors fill up on Thai food, salads, pizzas and pasta as they shop, and the market even offers quality wines and baked goods.
Pat’s and Geno’s Cheesesteaks
Though the two are always in friendly competition, Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks are arguably Philadelphia’s most famous cheesesteak vendors. Pat’s has been around since 1930 and Geno’s first opened in 1966, but today both are known for that signature thin-sliced steak, melted cheese, and freshly baked bread that tastes distinctly like Philly.
9th Street Italian Market
Philadelphia has a very large Italian-American population, and this has translated into South 9th Street’s unique mix of sights, smells and tastes. The 9th Street Italian Market is located in the area of the city’s first Italian restaurants and grocers, and it still sells the same high quality herbs, spices, fresh seafood, pastas ,and other traditional Italian fare.