Don’t Sleep on These 7 Reading Terminal Market Dishes
Everyone knows the go-to standbys at Reading Terminal Market, the roast pork … the fried chicken … the doughnuts … Here's what to eat next.
Reading Terminal Market / Photograph courtesy of Visit Philadelphia
So you’ve eaten your way through all the classics at Reading Terminal Market. Now, a guide to what to order next time.
Beiler’s
Banana nut loaf at Beiler’s in Reading Terminal Market / Photograph by Ted Nghiem
The go-to: Doughnuts, duh.
Now try this: Sure, those hand-rolled doughnuts are the Beyoncé of Beiler’s operation. But the moist, not-too-sweet banana nut loaf (which also comes in muffin form) is the Solange, which is to say: different vibe, equally talented.
DiNic’s
DiNic’s brisket sandwich / Photograph by Ted Nghiem
The go-to: The roast pork sandwich
Now try this: The brisket sandwich — loaded with zingy hot peppers, sharp prov, and peppery brisket so thin, it looks like it went through a paper shredder — is a secret staff favorite.
Ma Lessie’s
Fried fish at Ma Lessie’s in Reading Terminal Market / Photograph by Ted Nghiem
The go-to: Chicken and waffles
Now try this: True, the full name of the place is Ma Lessie’s Fried Chicken & Waffles, but the flaky fried fish showcases the kitchen’s skills at the deep-fryer even more than the chicken does. Get yours with a side of the Tabasco-tinged collard greens.
Dutch Eating Place
Dutch Eating Place in Reading Terminal Market / Photograph by Ted Nghiem
The go-to: Apple dumplings, scrapple
Now try this: The Super Turkey Melt — griddled, layered with bacon, slathered in Russian dressing — is starred as a staff favorite on the menu, but employees will tell you that people regularly skip over it. Don’t be one of those fools.
Flying Monkey
Flying Monkey in Reading Terminal Market / Photograph by Ted Nghiem
The go-to: Whoopie pie
Now try this: Imagine a sandwich made entirely of chocolate-chip cake and chocolate-chip filling. That’s the Whoopwich, which owner Elizabeth Halen calls “the cannoli of the whoopie-pie world.” They don’t bake it every day; call ahead.
Sang Kee
Shrimp wonton soup at Sang Kee in Reading Terminal Market / Photograph by Ted Nghiem
The go-to: Peking duck
Now try this: The crispy roast duck gets the fanfare, but the shrimp wonton soup, topped with slightly sweet roast pork, is fantastic — and basically two dishes in one.
Termini Bros.
Pecan bars at Termini’s / Photograph by Ted Nghiem
The go-to: Cannoli, cheesecake, amaretti …
Now try this: Less traditional but no less special: the rich, sticky caramelized pecan diamond bars. Just tack ’em onto your usual order. (Apologies to your wallet.)
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Published as “Been There, Ate That? Try This.” in the July 2022 issue of Philadelphia magazine.
