Photo Essay: Reading Terminal Market, The International Food Mecca of Philadelphia

Layla El Tannir, for GPA -- Reading Terminal Market is a historic public market that is well known as the food mecca of Philadelphia. Over a hundred vendors offer locally-grown and exotic produce and bring together flavors from all over the world to residents and guests of Philadelphia.

Their mission is to preserve historical character and provide a wide variety of produce, meat, fish, baked goods and dairy products and other raw and prepared food, brought to a public market in the center of the city by farmers, growers and chefs. The market aims to maintain an environment that recognizes and celebrates the diversity of Philadelphia and strengthens the historic link and mutual dependency of rural and urban communities.

Among the many restaurants, merchants and vendors represented in Reading Terminal Market, there is the Rick Nichols Room. It is a private event space on the Market floor that seats between 48 and 72 guests. The Rick Nichols Room is available for rent and has been used for school groups, corporate events and special occasions during business hours. Food and beverage service can be arranged through the market’s merchants to ensure that they get the full Reading Terminal Market experience.

The Head Nut sells dried herbs, dried fruits, nuts and grains, coffee, tea, candy and more. Their shipments come from all over the world to their warehouse in Ardmore. All of their products are made internationally except for the candy, which is mass-produced in America and distributed nationally and internationally.

Philly’s Best Spice House offers a variety of spices, sold by weight.

Salumeria is cheese heaven! It has imported 250 cheeses from around the world and also sells deli meats, salads, hoagies and groceries with an emphasis on Italian products.

12th St. Cantina is a modern Mexican restaurant serving freshly made burritos, enchiladas, ensaladas, homemade salsas, fresh tortillas and a full line of Mexican groceries.

Old City Coffee is a coffee roasting company that’s been in the game for 30 years. Since 1988, Old City Coffee has roasted 100% Arabica beans in Reading Terminal Market. They have a range of global beans ranging from Brazil to Ethiopia. Besides the usual Espresso and Cappuccino, it also sells baked items, bottled juice and Italian soda. 

De’Village is an African art and accessories store. It sells art, accessories, jewelry and skin products from all over Africa.

Profi’s Creperie is a French concept focused on making sweet and savory crepes. Their crepes range from breakfast style, to vegetarian, to dessert.

Termini Brothers Bakery has been a Philadelphia tradition since 1921.

Termini are true to their Italian roots, as they are known for their freshly piped cannoli’s. They also sell Italian pastries, cakes, cookies, cupcakes and coffee.

Kamal’s Middle Eastern Specialties focuses on foods from the Middle East. Kamal’s offers common dishes such as Hummus, Tabbouleh, Falafel, Kibbeh and Baklava. It sells savory items, desserts, groceries, fresh juices and smoothies.

Wursthaus Schmitz is a German delicatessen, with a sausage sandwich stand and grocery.