Brenda Hillegas
Feature photo- a whoopie pie from Beiler’s Bakery in Reading Terminal Market
Have you been to Reading Terminal Market lately? So much is going on and there are a lot of new spots! I stopped by last week to get to know the market (again!) and see what’s going on for the holiday season. In case you don’t know, RTM is one of America’s largest and oldest public markets, housed since 1893 in a National Historic Landmark building and filled with just about everything!
There are plenty of sit down eateries like Molly Malloy‘s (one of my favorites for a quick trip in to RTM to grab their unique rotating pop-tarts and fresh biscuits), a variety of places for fresh meat, fish and produce (O.K. Produce is another favorite of mine), baked goods (always made fresh, usually on site), spices, candy, coffee, international cuisine, flowers, wine, lots of PA Dutch merchants, even a diner and an oyster bar. Come by for lunch or spend a couple hours getting your grocery items for the week. Many also accept EBT cards.
Get your last minute gifts while there too! There are arts, crafts and jewelry merchants like Little Marrakesh Bazaar (products are sourced straight from Morocco), Contessa’s French Linens, and African Art and Accessories from De’Village. The Pennsylvania General Store is a great location for PA-made products and gift baskets that can be shipped anywhere. And the Herbiary recently moved to a bigger space with lots of medicinal herbs and essential oils. This is just a touch of what the market offers in regards to non-food products. You truly can get something for everyone on your list in one trip.
I’m excited about a few spots in particular this season. Sweet T’s Bakery is believed to be the first Black-owned bakery in Market history! They offer many sweet-potato-based baked goods and even sugar free options. Luhv Vegan Deli is vegan breakfast sandwiches, burgers, soup and a deli. The Sustainable Farm by Custom Cuisine is an amazing concept and the owner is helping people grow food indoors where fresh produce isn’t always accessible. She also offers great-smelling bath and body products and candles. Beck’s Cajun Café is always on my list and I can’t leave the market without getting some fried mac & cheese balls…and I might as well stop by Fox and Son Fancy Corn Dogs for a 100% GF menu (I love the sweet potato batter) too! Tambayan is one of the many authentic international merchants- they their Filipino fusion menu or get some pastries (ube macarons!) to take home.
And is it even a visit to Reading Terminal if you don’t get a donut from Beiler’s (good news- they have salads too) or ice cream from Bassett’s (an original tenant of the market). Don’t forget the roast pork sandwich from Dicnic’s!
Since you know that Reading Terminal Market is filled with tastes for every palate, and since the holidays are creeping up on us, why not grab your Christmas dinner at the market? Maybe some sushi for a unique tradition or chocolates for everyone? For a complete list of vendors offering meals, along with fresh meats and poultry, cheeses and all the trimmings, for pre-order, visit https://readingterminalmarket.org/holidays/. Deadlines to get your orders in for each place are also listed. Oh and Santa is coming too, bring your kids (or yourself!) to meet him on 12/18 from 10am to 2pm in his pop up winter wonderland.
With new merchants, women and Black owned businesses, international spots for a delicious meal, and more variety than anywhere else, Reading Terminal Market is- dare I say- better than ever! Drop in sometime, grab a cup of coffee at Old City Coffee, and take a look around.
Visit @rowhomemag on Instagram to see my recent trip to Reading Terminal Market on my reels. And thank you to the gentleman on my tour who raved about The Original Turkey. I picked up their turkey lunch bowl which includes two heaping side choices (I chose mac and cheese and mashed potatoes). It was incredible and affordable!
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