Philadelphia, PA - What makes Philadelphia a foodie city? The city is home to several farms and artisan food producers. You can visit Rittenhouse Square's indoor farmers market or head to the suburbs to find pick-your-own pumpkins, strawberries, or flowers during warmer months.
Why is Philadelphia a World Class Foodie City?
In addition to local farmers and food producers, Philadelphia is home to several artisan food products, such as Soom Foods' sesame paste. You can buy EPIC Pickles from Philadelphia, and Zsa's ice cream is a favorite among locals.
Street vendors
In the city's early days, the street vendors were primarily African American and Asian. Some lived within the city limits and traveled by horseback or ferry to sell their goods. The first street vendors in Philadelphia specialized in selling fruit, vegetables, meats, and buckwheat cakes. In the 1850s, Philadelphia established Dock Street. The street was prosperous until the 1950s, when it was demolished.
Local farms
Philadelphia's thriving local food scene is a reason to visit this city. Philadelphia has a robust farmer's market and CSAs. Purchasing local produce is crucial in Philadelphia and neighboring New Jersey or Connecticut. And while there are plenty of high-end restaurants in Center City, Philadelphia is a great place to try the more casual fare. Philadelphia is home to some of the best restaurants in the country, as evidenced by WalletHub's ranking of the best food cities in America.
Markets
Whether you love to shop for fresh food or simply want to find the best produce, Philadelphia's public markets are essential to its foodie scene. Historically, the city was home to neighborhood farmers' markets and large wholesale markets. Markets were established to encourage local producers and ensure that citizens had a reliable, healthy food supply. These facilities were essential to the town's food scene.
Restaurants
If you are an avid foodie, you'll want to explore Philadelphia's restaurant scene. It's diverse, inventive, and deeply community-focused, striking the rare balance between impressive and laid-back. The best restaurants in Philadelphia are those run by renowned chefs, such as Zahav (owned by Michael Solomonov) and South Philly Barbacoa (run by Cristina Martinez). The best places to sample authentic Mexican fare include Hardena, a 20-year-old Indonesian canteen, and Down North Pizza.
Diverse Local Cuisine
The local cuisine of Philadelphia is diverse. Among its classics are cheesesteaks and strombolis. Cheese sauce, water ice, and soft pretzels are other staples. The city's immigrant population has contributed to the variety of foods associated with the city. A visit to Philadelphia is not complete without sampling these foods. Philadelphia is the place to go if you love to try new things and experiment with flavors.
