Bell's Market is an adventure in grocery shopping. Located in Philadelphia's Northeast where there are large Eastern European and Russian communities, Bells's Market carries imported groceries from all over Eastern Europe and has a busy bakery specializing in Eastern European baked goods. This place is huge and also quite affordable.
Every time I shop here I come home with a basket of fascinating new foods to try. Here are my suggestions for you if you want to treat yourself to a little grocery adventure:
- Traditional Georgian shoti bread. A chewy white flour bread shaped like a canoe!
- Ajvar. A staple of Balkan tables, Ayjvar is a roasted red pepper and eggplant spread. I recommend the spicy version.
- Bulgarian sheep cheese. (feta) You have to taste this creamy and piquant feta cheese popular in the Balkans.
- Hamentashen. Oh-so-buttery and flaky triangular cookies filled with fruit, a traditional cookie made for the Jewish holiday of Purim.
- Ayran. A salty yogurt drink popular in Eastern Europe and Turkey. So refreshing when served with grilled meats and sandwiches.
- Russian Raisin Cake. Slice it, toast it, and spread butter on it for a yummy breakfast, snack or dessert.
Explore Philadelphia like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Philadelphia guide.
Philadelphia’s Mural Arts has helped create literally thousands of gorgeous murals all over. I'm in love with the new abstract mural by Tim McFarlane...
By
"Long in the Tooth Record Store" in Philadelphia is a family-owned business that reminds me of one of my favorite films, High Fidelity...
By
The James G. Kaskey Memorial Park in Philly (known by locals as the Bio Pond) was University of Penn’s first botanic garden. Makes for a romantic date...
By
"Stina Pizzeria" in Philadelphia offers an enticing blend of pizza but also the best spanakopita I've ever tasted and other Mediterranean-inspired dishes...
By
"The Modern Republic" in Philadelphia is a midcentury modern home decor shop that is colorful, ebullient, high-ceilinged, and tastefully curated!
By
"Lil Nas X Mural Gayborhood" in Philadelphia is 36-feet-large and portrays the early 21st-century LGBTQ+ icon that's conquered the world...
By
When you see it for the first time you are struck by its size.
By
"Contrafuerte" in Philadelphia is Miguel Antonio Horn's latest sculpture which comprises of eight entangled nude bodies holding a small concrete bridge...
By
Beer lovers have lots to celebrate in Philadelphia! Enter "ARS Brewery", a South Philly Garage Brewery (complete in an old garage and visible distillery).
By
These old farm ruins outside Northern Philadelphia are covered in graffiti and belong to a now-abandoned prison...
By
"Two Persons Coffee" in Philadelphia is in a building that used to be a public vocational school, and its furniture was salvaged to complement the cafe...
By
My favorite building in Philadelphia is the Merchant Exchange, conveniently located across the street from my favorite movie theater...
By
156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters