The First Ethiopian Vendor, Sekela Kitchen, Will Be Opening in Reading Terminal Market This Spring
The First Ethiopian Vendor, Sekela Kitchen, Will Be Opening in Reading Terminal Market This Spring
A new flavor is arriving at Philly’s most iconic food destination as Sekela Kitchen prepares to open inside Reading Terminal Market. The new concept will mark the historic public market’s first merchant dedicated to Ethiopian cuisine, bringing a vibrant lineup of traditional dishes and modern bowl-style meals to Center City.
Sekela Kitchen will offer a fast-casual and approachable introduction to Ethiopian food, serving authentic specialties such as doro wat, injera, sambusa, and kitfo alongside customizable bowls available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The name “Sekela” translates to “beginning,” referencing Ethiopian heritage and symbolizing the source of the Nile River where life begins and flows.
Leaders at the market say the addition reflects their ongoing commitment to showcasing a diverse mix of global flavors.
“Sekela Kitchen is bringing a new type of cultural cuisine packed with flavor to Reading Terminal Market,” said Annie Allman, CEO and General Manager of the market. “One of my greatest goals in leadership here is to continue expanding the diversity of our offerings, and we are excited to do just that with an Ethiopian menu.”
The menu will highlight both vegan and vegetarian options, which are central to Ethiopian cuisine, along with several meat-based specialties.
Customers will be able to create build-your-own bowls by selecting a base, protein, and vegetables. Signature dishes will also include traditional favorites such as:
- Doro Wat – a rich and spicy Ethiopian chicken stew
- Kitfo Sandwich – marinated beef with caramelized onions
- Sambusa – a savory filled pastry
- Katega – toasted injera layered with spiced butter and herbs
The new stand is the vision of Marta Kebede, who grew up working in her mother’s restaurant in Ethiopia before eventually making her way to Philadelphia.
After moving to the United States in 2007, Kebede spent years working in businesses near Reading Terminal Market, including shops in what is now the Fashion District Philadelphia. She later served as manager at Era in Brewerytown.
In 2017, Kebede began pursuing her dream of opening a business inside Reading Terminal Market. After years of preparation and delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, that vision is finally becoming reality.
“I love Reading Terminal Market,” said Kebede. “Working in the area for so many years, I already have a lot of relationships in the building and can’t wait to formally be a part of it as a business owner. My goal is to introduce the Market’s customers to my cultural cuisine and also give Philadelphia’s Ethiopian communities a taste of home right in the heart of Center City.”
With its rich flavors, communal dining traditions, and customizable bowls, Sekela Kitchen is set to bring a new culinary experience to one of the city’s most beloved markets.
