Southeast Asian Market at FDR park returns this weekend
The market operates from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, offering one of the most vibrant examples of Philadelphia’s immigrant experience until the end of October.
The smell of sausage-stuffed chicken wings sizzling over charcoal and of sweet deep-fried bananas will once again draw crowds to the Southeast Asian Market at FDR Park, starting Saturday.
Open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine, the open-air market runs through the end of October and is one of the city’s most vibrant celebrations of immigrant food and culture.
It was recently featured in “The 76,” an Inquirer list of essential Philly experiences, and has earned national attention from Food & Wine as a culinary destination.
The market began informally in the 1980s, when a Lao couple started selling papaya salad and chicken wings at the park. Over the years, it has grown into a weekend destination with nearly 80 vendors and an estimated 200,000 visitors each season.
The food offerings span Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia — a mix that reflects the deep roots of Southeast Asian communities in South Philadelphia.
Visitors can expect to see longtime favorites like Bee’z Kitchen, MaMa BK, and Lucky Elephant Cafe, serving dishes like stir-fried lort cha noodles, lemongrass beef skewers, stuffed bamboo with sweet sticky rice, and Cambodian-style cheesesteaks.
It’s loud, lively, and packed with flavor — and while some stalls accept mobile payment, cash is still the way to go.
The market’s location shifts midway through the season. From April through June, it’s near the Broad Street entrance (Picnic Area 17). From July through October, it moves closer to Taney Field (Picnic Area 11).
Come early, come hungry — and plan to stay awhile.