Sekela Kitchen, owned by Marta Kebede, will bring “bold and soulful” Ethiopian cuisine to Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal Market.
One of America’s oldest and largest public markets offers a wide selection of locally grown and exotic produce, locally sourced meats and poultry, and seafood, cheeses, baked goods and confections.
“Owner Marta Kebede grew up in the kitchen of her mother’s restaurant in Ethiopia. Now, she’s bringing authentic Ethiopian flavors to the heart of Center City,” the market shared via Instagram.
The new spot will offer breakfast dishes like a tofu scrambler with onions, tomatoes and bell peppers served with home fries; “Ful,” mashed fava beans with onions, garlic, cumin, tomato and Ethiopian berbere on sourdough toast; and “Firer,” scrambled eggs paired with injera, a sour, fermented flatbread.
The lunch menu lets guests build their own bowls, served step by step.
First, customers choose a protein, including beef, chicken, tofu or a vegan option. Next, they select a grain such as injera, turmeric rice, or white rice and add vegetables. Finally, they pick a side, either “Sambusa,” a traditional Ethiopian pastry, or “Katega,” toasted injera layered with spiced butter.
Beyond the food, Sekela Kitchen champions community and opportunity.
“As a woman-and immigrant-owned business, Sekela Kitchen is about more than great food. We are building a business that creates opportunity–hiring locally, supporting women and immigrant workers, and investing back into the community that supports us,” the website reads.
Sekela Kitchen has not announced an official opening date, but once it opens, it will operate daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Check the website for updates.
What Now Philadelphia reached out to the team. This article may be updated.
