Did you know that Philadelphia is home to the only stand-alone shop of America's oldest ice cream company? It’s a sweet piece of history that’s easy to overlook, but trust me, it’s worth the scoop. Philadelphia, once the capital of the young United States, has always been a city of firsts and enduring legacies. From the world-renowned Philadelphia Art Museum to the prestigious Philadelphia Orchestra, this city is no stranger to cultural significance. But nestled within the historic Reading Terminal Market lies a true gem: Bassetts Ice Cream, a company that’s been churning out delicious treats since 1861. And this is the part most people miss—it’s the only original merchant still operating in the Market today.
Founded by Lewis Dubois Bassett, a peace-loving Quaker, Bassetts began its journey during a tumultuous time in American history. Lewis started small, using a mule-powered churn to create his first batches of ice cream. Some of his early flavors, like green tomato, might raise eyebrows today, but they were enough to build a loyal following. When Reading Terminal Market opened its doors in 1892, Bassetts made the move from Trenton, New Jersey, to Philadelphia, and it’s been a staple ever since. But here’s where it gets controversial—while Bassetts is famous for its Philadelphia-style ice cream, this style isn’t actually the most popular in the city itself. Is it a case of history being forgotten, or is there more to the story?
Philadelphia-style ice cream, named after Augustus Jackson (a Philadelphia native and former White House chef), is known for its airy, fluffy texture and egg-free recipe. Unlike denser styles like New England ice cream, it’s light and divinely sweet—but without the shortcuts. Some brands, like Friendly’s, pump their ice cream full of air to cut costs, but Bassetts stays true to tradition. Is this the real reason Philadelphia-style ice cream deserves a comeback?
When you visit Bassetts, you’ll find classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, but don’t miss their unique offerings. Ever heard of borscht-flavored ice cream? It’s not on the menu today, but it was served to Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev during his visit to America—a fascinating historical tidbit. Instead, you can try mango, cinnamon, or even matcha green tea. And if you’re visiting in the fall, their pumpkin ice cream is a must-try. So, here’s the question: Is Bassetts just an ice cream shop, or is it a living piece of American history? Let us know what you think in the comments—and next time you’re in Philadelphia, don’t miss this sweet slice of the past.
