6 Must-Try Eats at Lancaster County Farmers Market

By Maura Boughter-Dornfeld, Food Editor, Main Line Tonight

Co-founder, Philly Snack Queens

These days, it’s rare to find a relatively old-school, open market that hasn’t  lost its roots, but Lancaster County Farmers Market in Wayne still has its sparkle. Easier to navigate and less touristy than Reading Terminal, this market is a great place to find produce, chicken, seafood, meat, baked goods, candy and flowers. The vendors work side-by-side to churn out incredible creations and hustle to make sure patrons have friendly, prompt experiences.

The market is open Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays. On the busy Friday of my visit, shops were bustling with patrons as eager as I was to stock up on goods. The owners took the time to make sure each customer had what we needed while introducing us to other items that might be of interest, or they’d add a different spin on our weekend menus. This kind of experience makes a farmer’s market feel so true to its roots. Interacting with the farmers, bakers and makers is educational – and delicious – because they inform customers about specialty items and offer options depending on our tastes and needs.

Ready to explore the Lancaster County Farmers Market in Wayne? Here are a few of my favorite spots.

Country Twist: I’m from Philly, so I know soft pretzels. But Amish-style pretzels are a whole other deal. Country Twist is the place to go for soft, doughy, hand rolled, fresh out of the oven, perfectly salted (and large) pretzels. And if you’re in the mood for a hot dog, you won’t find anything better than one of Country Twist’s pigs-in-the-blanket.

D’Innocenzo’s Bakery: Get the sticky buns – and everything else you can carry. (Bring a big bag.)

Margaret Kuo’s: The queen of suburban Chinese cuisine has many fine dining restaurants, but the Lancaster County Farmers Market stand is the best place to get grab-and-go lo mein, dumplings, egg rolls and a variety of soups.

Sammy’s Super Meats: Buying your meat in a supermarket aisle? Then you haven’t experienced the foodie delight of a real butcher. The staff at Sammy’s guides you to the best pieces of beef, pork, veal and lamb, then cuts them exactly as you wish. While you’re at Sammy’s, pick up some housemade sausages. They are divine.

Ultimate Bake Shoppe of Wayne: Ultimate indeed. With biscotti and muffins to die for, this shop offers old-fashioned bakery goodness. Cakes and pies are available for pre-order and day-of buying – if they have any left. The scones are our favorite. You won’t find a more perfectly made raisin scone. Good thing they come three to a pack!

V Empanadas: Veronica Fitzgerald, owner of V Empanadas, pours love and thoughtfulness into each of her beautiful creations, from the array of empanadas (beef, chicken, pork, vegetable, cheese) to the bright, vivid, fresh ceviche. Created in the Ecuadorian tradition, the food is out-of-this-world delicious! Veronica loved sharing her story and the love behind her creations. Veronica’s daughter had just spent four hours creating written menus on the inside of empanada boxes so you can go through your tasting with clarity and a vision.

Make a trip to Wayne for this gem. It restores a sense of community that we all have been craving these past few years. Bon Appetit!

Lancaster County Farmers Market, 389 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne

Hours: Wed., Fri., Sat. 6 am – 4 pm

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Want more delicious spots to visit? Read about the Inn at Grace Winery, Daddy O, and Cheap Eats in Philly.

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