Bizarre Foods Season 15 Episode 5 Philadelphia: Shad Cakes, Krak & Kishke

In Bizarre Foods season 15 episode 5 titled "Philadelphia: Shad Cakes, Krak & Kishke," host Andrew Zimmern travels to the City of Brotherly Love to explore the unique food culture of the area.

Zimmern begins his culinary journey at the Reading Terminal Market, a historic indoor market that has been in operation since 1893. Here, he samples the famous Philadelphia-style roast pork sandwich, which is topped with sauteed broccoli rabe and sharp provolone cheese. He also tries the market's signature dish, the cheese steak, which is made using thinly sliced rib-eye steak, melted cheese, and onions all served on a hoagie roll.

Moving on from classic Philly fare, Zimmern heads to South Philly to explore the city's vibrant Italian neighborhood. He visits Isgro Pastries, one of the oldest bakeries in the city and a staple of the community for over 100 years. Here, he tastes traditional Italian pastries like cannolis and sfogliatelle, as well as the famous Philadelphia butter cake.

The episode takes a turn towards more unusual fare as Zimmern heads to the Jewish quarter to sample some traditional Jewish deli food. He tries krak, a type of sausage made from beef and garlic that has been dry-cured for months. He also tries kishke, a sausage made from a mixture of grain and beef fat that is stuffed into a beef intestine and cooked.

Continuing his exploration of unique Philadelphia cuisine, Zimmern visits the Schuylkill River to sample shad cakes, a dish that has been a part of the city's culinary history for centuries. Shad, a type of fish that runs up the river each spring, is filleted, cooked, and mixed with potatoes, onions, and spices before being formed into cakes and fried.

The episode also features a visit to the Mutter Museum, a medical museum that houses a unique collection of preserved medical specimens and artifacts. While not a food destination, Zimmern's visit to the museum offers a glimpse into the city's history and culture.

Finally, the episode ends with a trip to the Italian Market to sample the famous roast pork sandwich from John's Roast Pork. This sandwich is made with slow-roasted pork that is sliced thin and served on a roll with broccoli rabe and provolone cheese. With its unique combination of flavors and textures, this sandwich is a must-try for any foodie visiting Philadelphia.

Overall, Bizarre Foods season 15 episode 5 offers viewers an in-depth look into the diverse and vibrant culinary culture of Philadelphia, highlighting both classic dishes and unique, lesser-known fare.