Cheap Eats Season 2 Episode 9 Cream Of The Crop

For the ninth episode of season two of Cheap Eats, viewers are taken on a culinary tour of Philadelphia with host Ali Khan. In this episode titled Cream of the Crop, Ali explores some of the best cheap eats in the city, all while indulging in the creamy, cheesy goodness that Philadelphia is known for.

The episode starts off with a trip to Reading Terminal Market, a historic indoor market that's a hub for all kinds of food and produce vendors. Ali stops at Dienner's BBQ Chicken, one of the market's most popular vendors, to try their delicious BBQ chicken sandwich. The sandwich comes piled high with tender pulled chicken, topped with a tangy BBQ sauce, and served on a soft Philadelphia roll. Ali seems visibly impressed and states that the sandwich is the perfect balance of savory and sweet.

Next up on the tour is a visit to Mac Mart, a gourmet macaroni and cheese food truck. Ali tries the "Crabby Mac," made with lump crab meat, Old Bay seasoning, and a creamy blend of cheddar and havarti cheeses. Ali raves about the dish, calling it "rich and luscious." He also notes that the dish is filling and a steal for its price, proving that cheap eats can still be indulgent.

At Dinic's Roast Pork, Ali tries their famous Roast Pork Italian sandwich, a Philly classic. The sandwich is made with juicy roast pork, sharp provolone cheese, and broccoli rabe, all stuffed into a crispy hoagie roll. Ali declares it a must-try for anyone visiting Philly, praising the tender pork and perfectly balanced flavors.

Ali's next stop is Baology, a restaurant specializing in Taiwanese-style baos, or steamed buns. He tries their "Lao Gan Ma" chicken bao, which features tender chicken thighs, pickled vegetables, and a spicy sauce made with a popular Chinese chili oil. Ali loves the dish, noting that it's a great way to get a quick and flavorful meal on the go.

For dessert, Ali visits Bassetts Ice Cream, Philadelphia's oldest ice cream company. He tries their signature "Bassetts Vanilla," which is made with all-natural ingredients and real vanilla beans. Ali finds the ice cream to be perfectly creamy and sweet, calling it "heavenly."

Finally, Ali heads to Pizza Brain, a pizzeria that also doubles as a pizza museum. He tries their "Forbes Waggensense," an outlandish pizza topped with mustard, hot dogs, and sauerkraut. Ali is a bit skeptical at first, but ultimately declares the pizza to be delicious and creative, proving that pizza can be more than just the traditional tomato sauce and cheese.

Throughout the episode, Ali also takes time to explore the city's rich history and culture. He stops at landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, pointing out how Philadelphia's history has influenced its culinary scene. He also highlights several local shops and businesses that are helping to keep the city's food culture alive and thriving.

Overall, Cream of the Crop is a must-watch episode for anyone interested in experiencing some of the best food that Philadelphia has to offer, all while staying within a budget. Ali Khan's enthusiasm and love for food shines through, making for a fun and entertaining viewing experience.