Ep 1. Philly Food Fight

Cheap Eats season 4 episode 1 is titled Philly Food Fight and explores the culinary scene in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In this episode, the host, Ali Khan, sets out to find the best cheap eats Philadephia has to offer.

The episode begins with Ali visiting the Reading Terminal Market, a large indoor market that has been operating for over 125 years. The market offers a wide variety of food from all around the world, and Ali is determined to find the best that Philadelphia has to offer. He starts by visiting DiNic's, a popular sandwich shop that has been a staple of the market for over three generations. They are famous for their roast pork sandwiches and Ali can't wait to try one. He is impressed with the freshness of the ingredients and the quality of the sandwich, and it sets the tone for the rest of his culinary journey.

Next, Ali heads to The Dutch, a modern brunch spot that offers inventive dishes at reasonable prices. The restaurant is known for its Dutch Baby pancakes, which are a cross between a pancake and a popover. Ali tries their savory version, which is topped with bacon, eggs, and cheese. He is blown away by the dish and also tries their signature cocktail, the Lavender Lemonade, which he says is the perfect complement to the rich and savory pancakes.

Ali then heads to Fishtown, a neighborhood in Philadelphia that is known for its trendy restaurants and bars. He tries several dishes at Girard Brasserie and Bruncherie and is impressed with the bold flavors and unique ingredients. He tries their Short Rib Skillet, which is a mix of short ribs, potatoes, and vegetables that are topped with a sunny-side-up egg. He also tries their Lamb Burger, which is made with spiced lamb meat and topped with tzatziki sauce. Ali says that both dishes are some of the best he has ever had.

The next stop on Ali's journey is to South Philadelphia to try some authentic Italian food. He visits Ralph's Italian Restaurant, which is the oldest Italian restaurant in the United States that is still run by the same family. Ali tries their Veal Parmigiana, which he says is a classic dish done perfectly. He also tries their Alfredo sauce, which he says is a must-try for anyone who visits the restaurant.

Ali finishes his culinary journey at Poi Dog, a Hawaiian-inspired food truck that offers a fusion of Hawaiian and Asian flavors. He tries their Spam Musubi, which is a sushi roll that is made with Spam, rice, and nori. He is impressed with the creativity of the dish and says that it is a must-try for anyone who is looking for something different.

Overall, Cheap Eats season 4 episode 1 is a great introduction to Philadelphia's culinary scene. Ali showcases some of the best cheap eats the city has to offer, and his enthusiasm for the food is infectious. Whether you are a local or a tourist, this episode will make you want to go out and explore the city's culinary offerings.