Month of Soul

Celebrating a culinary revolution

Fun Fact: June is National Soul Food Month! In 2001, National Soul Food Month was founded by Charla Draper, a member of the Culinary Historians of Chicago, to celebrate the rich history of soul food and the culinary contribution of African American people.

National Soul Food Month appeared for the first time in Chases’ Annual Calendar of Events, where Draper stated: “National Soul food Month, celebrating the heritage and history of the foods and foodways of African Americans and peoples from the African diaspora. The culinary contributions of this group had an indelible impact on the American menu.”

A term popularized in the 1960’s, Soul food has a rich and important history that is steeped in tradition and connects Black culture to its African roots. The boldly flavored cuisine took origin mostly in Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama, commonly referred to as the Deep South.

During the Slave Trade, enslaved African people were given insufficient food rations that were low in quality and nutritional value. With these items, they preserved African food traditions and adapted recipes with the limited resources available.

Over time, culinary creatives have used these recipes and techniques to create soul food dishes that our taste buds go crazy for today. A food genre birthed from struggle and survival has grown into its ancestors’ wildest cuisine dreams.

So how can you celebrate this richly delicious holiday all month long? By checking out some of the soul food spots right in your neighborhood, of course! We’ve come up with 10 spots we strongly recommend you support this month, and beyond.

TOP TEN PHILLY SOUL FOOD SPOTS

Food From the Heart
8010 Ogontz Ave. 19150
215-276-0657

Tyemeka’s Soul Food Restaurant
5920 Germantown Ave. 19144
267-368-6025

Tasties
5241 Germantown Ave. 19144
215-991-7844

The Stand
1844 W Hunting Park Ave. 19140 
267-354-2924

Tay’s Soul Food 
901 Bridge St. 19124
215-437-7514

Just To Serve You
5622 W Girard Ave. 19131
267-531-0031

Philly’s Platinum Grille
7719 Crittenden St. 19118
215-247-2312

Barkley’s Barbeque 
2017 N 29th St. 19121
215-763-7427

Sister Muhammad’s Kitchen & Bakery
4441 Germantown Ave. 19140
215-621-7250

Soul Food Artist
8052 Frankford Ave. 19136
267-731-1754

Click thru each listing for menus, hours, and ordering. Come back and share your Local soul food experience in the comments below.

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