Philadelphia’s food scene, a serious and celebrated affair, is at the heart of A Taste of Philly. Known for its iconic dishes, the city offers culinary delights ranging from the classic cheesesteak drenched in Whiz, to a hearty hoagie wrapped in a crisp roll, and even the savory tomato pie sprinkled with Parmesan.
Beloved by locals and a lure for tourists, Best Foods in Philadelphia is embodied in the city’s signature eats. A visit to famous spots like Pat’s and Geno’s for their legendary cheesesteaks is as integral to the Philadelphia experience as iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell or Independence Hall.
This blog is your navigational tool through the rich tapestry of Philly’s flavors. From the salty delight of soft pretzels and the sweet charm of water ice, to the hearty richness of red-gravy pasta and the unique taste of scrapple, we’re set to explore these quintessential Philly flavors. Get ready to dive into the heart of Philadelphia’s culinary scene, where each dish tells a story of the city’s vibrant culture and history.
Iconic Foods in Philadelphia Must-Try Local Delicacies
In Philadelphia, every bite is a journey through culinary history, with iconic dishes like the world-renowned cheesesteak and the beloved hoagie. These must-try local delicacies embody the heart and soul of the city’s rich food culture. Discover the unique flavors of Philly and indulge in the unforgettable taste of its signature dishes.
Hoagie
Philadelphia’s take on the classic sub or hero sandwich is the hoagie, a delightful blend of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and spreads, all nestled in a long roll freshly sourced from esteemed bakeries like Amoroso’s or Sarcone’s.
The city is dotted with exceptional neighbourhood hoagie shops that have become local favourites. These include Cosmi’s Deli, Angelo’s Pizzeria South Philly, Woodrow’s Sandwich Shop, and Liberty Kitchen PHL. Fink’s Hoagies and Martha Kensington also stand out for their unique offerings. Additionally, Primo Hoagies, a popular local chain, boasts a strong presence with over 40 shops spread across the city and surrounding areas.
For those seeking an unconventional hoagie experience, Pizzeria Beddia offers a unique “hoagie omakase” tasting menu in their exclusive hoagie room, available for group reservations.
Location: 1165 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, United States
Philly Cheesesteak
Visiting Philadelphia offers you a chance to savor A Taste of Philly with its famous cheesesteaks. the cheesesteak reigns supreme as Philadelphia’s most iconic culinary offering. The creation of this beloved dish dates back to 1930 by Pat Olivieri, the founder of Pat’s King of Steaks. A classic cheesesteak is a delightful combination of thinly sliced beef and your choice of cheese – be it provolone, American, or the ever-popular Cheez Whiz – all nestled in a crusty roll, optionally topped with grilled onions.
The legendary rivalry between Pat’s and Geno’s Steaks has become a hallmark of East Passyunk, attracting crowds eager to compare their cheesesteaks. However, the city’s love for this sandwich extends beyond these two giants. Other cherished establishments include Dalessandro’s Steaks and Hoagies, Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop, Steve’s Prince of Steaks, Campo’s Philly Cheesesteaks, and Chubby’s Steaks, each offering their unique take on this classic Philly dish.
Location: Dalessandro’s Steaks, situated at 600 Wendover Street.
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Scrapple
Scrapple, a Philly famous and popular food, is a unique breakfast meat made from a blend of pork, spices, and cornmeal. This salty-crispy delicacy, introduced by Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants, is typically sliced and pan-fried to perfection.
Today, scrapple is often sourced from local providers like Godshall’s, Habbersett, and Hatfield Quality Meats. It’s a common sight on breakfast sandwiches or as a side dish (delicious with syrup) in various greasy spoon diners and brunch spots around the Philly area. Notable places to enjoy this delicacy include Front Street Café, Silk City Diner, Sulimay’s Restaurant, Penrose Diner, Stockyard Sandwich Co., and revered Reading Terminal Market spots like Dutch Eating Place and Down Home Diner.
Location: Multiple venues, including Down Home Diner at 51 N. 12th Street.
Tastykakes
In Philadelphia, it’s a challenge to find a local who doesn’t rave about their preferred Tastykakes snack cakes, a staple among the best foods in Philadelphia. With an array of choices like Butterscotch Krimpets, Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes, Chocolate Juniors, and Creme Filled Chocolate Cupcakes – plus dozens more – Tastykakes have been a beloved sweet snack in Philly for over a century.
These delightful treats, essential things to eat in the city, can be ordered fresh from the bakery or are readily available at nearly every local convenience store. They’re especially popular at Wawa, the famed chain. In Philadelphia, when it comes to baked goods, nobody crafts a cake quite as delectable as a Tastykake, making them one of the city’s most cherished delicacies foods.
Location: Multiple venues, such as Wawa at 912 Walnut Street
Philly Soft Pretzels
Philly’s famous soft pretzels, a true Taste of Philly are a unique culinary twist. Shaped like a figure-eight and joined in groups of five, these pretzels are slightly moist, allowing the salt to melt perfectly into each bite. They’re not your typical twist, but once you try them, you’ll quickly grasp why Philadelphians consume these treats at a rate 12 times higher than the average American.
Among the most popular foods in the city, the best Philly soft pretzels are often found at street vendors, local corner stores, or dedicated bakeries like Center City Pretzel Co. and Tasty Twisters Bakery. With nearly 30 Philly Pretzel Factory locations throughout the city and countryside, these pretzels are a staple. And remember, they’re best enjoyed with a dab of spicy brown mustard.
Don’t leave Philadelphia without experiencing A Taste of Philly through its iconic soft pretzels.
Location: Multiple venues, among them Tasty Twisters Bakery at 5002 Umbria Street.
Tomato Pie
Tomato pie, a unique and famous food in Philadelphia, defies easy categorization. It’s somewhat like pizza, yet distinct in its own right. A staple at Philly region parties, this dish features a thick, focaccia-like dough, baked flat in a rectangle shape, topped with fresh tomato sauce, a sprinkle of grated pecorino Romano or Parmesan, and a touch of oregano. It’s typically enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
For those searching for a “Taste of Philly Near Me,” this dish is a must-try. You’ll find it at many South Philly staples like Sarcone’s Bakery, Cacia’s Bakery, and Carangi Baking Company. It’s also available in other city shops such as Gaeta’s Tomato Pies, Marchiano’s Bakery, and Pizza Shackamaxon, as well as in the suburbs at places like Conshohocken Italian Bakery or Corropolese Italian Bakery.
Location: Several places, featuring Sarcone’s Bakery, located at 758 S. 9th Street.
Red Gravy Pasta Dinner
The comfort of homemade Italian red gravy (affectionately known as “sauce” in South Philly) over fresh pasta is unparalleled. With Philadelphia’s rich Italian-American heritage, it’s no surprise that some of the best red sauce establishments are found here, making it a highlight on any list of “Best Foods in Philadelphia” and a staple of any “Philly Best Menu.“
In the heart of South Philly’s Italian Market, you can discover a range of authentic ristorantes and trattorias. Renowned spots like Villa di Roma, Dante & Luigi’s, Fiorella Pasta, and Ralph’s Italian Restaurant, which has been serving since 1900, are must-visits. Beyond the Italian Market, A Mano, Vetri Cucina, and Osteria offer exquisite Italian fare. And for a unique dining experience combining dinner and entertainment, don’t miss the singing servers at The Victor Café. Exploring the city’s food scene is like taking a culinary tour that gives you A Taste of Philly’s diverse flavors.
Location: Multiple sites, such as Osteria, situated at 640 N. Broad Street.
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Pork Roll
Gaining popularity in Philadelphia in the 19th century, pork roll, a sausage-like breakfast meat, is often grilled in round slices until they split, and typically served on a bagel, Kaiser roll, or English muffin with egg and cheese. This Philly favorite, also cherished in New Jersey where it’s commonly referred to as “Taylor ham,” competes with scrapple for the title of preferred breakfast meat. A Taste of Philly isn’t complete without trying the legendary pork roll breakfast sandwich.
You can enjoy it either as part of a hearty breakfast sandwich or on its own as a side dish at various brunch spots and diners across the region. Notable places serving this classic include Rowhome Coffee, Lennie’s Hoagies, New Hope Star Diner, and Middle Child.
Location: Several venues, including Rowhome Coffee on Pine Street, located at 2536 Pine Street.
Roast Pork Sandwich
While it may not share the same fame as the cheesesteak or hoagie, the roast pork sandwich holds a special place in the hearts of many Philadelphians as the city’s quintessential sandwich. This regional Italian American creation is a marvel of flavors, featuring succulent oven-roasted pork shoulder, either shaved or chopped, coupled with melted sharp provolone and garlicky sautéed broccoli rabe, all nestled in an Italian roll.
John’s Roast Pork is a favorite destination for this delicacy, but the city is also home to other outstanding venues for roast pork sandwiches. Notable mentions include George’s Sandwich Shop, Tommy Dinic’s Roast Pork at Reading Terminal Market, Shank’s Original Pier 40, Poe’s Sandwich Joint, Old Original Nick’s Roast Beef, and Tony and Nick’s Steaks.
Location: Numerous sites, featuring John’s Roast Pork at 14 Snyder Avenue.
In summary, Philadelphias food scene is a delightful journey through history and culture, offering iconic dishes like cheesesteaks, hoagies, scrapple, and more. Every mouthful offers a flavor that captures the city’s deep-rooted culinary traditions and excellence. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring Philly’s gastronomic delights is an experience not to be missed, leaving you with lasting memories and a desire to explore more.
