Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States
1. Whoopie Pies at Whoopie Pie Haven
Savor traditional Amish whoopie pies filled with creamy frosting at this charming bakery. Try unique flavors like maple walnut and strawberry.
- Authentic Experience: Experience the authentic taste of Lancaster's most famous dessert.
- Unique Flavors: Try various flavors that depart from the traditional chocolate and vanilla.
- Homemade Ingredients: Indulge in homemade whoopie pies using fresh, local ingredients.
2. Shoofly Pie at Kitchen Kettle Village
Taste the rich and sweet molasses-based shoofly pie at this historic shopping village. A Lancaster tradition since the early 1700s.
- Historical Significance: Savor a piece of Lancaster's history with every bite.
- Traditional Recipe: Enjoy a traditional Amish recipe passed down through generations.
- Unusual Ingredients: Experience the unique blend of molasses, sugar, and butter in this delicious pie.
3. Lancaster Scrapple at Bube's Brewery
Savor a hearty meal of Lancaster scrapple – a pork-based mush made with cornmeal and spices – at this historic brewery.
- Local Specialty: Experience the unique taste of Lancaster's traditional scrapple dish.
- Historical Setting: Enjoy your meal in a historic brewery dating back to the 18th century.
- Hearty and Filling: Satisfy your hunger with a hearty plate of scrapple, eggs, and sides.
4. Plain and Fancy Restaurant's Chicken Corn Soup
Warm up with a bowl of creamy chicken corn soup at this Amish-owned restaurant, known for its homemade comfort foods.
- Comfort Food: Enjoy a warm and comforting soup on a chilly day.
- Homemade Ingredients: Taste the difference made by using fresh, homemade ingredients.
- Amish Heritage: Experience Amish culture through their delicious cooking traditions.
5. Smoked Ham Loaf at Good 'n Plenty Restaurant
Savor a slice of smoked ham loaf – a Lancaster specialty – at this Amish-owned restaurant, made with quality ingredients and slow-smoked to perfection.
- Authentic Taste: Experience the authentic taste of Lancaster's smoked ham loaf.
- Slow-Smoked: Enjoy the rich and smoky flavor developed from slow-smoking over wood.
- Amish Heritage: Experience Amish culture through their unique cooking traditions.
6. Pepper Cabbage Rolls at Kitchen Lore Restaurant
Taste traditional pepper cabbage rolls filled with beef and rice at this charming Amish-owned restaurant.
- Traditional Recipe: Enjoy a traditional Amish recipe made with love.
- Unique Filling: Experience the flavorful combination of beef, rice, and seasonings in each roll.
- Homemade Ingredients: Indulge in a meal made with fresh, homemade ingredients.
7. Farmers Maid Restaurant's Fried Chicken
Enjoy Southern-style fried chicken at this quaint restaurant, served with homemade mashed potatoes and gravy.
- Southern Comfort: Experience the comforting taste of Southern-style fried chicken.
- Homemade Ingredients: Taste the difference made by using fresh, homemade ingredients.
- Cozy Atmosphere: Dine in a charming, rustic atmosphere reminiscent of a farmhouse.
8. The Café at Central Market's Fresh Donuts
Indulge in freshly made donuts – from classic glazed to flavored varieties – at this popular café within Lancaster Central Market.
- Fresh and Delicious: Savor the taste of freshly made donuts daily.
- Variety of Flavors: Experience a range of flavors, from classic glazed to unique options like maple bacon.
- Central Market Atmosphere: Enjoy your donuts in the bustling atmosphere of Lancaster Central Market.
9. Hershey's Chocolate World's Create-Your-Own Bar
Customize your very own Hershey's chocolate bar with a variety of toppings at this popular attraction.
- Personalized Experience: Create a unique chocolate bar that reflects your personal tastes.
- Iconic Brand: Indulge in the iconic taste of Hershey's Chocolate.
- Fun Activity: Enjoy a fun and engaging activity for all ages.
10. The Lancaster Marshmallow Experience's Hand-Dipped Marshmallows
Treat yourself to hand-dipped marshmallows in a variety of flavors at this unique shop.
- Handmade Quality: Experience the quality and attention to detail in each hand-dipped marshmallow.
- Unique Flavors: Indulge in a range of flavors, from classic vanilla to unique options like peanut butter cup.
- Local Attraction: Visit this unique shop as part of your exploration of Lancaster's attractions.
11. Hershey's Chocolate Tour's Tasting Experience
Indulge in a tasting experience of various Hershey's chocolates throughout the tour at this popular attraction.
- Iconic Brand: Indulge in the iconic taste of Hershey's Chocolate.
- Informative Tour: Learn about the history and process of chocolate-making at Hershey's.
- Fun Activity: Enjoy a fun and engaging activity for all ages.
12. The Amish Farm and House's Traditional Amish Meal
Experience a traditional Amish meal at this living history farm, including dishes like chicken pot pie and whoopie pies.
- Authentic Experience: Enjoy an authentic taste of Amish cooking traditions.
- Traditional Recipes: Taste traditional recipes passed down through generations.
- Living History Farm: Explore a living history farm and learn about Amish culture.
13. Rock Ford Plantation's Historic Tea Room
Indulge in a traditional tea service – complete with scones and finger sandwiches – at this historic plantation.
- Historical Setting: Enjoy your tea in a historic setting dating back to the 18th century.
- Traditional Tea Service: Experience the traditional British tea service, including scones and finger sandwiches.
- Learning Opportunity: Explore the plantation's history and learn about life in colonial Pennsylvania.
14. The Turkey Hill Experience's Ice Cream Bar
Create your own ice cream sundae at this interactive attraction dedicated to Turkey Hill beverages.
- Customizable Experience: Design your perfect ice cream sundae with a variety of flavors and toppings.
- Interactive Attraction: Engage in fun, interactive activities focused on Turkey Hill beverages.
- Local Brand: Experience the flavors of a popular Lancaster-based brand.
15. Lancaster Central Market's Soft Pretzels
Savor freshly baked soft pretzels – with or without mustard – at this bustling market filled with local vendors.
- Fresh and Delicious: Taste the difference made by using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Variety of Options: Choose from a variety of pretzel sizes and toppings.
- Local Attraction: Visit this popular market as part of your exploration of Lancaster's attractions.