Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Philadelphia, United States

1. Philadelphia Cheesesteak

A classic sandwich made with thinly sliced steak and melted cheese on a long roll, originating from South Philadelphia.

Authenticity: Try it at Pat's King of Steaks or Geno's Steaks, two iconic Philly cheesesteak spots.
Customization: Choose from various meats, cheeses, and toppings to create your perfect cheesesteak.
History: Experience the rich history of this local favorite dating back to the 1930s.

A traditional soft pretzel with a hint of salt, available in various sizes and shapes.

Freshness: Enjoy the fresh-baked taste at one of their numerous locations throughout Philadelphia.
Variety: Choose from plain, cinnamon sugar, or pretzels with unique flavored dips.
Convenience: Find them in popular tourist areas like Reading Terminal Market and Independence Mall.

A long roll filled with meats, cheeses, vegetables, and dressing, served 'wet' or 'dry'.

Taste: Savor the unique flavor combination at famous hoagie spots like Sarcone's Bakery.
Customization: Select your favorite meats, cheeses, and toppings for a personalized hoagie.
Portion Size: Expect generous servings that can easily be shared or saved for later.

A delicious sandwich made with roasted pork, broccoli rabe, sharp provolone cheese, and gravy on a roll.

Authentic Italian-American Cuisine: Experience the traditional South Philadelphia sandwich at Johnny's Steak House.
Unique Combination: Taste the rich flavors of roast pork, broccoli rabe, and sharp provolone together.
Savory Gravy: Enjoy the generous helping of homemade gravy that drips down from the sandwich.

A dish made from pork scraps and cornmeal mixture, fried until crispy and served with maple syrup.

Local Flavor: Try this regional specialty at Federal Donuts alongside their famous donuts.
Savory-Sweet Combo: Combine the savory scrapple with sweet maple syrup for a unique breakfast experience.
Crispy Texture: Enjoy the crispy exterior and soft interior of this traditional dish.

A frozen treat made from flavored ice, similar to Italian ice or shaved ice.

Refreshing Summer Treat: Cool off with this popular Philly summer snack at Steve's Water Ice.
Variety of Flavors: Choose from traditional flavors like cherry, lemon, and lime or more unique options like cotton candy and bubblegum.
Affordability: Enjoy a large serving for just a few dollars at many water ice shops around the city.

A thin-crust pizza made with fresh tomatoes and olive oil, without cheese.

Authentic Italian Pizza: Try this old-school pizza at Sarcone's Bakery in South Philadelphia.
Light and Fresh: Taste the fresh tomato flavor without the heaviness of cheese.
Traditional Recipe: Enjoy a slice of history, as this recipe has been passed down for generations.

A crispy and creamy dessert pastry filled with vanilla custard.

Iconic Philly Treat: Try this classic Philly treat at any Tastykake bakery or convenience store.
Flaky Texture: Enjoy the satisfying crunch of the crispy exterior and creamy interior.
Portable Snack: Grab one for a quick sweet treat on-the-go.

A thickly sliced pork roll, similar to a salami, served with sharp provolone and mustard on a roll.

Quality Meats: Savor the high-quality meats at DiBruno Bros., a specialty food shop known for its gourmet products.
Classic Italian-American Sandwich: Experience this traditional sandwich, perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
Delicious Flavors: Taste the combination of savory pork roll, sharp provolone, and tangy mustard.

A healthier snack option made from organic chickpeas and flavored with various spices.

Healthy Snack Alternative: Indulge in a delicious, guilt-free snack at Reading Terminal Market.
Unique Flavors: Choose from several flavors like Vegan White Cheddar and Far Out Fajita.
Sustainable Packaging: Enjoy your snack while supporting a company that uses eco-friendly packaging.

Tender fried chicken served with a crispy waffle and choice of dipping sauces.

Unique Combo: Experience the sweet-savory combination that's become a Philly favorite.
High-Quality Fried Chicken: Taste the crispy, juicy chicken from one of Philadelphia's top fried chicken spots.
Variety of Sauces: Choose from a variety of sauces like maple butter, Sriracha honey, or hot sauce for your waffles and chicken.

A traditional bagel made with Philadelphia-style cream cheese.

Authentic Philly Treat: Start your day off right with a classic Philly bagel at Essene Bagels.
Fresh Ingredients: Enjoy the taste of fresh-baked bagels and high-quality cream cheese.
Variety of Bagel Flavors: Choose from a variety of bagel flavors like everything, poppy seed, and plain.

Premium gelato made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

High-Quality Ingredients: Taste the difference of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in every scoop.
Unique Flavors: Indulge in unique flavors like lavender honey or lemon basil sorbetto.
Perfect Portions: Enjoy the perfect portion size for a sweet treat on-the-go.

A New England-style seafood roll made with fresh shrimp and crab meat on a toasted roll.

Authentic East Coast Seafood: Experience the taste of the East Coast at Walnut Street Cafe.
Fresh Seafood: Taste the freshness of the seafood in every bite.
Unique Roll Flavors: Try other roll flavors like lobster or tuna for a variety of seafood options.

A refreshing combination of birch beer and vanilla ice cream.

Authentic Soda Shop Experience: Step back in time at Franklin Fountain, a classic soda fountain with a vintage atmosphere.
Unique Beverage Option: Try birch beer, a traditional Philly beverage made from the sap of the birch tree.
Satisfying Treat: Enjoy the sweet and creamy float as a perfect summer treat.