Best Foods to Try in Pennsylvania for Your Next Trip

Best Foods to Try in Pennsylvania- Key Highlights

• Savor the best foods to try in Pennsylvania, starting with the legendary Philly cheesesteak and soft pretzel that reflect Pennsylvania’s culinary heritage.
• Dive into Pennsylvania Dutch-inspired delicacies like scrapple and Amish shoofly pie.
• Enjoy uniquely regional delights such as the Primanti Bros. sandwich and Pittsburgh salad, perfect for exploring Pittsburgh’s food scene.
• Relish iconic sweet treats, including Tastykakes and the comforting tomato pie, often served at room temperature.
• Visit historic venues like Reading Terminal Market and Angelo’s Pizzeria that offer mouthwatering eats and unforgettable experiences.
• From roast pork sandwiches to pierogies, Pennsylvania’s diverse food culture promises something for everyone.

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Introduction

In Pennsylvania, simple things turn into something good to eat. Think of trying Pennsylvania Dutch breakfast meats or the well-known cheesesteak. There are also tasty tomato pies waiting for you. This is a great place for anyone who loves to eat. Are you ready to explore the diverse foods that make Pennsylvania, Lancaster, and Philadelphia a special destination for any food lover? Read below for my list of the best foods to try in Pennsylvania.

Top Foods to Try in Pennsylvania for Your Next Trip

Pennsylvania is full of good food and rich history. It is not just a place with pretty views but also home to many tasty dishes. The state’s food is shaped by pennsylvania dutch cooking. You will find breakfast meats like scrapple and sweet treats such as Amish shoofly pie. There is a story behind each dish, and that brings you closer to their history and traditions.

You can visit some of the best restaurants in pennsylvania and find dishes like hoagies loaded with fresh trimmings or roast pork sandwiches that are packed with big flavors. Maybe you want a cold piece of tomato pie, or you are in the mood for a sweet Tastykake covered in sugar. The food here makes you want to come back for more every time.

1. Philly Cheesesteak

No trip to South Philly is complete if you do not try a cheesesteak. Many people call this “the king of steaks.” This food was first put together in Philadelphia during the early 19th century. You get warm beef in a hoagie roll, with provolone cheese or cheese “wiz” melted on top and some sautéed onions. This sandwich started at Pat’s King of Steaks and has helped build the city’s good food reputation.

You also find talk of the rivalry in Philly. People debate which is better, Pat’s King of Steaks or Geno’s Steaks. If you want something a bit different, Angelo’s Pizzeria in Philadelphia gives you its own version. It uses fresh rolls and very good ingredients. The way you order the sandwich matters, too. Locals say you should ask for “wiz wit” if you want both cheese and onions to be put on it.

Taking a bite of this cheesesteak is not just about getting full. It lets you taste a long-standing part of Philly’s street food history. The cheesesteak is comforting and means a lot to the people, which is why it is something all first-time visitors in Pennsylvania should try.

2. Soft Pretzel

Few foods show off Pennsylvania’s eating traditions like the soft pretzel. This chewy, figure-eight snack started with the Pennsylvania Dutch people. Now, you can find it everywhere in the state. It has a long story, too. Reading, Pennsylvania, is even called the “Pretzel Capital of the World.”

Real pretzels from Philly Pretzel Factory are soft and have just the right amount of salt. Many people pair them with mustard, and it gives these treats a bold kick of flavor. You can get these pretzels from old bakeries or find them with a street vendor in Philly. When you do, you’ll see why people in Pennsylvania love them so much.

Wandering through Amish towns or city markets, you can enjoy these golden snacks. They give you a taste of Pennsylvania’s past in every bite. After you have one, you may feel that no other pretzel will do.

3. Hoagie

In Philly, you will find that a sandwich means much more—it’s a hoagie, stuffed full with fresh trimmings and amazing flavor. The first of these tasty hoagies came from Italian shipyard workers on Hog Island. Now, hoagies are a big part of food culture in Pennsylvania. Every hoagie is packed with salami, ham, cheeses, pickled peppers, and fresh veggies. You just can’t help but love them.

To get the best out of a hoagie, drop in at local places like Cosmi’s or Angelo’s Pizzeria. They use rolls that are baked fresh every day, and that takes the hoagie to perfection. You can also visit Wawa, which is a favorite chain where people love their hoagies. Each bite is full of meats, cheeses, and spices, showing what Philly food is all about.

Maybe you grab a hoagie for lunch at the gas station, or you enjoy one at a family deli. Either way, it’s clear that people in Pennsylvania care about their food and their way of making hoagies. If you go to Pennsylvania, don’t leave without trying a real hoagie.

4. Scrapple

Scrapple is a breakfast meat that comes from the Pennsylvania Dutch. This dish is made with pork scraps, cornmeal, and some spices. People usually fry it until it gets crispy, then serve it with toast or eggs. While some people have different things to say about it, scrapple still is a much-loved food at diners in Pennsylvania.

At places like Shank’s Original and the famous Reading Terminal Market, you can see that many locals keep coming back for it. They show that scrapple is really a big part of their culture. A lot of people like how scrapple tastes extra rich with spices, and some put sweet syrup on top to mix salty and sweet. This surprise mix often amazes people trying it for the first time.

No matter if you think it is interesting or if takes time to get used to, tasting scrapple lets you step into real Pennsylvania food. There are only a few dishes like this breakfast meat that best show what the area’s food is all about. It is an inside look into what makes their meals and traditions special.

5. Roast Pork Sandwich

Philly’s roast pork sandwich is the kind of food people love. Some say it is the best food secret in the whole city. You get a hoagie roll that has been toasted. The roll is full of slow-cooked roast pork, melted provolone, and garlicky broccoli rabe. You may also find peppers piled on top to add even more good flavor and make it stand out.

John’s Roast Pork is the well-known place the people go for this roast pork sandwich. Many folks line up to enjoy what someone at John’s makes every day. If you want a sandwich that feels a little extra special, go to Paesano’s Italian Market. They serve a fancy “Arista” sandwich that has all of these tasty parts.

Take one bite of the roast pork sandwich. You will see why the people who live in Pennsylvania love it so much. Many people feel it is just as good as a cheesesteak. Every bite has so much flavor, which is why this sandwich is a true Philly favorite.

6. Tomato Pie

Tomato pie is a special dish from Pennsylvania. This kind of pizza is usually served cold or at room temperature. It comes from Sicily and plays a big part in the area’s food story. Tomato pie does not have regular melted cheese. Instead, it has a thick focaccia crust, bright tomato sauce, and some Parmesan on top.

You will often see tomato pie at tailgate parties or family get-togethers. It is easy to make but packs a lot of taste, making many people think of good old times. In Philly, Sarcone’s Bakery in South Philly and Liberty Kitchen in Fishtown are known for slicing up some of the best tomato pies you can get. If you try a chilled slice, the cold tomato sauce can taste really fresh and good.

Tomato pie works for everyone, whether you like the edge with lots of crust or you want a soft middle piece without any crust around. Either way, this dish is a good pick and lets you enjoy simple, happy moments. If you have not tried it yet, put it on your to-do list the next time you are in Pennsylvania or Philly.

7. Tastykake

From gas stations to local corner shops, Tastykake snacks are big in Pennsylvania culture. This Philly brand gives you many options, like chocolate-covered honey buns and Butterscotch Krimpets. They have been making people happy with this kind of snack for years.

Tastykake treats are not just food. They feel nostalgic to many people. Their Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes, with a smooth milk chocolate finish, are the top pick for a lot of people. You can walk into any Wawa and see all the Tastykake goods you might want. Every Tastykake snack is made with care. That’s part of why they are so well-liked across the state.

Pick one up for a road trip or to have after a meal. You’ll see Tastykakes do not try to be fancy—they’re just very good and easy to like. When you taste one, you get a bit of what Pennsylvania is all about. Tastykake is more than just a dessert, it’s part of what makes Pennsylvania special.

8. Primanti Bros. Sandwich

The Primanti Bros. sandwich is well-known in Pennsylvania and is loved by many people. This sandwich has roast pork, coleslaw, tomato, and fries. All these are put between two big slices of bread. It started in Pittsburgh and shows the simple, straight-forward way people there like to eat. You can have this as a snack late at night or as a big lunch. If you want to taste what Pittsburgh is all about, you should try this famous sandwich.

9. Pittsburgh Salad

Pittsburgh salad gives you something different to eat. It mixes greens with the filling taste that people in the region like so much. In this salad, you will get mixed greens, plenty of fries, grilled chicken, and some fresh veggies on top. After that, a tangy dressing is poured over everything.

You can get this salad in many local restaurants. People love it because of the way it mixes texture and flavor together so well. This meal really shows what Pittsburgh is about, bringing you both healthy choices and something that feels like a treat. The salad uses fries and fresh veggies to show off the big, bold food that people in the city enjoy most days.

10. Pierogies

Pierogies are a tasty treat to try when you are in Pennsylvania. These soft dumplings have fillings like mashed potatoes, cheese, or sometimes meat. They show the influence of the Pennsylvania Dutch and are part of the state’s rich food culture. You usually eat them with a big spoonful of sour cream and some sautéed onions on top. Pierogies make a good, hearty meal that fills you up and makes you feel at home. You can put gravy over them or eat them as a side dish. No matter how you enjoy them, pierogies bring the feel of tradition and comfort from Pennsylvania that you do not want to miss.

11. Amish Shoofly Pie

Amish shoofly pie is a sweet treat from the Pennsylvania Dutch people. This pie comes from Lancaster County in Pennsylvania. It has been made since the 19th century. The pie is made with molasses, brown sugar, and a crumb topping. These simple parts come together to give it a nice mix of sweetness and a touch of spices. People usually have it with coffee, often at family events. Its special taste makes it famous among locals and guests. Many like to have it for dessert, because it adds a sweet end to the meal.

12. Stromboli

Stromboli is a favorite food in Pennsylvania. It is a tasty baked Italian turnover. The crust is filled with things like salami, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese. You can find this hearty meal in pizzerias and delis all over the state. The rich flavors in the filling go well with the golden, baked crust. People often eat it with some marinara sauce or a side salad. If you love food and are in Pennsylvania, you should try stromboli.

13. Crabfries

Crabfries are a tasty snack that makes the usual fries even better. They are from Pennsylvania and are often found at famous places like Chickie’s & Pete’s. These fries are crispy and covered with the right mix of seasonings. They usually come with a zesty cheese sauce that gives them a creamy and rich taste. The mix of savory fries and crab seasoning shows the coastal style and food creativity of the area. You can enjoy them as a side dish or as a snack when you are with people at a fun event. These fries are all about comfort food in Pennsylvania and are made for perfection.

14. Pork Roll

Known by many in New Jersey as Taylor Ham, this breakfast meat is now a big part of Pennsylvania’s food scene. A pork roll sandwich with egg and cheese on a bagel or roll is the way many people love to enjoy it. This is a well-loved comfort food. You will find it at many local diners and small restaurants on their menus. People in Pennsylvania see this dish as something special. The mix of spices and the strong smell make you think of classic PA Dutch flavors. When you visit, trying this dish is a must. It gives you a real taste of Pennsylvania and a good start to your day.

Conclusion

Pennsylvania has many great foods that show off its mix of cultures. You will find famous things to eat here like the Philly cheesesteak and soft pretzels. There are also special treats such as Amish shoofly pie and crabfries that are less known. Each food has a story that comes from all the different people who have made a home in Pennsylvania. When you plan to go, make sure you try these flavors, as they show what the state’s food is all about.

It does not matter if you are in a busy city or a small quiet town in Pennsylvania. There is always something tasty to try around the corner. So, get ready to pack your bags and your hunger, because you will want to eat your way through the state. You can be sure that you will get the best bites, from a cheesesteak in Philly to sweet pretzels and more. If you want tips just for you, feel free to get in touch for a free consultation to make the most of your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Food is Pennsylvania Most Famous for?

Pennsylvania is known for the cheesesteak, soft pretzel, roast pork sandwich, scrapple, and other Pennsylvania Dutch foods. These foods are a big part of the state’s food culture. They bring together rich flavors with lots of history. Each of these dishes shows how people in Pennsylvania have made the state’s food special over the years.

What Unique Regional Foods Can I Find Outside Philadelphia?

Beyond Philly, Pennsylvania has some great and different foods. You can try things like the Primanti Bros. sandwich, pierogies, the Pittsburgh salad, and tasty tomato pie. These classic dishes often come with bacon or lots of fries. They show the creative side of the food scene in Pittsburgh and other places outside Philadelphia.

Where Can I Find Authentic Amish Cuisine in Pennsylvania?

Lancaster County is in the center of Amish food traditions in Pennsylvania. You can find many places here that offer Pennsylvania Dutch dishes like chicken pot pie and shoofly pie. If you want to try real Amish food and see their culture, Lancaster and the nearby areas are the best places to go.