Image via K. Huff, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The soft pretzel is one of Philadelphians’ favorite comfort foods.
No trip to Philadelphia is complete without trying a cheesesteak, the city’s most famous sandwich. But the city’s diverse food scene has much more to offer.
Want to try the best food in Philadelphia during your visit? Don’t miss these local favorites.
Philadelphia Favorites
Philadelphia’s most famous classic is the Philly Cheesesteak. The sandwich is served on a soft bun filled with melted cheese and tender chunks of beef. Most locations offer the choice of Cheez Whiz, American or Provolone cheese. Some of the most popular places to try these delicacies are legendary rivals Pat’s and Geno’s in South Philadelphia or Campo’s in Old City.
The cheesesteak isn’t the only Philadelphia sandwich worth trying. Roast pork sandwiches are also a popular choice among Philadelphians. These juicy classics feature a soft bun, sliced roast pork, spicy provolone, collard greens, roasted peppers, and long hots. Find out what all the hype is about by ordering the sandwich at DiNic’s in Reading Terminal Market.
If cheesesteaks and roast pork sandwiches aren’t enough for you, Philadelphia also has great Italian hoagies. Hoagie makers fill these sandwiches with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, Italian cold cuts, and cheese. Italian hoagies can be found all over the city in delis and sandwich shops like Di Bruno Bros. Known for its delicious cheese, this shop has been serving some of the best meats and cheeses since 1939.
Made with a delicious blend of seasoned pork and cornmeal, scrapple has a crispy, golden brown exterior and a soft, tender interior. Each bite greets you with a rich and flavorful blend of spices and textures. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or any other time of day, scrapple’s rustic charm will have you craving more of this Pennsylvania Dutch specialty. The Down Home Diner in Reading Terminal Market even has scrapple fries.
Snacks and desserts
A city known for its sandwiches is also a city known for its snacks. Discover why the soft pretzel is one of Philadelphians’ favorite comfort foods. Soft and chewy, these hand-twisted baked goods are made fresh daily. Several vendors in the Reading Terminal Market offer fresh-baked pretzels, as does Miller’s Twist. The Pennsylvania General Store ships soft pretzels nationwide.
Another local snack is Chickie’s and Pete’s world-famous crab fries. These wavy-cut fries are sprinkled with a spice blend that perfectly combines spiciness, sweetness and saltiness. These golden brown fries are often served with a creamy cheese sauce for dipping and are especially popular at sporting events.
Irish potatoes are a sweet staple in Philadelphia. These little balls of coconut cream rolled in cinnamon aren’t actually an Irish dessert, nor do they contain potatoes. The sweet treat is especially popular around St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. Grab a handful and try them at the country’s oldest candy shop, Shane Confectionery in Old City.
If you’re visiting in the summer, beat the heat with some water ice. Also known as Italian ice, this cool and refreshing frozen treat is a smooth blend of ice cream, fruit juice, and fresh fruit. A favorite spot for locals is John’s Water Ice in South Philadelphia.
Neighbourhood markets
Philadelphia is known for its markets. Each market represents a different culture and style of food.
South Philadelphia, the historically Italian part of the city, is home to numerous Italian-American restaurants, sandwich shops and pizzerias. It is also home to the Italian Market. Despite its name, this centuries-old open-air market is full of food from many different cultures. You will find vendors selling Asian, Latin American and Mexican specialties alongside the original Italian market participants.
Pennsylvania Dutch delights abound at Reading Terminal Market in Center City. Beiler’s Doughnuts and Dutch Eating Place are two must-try vendors that call Reading Terminal Market home. Both make everything on their menu from scratch using local ingredients.
The Southeast Asian Market has been located in Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park in South Philadelphia for over 35 years. This unique market features over 70 Thai, Vietnamese and Indonesian vendors.
Additionally, there are many other markets to explore throughout Philadelphia.
Culinary tours
Explore Philadelphia’s culinary scene on a food tour. StrEATS of Philly takes you through the Italian Market and along East Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia. WeVenture offers a selection of walking, driving, and bus tours, with stops at legendary restaurants. City Food Tours offers culinary experiences on East Passyunk Avenue and in Old City. For a more beer-focused trip, check out City Brew Tours.
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