10 Iconic Philadelphia Foods and Must-Have Philly Eats
Food in Philadelphia involves dishes people grow up with, argue over, and seek out long after they leave the city. They are either famous worldwide or essential in neighborhood routines, understood only after spending real time in the city. Together, they tell the story of how Philly eats: practical, emotional, unapologetic, and deeply local.
Cheesesteak
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There is no food more inseparable from Philadelphia than the cheesesteak, and no dish more misunderstood outside the city. At its core, it’s thin-sliced beef cooked hot and fast, folded into a long roll with melted cheese and, optionally, onions.
The argument is where, how, and with what cheese. Cheez Whiz, American, or provolone all have fans. Ordering correctly matters. So does the bread. Bread quality sets great cheesesteaks apart. A great cheesesteak succeeds because everything disappears into one cohesive bite. Popular destinations include Jim’s South Street, Angelo’s Pizzeria, and John’s Roast Pork, each with its own fiercely loyal following.
Roast Pork Sandwich
Many locals consider roast pork the city’s most complete sandwich. The standard-bearer is John’s Roast Pork, with strong contenders at Tommy DiNic’s and Tony and Nick’s Steaks.
Pork shoulder roasts slowly until tender, then gets chopped or shaved and paired with sharp provolone and bitter greens. Everything is packed into an Italian roll built to absorb juices without falling apart.
Hoagie
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Philadelphia doesn’t do “subs.” It does hoagies. The meal has quality meats, sharp cheese, shredded lettuce, onions, oil, and a roll that holds its structure without overwhelming the filling.
Cold hoagies are more popular, though hot versions exist. Every neighborhood has a place that locals defend reflexively, and loyalty runs deep. Chains exist, but most residents will tell you the best hoagies usually come from small shops close to home.
Philly Soft Pretzel
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Soft pretzels serve as a daily carb source across the city. Sold warm from bakeries, carts, and corner stores, they’re slightly damp, generously salted, and designed to be eaten quickly. Standout sources include Center City Pretzel Co., Miller’s Twist, and the ever-present Philly Pretzel Factory.
German settlers brought pretzels to the region centuries ago, but Philadelphia shaped its own version. The city’s style favors tenderness over chew.
Scrapple
Scrapple is a Pennsylvania Dutch creation made from pork scraps, cornmeal, and spices. It’s sliced thick and fried until crisp on the outside and soft inside.
It’s most often served at breakfast, sometimes with eggs or toast, and can be found in diners like the Dutch Eating Place, Down Home Diner, and countless neighborhood counters.
Pork Roll
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Pork roll holds its own alongside scrapple as a breakfast staple. It lives in a friendly rivalry between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but Philadelphia embraced it early. Grilled until the edges curl and char slightly, it’s commonly layered with eggs and cheese on a roll or served as a salty side.
You’ll find it at spots like Middle Child and Little Susie’s Coffee & Pie, among many others.
Water Ice
Summer in Philadelphia comes with water ice lines. Served in paper cups, it’s designed for hot evenings and slow walks. Italian immigrants introduced early fruit-ice traditions, and the city refined them into something unmistakably local.
Favorites include John’s Water Ice, Pop’s Homemade Water Ice, and the widely available Rita’s Water Ice.
Tomato Pie
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Tomato pie looks like pizza but belongs in bakeries. Thick, airy dough forms the base, topped with a layer of tomato sauce and a light scattering of grated cheese. Slices are cut square and served at room temperature.
It’s a fixture at family gatherings, holidays, and counter-service bakeries throughout the city. Well-known versions come from Sarcone’s Bakery, Cacia’s Bakery, and Marchiano’s Bakery.
Tastykake
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Tastykake has been part of Philadelphia’s daily life since 1914. The brand became part of daily life through lunchboxes, corner stores, and gas stations. Individually wrapped snack cakes like Butterscotch Krimpets and Kandy Kakes remain familiar.
Generations have grown up recognizing the same packaging and flavors. They’re sold across the region, including at Wawa.
Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews
Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews are pure Philadelphia candy. These roasted peanuts, bound with molasses and covered in chocolate, were created in 1917 and have barely changed since.
They appear everywhere from holiday candy bowls to game-day spreads. They deliver a chewy, deeply sweet bite and are available at most grocery stores, including ACME Markets.