Best American Food In Philadelphia

Discovering the Most Delicious American Cuisines in the City of Brotherly Love

Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, is home to some of the most iconic American dishes that will make your taste buds dance with joy. From the classic Philly cheesesteak to the crispy fried chicken and waffles, Philadelphia has it all. In this article, we will take you on a gastronomic journey through the city to explore the best American food in Philadelphia. So, buckle up and get ready to indulge in some lip-smacking dishes.

Philly Cheesesteak 🥪

The Philly cheesesteak is an iconic sandwich that originated in Philadelphia in the 1930s. It consists of a long, crusty roll filled with thinly sliced beefsteak and melted cheese. The most popular types of cheese used in the sandwich are Cheez Whiz, provolone, and American cheese. You can find the best Philly cheesesteaks at Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks, both located in South Philadelphia.

Fried Chicken and Waffles 🍗

Fried chicken and waffles is another classic American dish that has its roots in the South. It is a perfect combination of sweet and savory, with crispy fried chicken served on top of fluffy waffles smothered in syrup. The best place to try this dish in Philadelphia is at Sabrina’s Cafe, which has three locations in the city.

Roast Pork Sandwich 🥪

The roast pork sandwich is a lesser-known cousin of the Philly cheesesteak, but it is equally delicious. It consists of slow-roasted pork, sharp provolone cheese, and broccoli rabe, all served on a crusty roll. The best place to try this sandwich is at DiNic’s Roast Pork, located in the Reading Terminal Market.

Soft Pretzels 🥨

Soft pretzels are a staple in Philadelphia and can be found on almost every street corner. They are a perfect snack for anytime, anywhere. The best place to try soft pretzels in Philadelphia is at the Philly Pretzel Factory, which has multiple locations in the city.

Tomato Pie 🍕

Tomato pie is a unique pizza-like dish that is popular in Philadelphia. It consists of a thick, focaccia-like crust topped with tomato sauce and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. The best place to try tomato pie in Philadelphia is at Sarcone’s Bakery, which has been serving the dish for over 100 years.

Hoagies 🥪

Hoagies are a type of sandwich that is popular in the Northeastern United States. They consist of a long, crusty roll filled with various cold cuts, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and other condiments. The best place to try hoagies in Philadelphia is at Wawa, a convenience store chain that has gained a cult following for its delicious hoagies.

Scrapple 🍳

Scrapple is a breakfast meat that is popular in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It is made from pork scraps and trimmings, combined with cornmeal and spices and then fried until crispy. The best place to try scrapple in Philadelphia is at the Dutch Eating Place, located in the Reading Terminal Market.

Peanut Chews 🍫

Peanut Chews are a candy bar that has been produced in Philadelphia since 1917. They consist of roasted peanuts suspended in a chewy chocolate-flavored nougat. The best place to try Peanut Chews in Philadelphia is at the Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews Factory, located in Northeast Philadelphia.

Tastykakes 🍰

Tastykakes are a snack cake that is popular in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. They come in various flavors, including butterscotch krimpets, chocolate cupcakes, and peanut butter tandy cakes. The best place to try Tastykakes in Philadelphia is at the Tastykake Bakery Outlet, located in South Philadelphia.

Water Ice 🍧

Water ice is a frozen dessert that is popular in Philadelphia, especially during the summer months. It is similar to Italian ice and consists of finely shaved ice flavored with fruit syrup. The best place to try water ice in Philadelphia is at John’s Water Ice, which has been serving the dessert for over 70 years.

Soft Shell Crabs 🦀

Soft-shell crabs are a specialty seafood dish that is popular in Philadelphia. They are blue crabs that have recently molted their hard outer shells and are still soft. They are deep-fried and served as a sandwich or a platter with fries. The best place to try soft shell crabs in Philadelphia is at the Oyster House, located in Center City.

Philly Taco 🌮

The Philly Taco is a unique food item that is exclusive to Philadelphia. It consists of a slice of pizza wrapped around a cheesesteak. The best place to try this delicacy is at Lorenzo’s Pizza, located on South Street.

Fried Oreos 🍪

Fried Oreos are a popular dessert item that is often found at county fairs and carnivals. They consist of Oreos dipped in batter and then deep-fried until crispy. The best place to try fried Oreos in Philadelphia is at the Reading Terminal Market, where they are sold at multiple vendors.

FAQ

What is the best American food in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is known for its iconic dishes like the Philly cheesesteak, roast pork sandwich, fried chicken and waffles, and tomato pie. You should try all of these dishes at least once while in the city.

Where can I find the best Philly cheesesteak?

The most popular places to get a Philly cheesesteak are Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks, both located in South Philadelphia.

What is scrapple?

Scrapple is a breakfast meat that is made from pork scraps and trimmings, combined with cornmeal and spices and then fried until crispy.

Where can I try soft shell crabs in Philadelphia?

The best place to try soft shell crabs in Philadelphia is at the Oyster House, located in Center City.

What is the Philly Taco?

The Philly Taco is a unique food item that consists of a slice of pizza wrapped around a cheesesteak. You can try it at Lorenzo’s Pizza, located on South Street.

Where can I find the best water ice in Philadelphia?

The best place to try water ice in Philadelphia is at John’s Water Ice, which has been serving the dessert for over 70 years.

What are Tastykakes?

Tastykakes are a snack cake that is popular in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. They come in various flavors and can be found at the Tastykake Bakery Outlet in South Philadelphia.

What are soft pretzels?

Soft pretzels are a staple in Philadelphia and can be found on almost every street corner. They are a perfect snack for anytime, anywhere.

What is tomato pie?

Tomato pie is a unique pizza-like dish that is popular in Philadelphia. It consists of a thick, focaccia-like crust topped with tomato sauce and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.

What is the best place to try hoagies in Philadelphia?

Wawa, a convenience store chain, has gained a cult following for its delicious hoagies.

What are Peanut Chews?

Peanut Chews are a candy bar that has been produced in Philadelphia since 1917. They consist of roasted peanuts suspended in a chewy chocolate-flavored nougat.

What is the best place to try fried Oreos in Philadelphia?

You can find fried Oreos at multiple vendors in the Reading Terminal Market.

What are soft-shell crabs?

Soft-shell crabs are blue crabs that have recently molted their hard outer shells and are still soft. They are deep-fried and served as a sandwich or a platter with fries.

What is the best place to try roast pork sandwich in Philadelphia?

DiNic’s Roast Pork, located in the Reading Terminal Market, is the best place to try this sandwich.

Conclusion

Philadelphia has a rich culinary history, and its American food scene is no exception. From the iconic Philly cheesesteak to the lesser-known roast pork sandwich, this city has something for everyone. So, the next time you find yourself in Philadelphia, make sure to try some of the dishes mentioned in this article. Your