When you visit Philadelphia, your taste buds are in for a thrill. After all, the City of Brotherly Love doesn’t just thrive on history and sports; it thrives on flavor. As you walk its charming streets, you’ll quickly realize that Philly boasts a bold, eclectic, and deeply satisfying food scene. From time-honored traditions to unexpected culinary twists, you’ll find something to crave around every corner. Therefore, before you dive into sightseeing, you owe it to yourself to dive into the city’s food culture. Consequently, here’s a handpicked list of the 10 best must-try foods in Philadelphia—presented in alphabetical order—designed to make your mouth water and your Philly visit unforgettable.
Cheesesteak (Philly Cheesesteak)
Obviously, no best foods list about Philadelphia can start without the iconic cheesesteak. You bite into a long, crusty roll packed with thinly sliced beef, usually ribeye, sautéed onions, and your choice of cheese—typically Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American. With every mouthful, you experience a harmony of savory, juicy, and slightly greasy deliciousness. Moreover, you’ll quickly notice the fierce loyalty among locals to their favorite cheesesteak joints, like Pat’s, Geno’s, or Dalessandro’s. Ultimately, no matter where you choose to indulge, this sandwich sets the tone for what Philly food is all about—bold, unapologetic, and full of soul.
Italian Hoagie
If you crave a sandwich with layers of flavor, then the Italian hoagie is your next stop. You’ll start with a freshly baked long roll, then stack it with deli meats like salami, capicola, ham, and provolone cheese. Then, you add shredded lettuce, juicy tomatoes, onions, oregano, oil, and vinegar. Altogether, the ingredients create a bite that’s both crisp and savory. Furthermore, unlike your average sub, a true Philly hoagie never skimps on quality or quantity. As a result, every bite delivers a satisfying crunch and a punch of briny, meaty goodness.
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Pork Roll (Taylor Ham) Sandwich
Though New Jersey claims it too, Philadelphia gives the pork roll sandwich its own irresistible spin. You typically find it fried or grilled and tucked inside a Kaiser roll, often with egg and cheese. Surprisingly hearty, this sandwich balances salty, smoky, and creamy textures in every bite. Equally important, it makes for a comforting breakfast or lunch option that locals quietly swear by. Additionally, many corner delis make their own unforgettable versions. So, if you’re feeling adventurous before noon, this sandwich should definitely be on your list.
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Pretzels (Philadelphia Soft Pretzels)
First and foremost, you can’t walk through Philly without encountering a soft pretzel stand. These twisted treats, golden and slightly crisp on the outside but warm and chewy on the inside, define street food in this city. You usually eat them with mustard, but sometimes locals jazz them up with spicy or honey mustard. Not only are they cheap and filling, but they also carry with them a taste of nostalgia and civic pride. As a result, pretzels become more than just snacks—they become memories. Next time you’re exploring, grab one and enjoy it on a park bench like a true Philadelphian.
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Roast Pork Sandwich
Admittedly, this one flies under the radar compared to the cheesesteak, but it shouldn’t. A roast pork sandwich features thin-sliced pork, usually slow-cooked and juicy, served on a crusty roll. You often find it topped with sharp provolone and sautéed broccoli rabe or spinach, which adds a delightful bitterness. Altogether, it’s a deeply flavorful, tender, and balanced sandwich. In fact, many locals consider it superior to the cheesesteak, especially when eaten at DiNic’s in Reading Terminal Market. So, once you taste it, you might just join that camp.
Scrapple
Now, this might challenge your culinary courage, but it’s well worth the leap. Scrapple is a Pennsylvania Dutch creation made from pork scraps, cornmeal, and spices, shaped into a loaf and then pan-fried. Despite its humble beginnings, it delivers a savory, crispy-on-the-outside and soft-on-the-inside delight. Furthermore, it’s a staple in many Philly diners, often served with eggs and toast. If you try it with maple syrup or ketchup, you’ll understand why it’s stuck around so long. Hence, scrapple earns its spot on this must-try list.
Tastykakes
Whenever your sweet tooth calls, reach for a Tastykake. This beloved Philly snack brand offers individually wrapped treats like Krimpets, Kandy Kakes, and cupcakes. You’ll find their flavors nostalgic, delightfully artificial, and surprisingly addictive. In addition, they’re everywhere—from gas stations to gourmet shops—making it impossible to miss them. As soon as you bite into one, you’ll understand their cult status. In short, Tastykakes provide a quick hit of sugar and sentimentality that defines the local snack scene.
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Tomato Pie
At first glance, tomato pie might confuse you, but one bite and you’ll get it. This rectangular, Sicilian-style bread is topped not with cheese, but a thick, sweet-savory tomato sauce. Because it’s served at room temperature, it becomes an ideal grab-and-go food for any time of day. You’ll often find it at Italian bakeries, where the sauce is made with a closely guarded family recipe. Furthermore, its simplicity allows the quality of ingredients to shine. Eventually, you’ll find yourself craving another square.
Water Ice
On a hot summer day, nothing hits the spot quite like water ice. Also known as Italian ice in other parts of the country, this Philly favorite is smoother and more flavorful. You scoop into it expecting a frozen treat, but instead, you get a velvety, icy texture that melts quickly on your tongue. Popular flavors include lemon, cherry, mango, and blue raspberry, although specialty shops like Rita’s offer a rainbow of choices. Therefore, whether you’re young or just young at heart, water ice brings pure, cooling joy. Don’t leave without trying at least one flavor.
Wings (Philly-Style Wings)
Finally, when you’re in the mood for something spicy and messy, look no further than Philly-style wings. These are often double-fried for extra crispiness and then tossed in unique house-made sauces. Unlike traditional Buffalo wings, Philly wings might come in flavors like garlic parmesan, sweet chili, or even scrapple-infused glaze. As a result, you get something familiar yet delightfully different. Whether you’re watching a game or just grabbing a late-night bite, wings bring the heat and the flavor. Indeed, they’re the perfect way to wrap up your Philadelphia food journey.
Philadelphia is Among America’s Best Cities for Food
In conclusion, eating your way through Philadelphia offers more than just good meals—it gives you a deeper connection to the city itself. From comforting sandwiches to nostalgic desserts, each item on this list tells a story. So, bring your appetite, embrace your curiosity, and let Philly feed you in the most unforgettable way. You’ll leave with a full stomach and a heart full of flavor-packed memories. Undoubtedly, this city knows how to satisfy both hunger and soul.
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About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University and is a Bay Area Travel Writers (BATW) member.
