Pennsylvania is a state steeped in culinary tradition. From hearty Amish dishes to legendary sandwiches and sweet treats, the Keystone State offers a mouthwatering journey for food lovers. Whether you’re visiting Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or the rolling hills of Lancaster, there’s a local dish waiting to become your new favorite. Here’s a roundup of the most iconic Pennsylvania foods—and where you can try the best versions of each.
1. Philly Cheesesteak
What it is:
Perhaps the most famous food export from Pennsylvania, the Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich made with thinly sliced beefsteak, melted cheese (often Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American), and optional onions, all tucked into a hoagie roll.
Where to try it:
• Pat’s King of Steaks – Philadelphia
• Geno’s Steaks – Philadelphia
• Dalessandro’s Steaks – Roxborough, Philadelphia (often hailed by locals as the best)
2. Soft Pretzels
What it is:
A beloved Pennsylvania snack, especially in the Pennsylvania Dutch region, soft pretzels are chewy, salty, and often served warm with mustard or cheese dip.
Where to try it:
• Philly Pretzel Factory – Multiple locations
• Lancaster Central Market – Lancaster (Amish-style hand-rolled pretzels)
• Miller’s Twist – Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia
3. Scrapple
What it is:
A traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dish made from pork scraps and cornmeal, scrapple is sliced and pan-fried, typically served with eggs for breakfast.
Where to try it:
• Dutch Eating Place – Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia
• Shady Maple Smorgasbord – East Earl
• Riehl’s Family Farmstand – Bird-in-Hand (authentic Amish-style)
4. Shoofly Pie
What it is:
A molasses-based pie with a crumbly topping, shoofly pie is sweet, sticky, and deeply associated with Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine.
Where to try it:
• Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Cafe – Bird-in-Hand
• Kling House Restaurant – Intercourse, PA
• The Bake Shop at Kitchen Kettle Village – Intercourse
5. Pittsburgh Primanti Sandwich
What it is:
This Pittsburgh staple sandwiches grilled meat, coleslaw, tomato slices, and French fries between two thick slices of Italian bread.
Where to try it:
• Primanti Bros. – Original location in the Strip District, Pittsburgh
• Peppi’s – Various Pittsburgh locations
6. Tomato Pie
What it is:
Unlike your typical pizza, tomato pie is served at room temperature with a thick, chewy crust and a generous layer of tangy tomato sauce, often topped with a sprinkle of cheese.
Where to try it:
• Corropolese Bakery & Deli – Norristown and surrounding suburbs
• Sarcone’s Bakery – Philadelphia
• Italian Peoples Bakery – Trenton, NJ (popular with PA residents)
7. Lebanon Bologna
What it is:
A type of cured, smoked, and fermented beef sausage, Lebanon bologna is tangy and rich in flavor, typically served cold with cheese or on a sandwich.
Where to try it:
• Seltzer’s Smokehouse Meats – Palmyra
• Weaver’s of Wellsville – Wellsville
• Local markets in Lebanon County
8. Tastykakes
What it is:
This Philadelphia-born brand produces snack cakes like Butterscotch Krimpets, Kandy Kakes, and Peanut Butter Tandy Kakes that locals grew up with and fiercely love.
Where to try it:
• Any Wawa or local convenience store across Pennsylvania
• Tastykake Outlet Store – Philadelphia
• Reading Terminal Market – Philadelphia
9. Pierogies
What it is:
Eastern European dumplings filled with potato, cheese, sauerkraut, or meat, pierogies are especially popular in Pittsburgh due to its large Polish and Slavic population.
Where to try it:
• Pierogies Plus – McKees Rocks, Pittsburgh
• S&D Polish Deli – Pittsburgh
• Church festivals and family-run diners across Western PA
10. Whoopie Pies
What it is:
Often considered a cross between a cookie and a cake, whoopie pies are made of two soft chocolate rounds sandwiched with a creamy frosting or marshmallow center.
Where to try it:
• Beiler’s Bakery – Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia
• Bird-in-Hand Bake Shop – Lancaster
• Amish roadside stands – throughout Central PA
Closing Thoughts
Pennsylvania’s food scene is as rich and diverse as its history. Whether you’re craving a savory sandwich, a nostalgic snack cake, or a sweet slice of pie, there’s something iconic waiting in every corner of the state. These foods not only satisfy the taste buds but also tell the story of the state’s multicultural heritage and deep-rooted traditions. So next time you’re in Pennsylvania, don’t just sightsee—eat your way through it.
