A Taste of Pennsylvania: From Philly Cheesesteaks to Amish Comforts and Everything in Between

Positive Things In Pennsylvania-Barn with Silo in Fall

Pennsylvania is a state where food is woven into the fabric of everyday life. With deep roots in immigrant traditions, Pennsylvania’s cuisine tells the story of the people who settled here—German, Italian, Polish, Dutch, and more—each group leaving behind dishes that have become iconic over generations. Whether it’s biting into a perfectly grilled Philly cheesesteak, enjoying homemade shoofly pie in Amish country, or indulging in a hot soft pretzel on the streets of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s food is about connection, tradition, and the shared experience of great flavors.

Food in Pennsylvania is more than just sustenance—it’s a reason to gather, celebrate, and preserve cultural heritage. From Pittsburgh’s pierogies to the hearty scrapple of the Dutch Country, the Keystone State offers a diverse and delicious culinary landscape. Let’s take a journey through the flavors, food festivals, and famous dishes that make Pennsylvania a must-visit destination for food lovers.

1. The Philly Cheesesteak: A Sandwich with a Legacy

No food is more synonymous with Pennsylvania than the Philly cheesesteak. This iconic sandwich, created in the 1930s, consists of thinly sliced ribeye steak, melted cheese (often Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American), and a soft hoagie roll.

Where to Try: Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks are the legendary rivals in South Philadelphia, but locals also swear by Jim’s Steaks and Dalessandro’s.
Pro Tip: If you want to sound like a local, order your cheesesteak “wiz wit” (with Cheez Whiz and onions) or “wiz without” (without onions).

2. Pennsylvania Dutch Country: Home of Hearty Comfort Food

The Pennsylvania Dutch (primarily German immigrants) have deeply influenced the state’s food culture with hearty, homemade dishes that emphasize simple ingredients and rich flavors.

Scrapple: A breakfast meat made from pork scraps, cornmeal, and spices, sliced and fried until crispy.
Chicken Pot Pie: Unlike the pastry-crusted version, Pennsylvania Dutch pot pie is a stew with thick, handmade noodles.
Shoofly Pie: A sweet molasses pie with a crumbly topping, originally made to keep flies away from the sticky filling—hence the name!
Where to Try: Good ‘N Plenty Restaurant in Lancaster and Dienner’s Country Restaurant serve authentic Pennsylvania Dutch meals.
Pro Tip: Visit Lancaster Central Market to sample homemade pies, pickles, and jams from local Amish vendors.

3. Pittsburgh’s Love Affair with Pierogies

Pittsburgh’s large Eastern European community has made pierogies a staple of the city’s food culture. These doughy dumplings are stuffed with mashed potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, or meat, then pan-fried in butter and onions. They are served at home, in diners, and even at sports stadiums, where the famous Pirates Pierogi Race takes place during Pittsburgh Pirates games.

Where to Try: Pierogies Plus and Apteka serve some of the best pierogies in the state.
Pro Tip: Visit during the Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival to taste creative takes on this beloved dish.

4. The Soft Pretzel: A Pennsylvania Original

Pennsylvania Wines & Wineries-River along foliage lit bank

Brought by German settlers in the 1700s, soft pretzels are now a Pennsylvania staple, especially in Philadelphia. They are often served with mustard or cheese and can be found on nearly every street corner.

Where to Try: Miller’s Twist at Reading Terminal Market and Philly Pretzel Factory are top spots.
Pro Tip: For a true Philly experience, grab a soft pretzel and a Tastykake, the region’s famous snack cakes.

5. Pittsburgh’s Primanti Bros. Sandwich: A Meal in Itself

The Primanti Bros. sandwich is a Pittsburgh classic that originated as a quick meal for truckers in the 1930s. It consists of thick Italian bread, deli meat, provolone cheese, coleslaw, and crispy French fries—yes, inside the sandwich!

Where to Try: Primanti Bros. locations across Pennsylvania serve this signature sandwich.
Pro Tip: Try it with pastrami or capicola for the most authentic flavor.

6. Pennsylvania’s Famous Sweets: Whoopie Pies and More

Whoopie Pies: A Pennsylvania Dutch favorite, whoopie pies are soft cake-like cookies sandwiched with sweet frosting.
Hershey’s Chocolate: Hershey, PA, is known as “The Sweetest Place on Earth” and home to Hershey’s Chocolate World and The Hershey Company.
Peanut Chews: Invented in Philadelphia, these chewy, nutty chocolate bars are a local favorite.
Where to Try: Bird-in-Hand Bakery for whoopie pies, and Hershey’s Chocolate World for all things chocolate.
Pro Tip: Visit Hersheypark for a mix of roller coasters and chocolate tastings.

7. Famous Food Stories and Culinary Legends

The Birth of Heinz Ketchup: Founded in Pittsburgh in 1869, Heinz remains one of the most recognized ketchup brands in the world.
The Philly Roast Pork Sandwich: A lesser-known but equally beloved Philly sandwich, featuring slow-roasted pork, sharp provolone, and garlicky broccoli rabe.
The Groundhog Day Connection: Every February, Punxsutawney celebrates Groundhog Day with hearty Pennsylvania Dutch meals, including scrapple and sausage.

8. Pennsylvania Food Festivals Worth Visiting

Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival (September): A celebration of Pittsburgh’s favorite dumpling.
National Apple Harvest Festival (October, Adams County): Showcasing Pennsylvania’s apple orchards with cider, fritters, and apple pie.
PA Maple Festival (March, Meyersdale): A tribute to the state’s maple syrup industry.
Philadelphia Cheesesteak Festival (Fall): A gathering of the best cheesesteak vendors in the city.

9. Foodie Itinerary for Pennsylvania: A Four-Day Culinary Adventure

Weddings in Pennsylvania-City on the river

Day 1: Philadelphia – The City of Brotherly Love (and Cheesesteaks!)

Breakfast: Start with a classic soft pretzel at Miller’s Twist.
Lunch: Indulge in a cheesesteak at Pat’s King of Steaks.
Afternoon: Visit Reading Terminal Market for an Amish chicken pot pie.
Dinner: Try a roast pork sandwich at John’s Roast Pork.

Day 2: Lancaster – Amish Country Comforts

Breakfast: Enjoy fresh-made whoopie pies at Bird-in-Hand Bakery.
Lunch: Sample authentic Amish dishes at Dienner’s Country Restaurant.
Afternoon: Explore Lancaster Central Market for homemade jams and pickles.
Dinner: Try a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch meal at Good ‘N Plenty Restaurant.

Day 3: Pittsburgh – Pierogies and Primanti Bros.

Breakfast: Start with a coffee and Pittsburgh cookie table treats at a local bakery.
Lunch: Enjoy a Primanti Bros. sandwich in the Strip District.
Afternoon: Visit Heinz History Center to learn about Pittsburgh’s food legacy.
Dinner: Savor handmade pierogies at Pierogies Plus.

Day 4: Hershey – Chocolate Heaven

Breakfast: Stop at a local diner for scrapple and eggs.
Lunch: Take a chocolate-making tour at Hershey’s Chocolate World.
Afternoon: Visit Hersheypark for a fun and flavorful day.
Dinner: End with a sweet treat at The Hershey Hotel’s Cocoa Beanery.

10. Helpful Links for Foodies Visiting Pennsylvania

Visit PA – Official state tourism website.
Hershey’s Chocolate World – Plan your visit to the chocolate capital.
Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau – Discover the best Amish cuisine spots.

Conclusion: Savoring Pennsylvania’s Culinary Heritage

Beers & Breweries in Pennsylvania-Flowered walkway

Food in Pennsylvania is a reflection of its people—rich in tradition, diverse in flavors, and always served with a story. Whether you’re biting into a warm Philly pretzel, sharing pierogies with friends, or indulging in homemade shoofly pie, the state’s culinary heritage is one of comfort and connection.

From bustling city markets to quiet Amish bakeries, every meal in Pennsylvania offers a taste of history, culture, and community. So, grab your fork and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the Keystone State—one delicious bite at a time.