Philadelphia's Local Flavors

With a broad-range of cultures in this metropolitan city, you can find foods from almost every country imaginable. And with hundreds of restaurants throughout the City, you're sure to find something to whet your appetite. But, if you're looking for something truly authentic, nothing says Philadelphia quite like these local favorites:

Cheesesteaks

Fresh, soft, and squishy Italian rolls, typically 12 inches long, filled with melted cheese and tender pieces of beef are the main components of this truly Philadelphia sandwich. Most establishments offer a choice of Cheez Whiz (or "whiz" if you want to sound like a local), American, or Provolone cheese and the option of adding fried or raw onions to the steak. Depending on where you go, the beef is served in slices or chopped up, but almost every place in Philadelphia cooks the beef on top of a griddle with a little bit of oil.

Eat it Like a Local Tip: Stand back! The juices of these succulent sandwiches tend to run out the back of the roll, so watch out while you're eating because you could end up wearing it! Many locals have adopted a similar way of eating a cheesesteak. To do it like them, stand and lean over your sandwich as you eat.

Soft Pretzels

These soft and chewy, hand-twisted baked goods are the ultimate comfort food for Philadelphians. Baked fresh everyday and available at street vendors, local stores, or directly from the factory, these salty satisfiers are delicious with a little spicy mustard.

Eat it Like a Local Tip: Enjoy 'em while you got 'em. While pretzels are still good a day or so later - even as they dry out - the best time to eat them is when they're fresh!

Water Ice

Nothing says summer in Philadelphia better than water ice (also known as Italian ice). This cool and refreshing frozen treat is a smooth mixture of ice, fruit juice, and fresh fruit. It's available at street vendors and establishments throughout the City and comes in traditional flavors such as cherry and lemon, as well as more exotic flavors like chocolate, mango, passion fruit, and coconut.

Eat it Like a Local Tip: It may sound funny - but locals pronounce this treat "wooder ice."

Hoagies

The "Official Sandwich of Philadelphia," hoagies are a regional concoction and overwhelming favorite. These mouth-watering sandwiches are more than a mouthful, packed with lettuce, tomato, onions, peppers, oregano, oil dressing, cheese (Provolone or American, usually), and of course, delicious Italian lunch meats like dry salami, mortadella, and capicolla - hence the nickname, "Italian Hoagie."

Eat it Like a Local Tip: Ask any Philadelphian what the X-factor ingredient is in making a great hoagie and the answer is universal - the bread. Make sure you find an establishment where the bread is fresh and warm!

Scrapple

Hailed as the first pork food invented in America, this local invention is a fried treat at any meal. A mishmash of pork, cornmeal, flour, onions, herbs, spices, and other seasonings, scrapple is packed into a loaf before being fried to perfection for your taste buds.

Eat it Like a Local Tip: For a little extra kick in flavor, add some butter or maple syrup, and serve with ketchup and eggs.