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Regardless of where you travel you have to eat. From state to state and region to region foods are different. The greater Philadelphia area is known world wide for it's unique and delicious cuisine. On your next trip to the Philadelphia area use this guide to for ordering all the regions best eats.

Anybody who has lived in and around the Philadelphia region knows that there is nothing quite like a Philadelphia cheesesteak anywhere else in the world. You may see the term Cheesesteak on a menu else where in the country, but trust me whatever it is it pales in comparison to an actual Philadelphia Cheesesteak. The Philadelphia Cheesesteak is the quintessential comfort food for people who live in and around Philadelphia. The Cheesesteak for those who don't know is comprised of thinly sliced and diced steak and melted cheese on a long Italian style roll. The type of cheese on the proper Cheesesteak is a subject of great debate amongst many. Some people insist that an authentic Philly Cheesesteak must have Cheese Whiz, but in actuality the original cheeses used back in the early days of the Cheesesteak were White American cheese or Provolone. Most natives of the Philadelphia area order their Cheesesteak with fried onions, but this isn't necessary to consider your Cheesesteak to be authentic. If you really want a good Cheesesteak, you must go to either of the regions most popular Cheesesteak makers. Pat's KIng of Steaks located on 9th and Passyunk or Geno's Steaks on 9th and Passyunk, they are the region's favorite Cheesesteak eateries. They are located directly across the street from each other in South Philadelphia.

Soft pretzels are everywhere you go, but Philly Pretzels aren't. The famous Philadelphia soft pretzel is so delicious people ship them as gifts and on occasion by them from dirty looking street vendors when they are stuck in traffic. The Federal Pretzel Baking Company is the absolute best place to get an authentic Philly Pretzel. The Federal Pretzel Baking Company is the very place those questionable street vendors go each morning to gather their own stock, so where better to get your first taste. The Philadelphia Pretzel Factory makes a good Philly Pretzel as well.

If you happen to venture into the Philadelphia area in the summer months you must try a Gelati. Gelatis have spread some, but originated in the Philadelphia. A Gelati is water ice, mixed with soft serve ice cream. Water ice another must have item is soft flavored ice shavings, smooth enough to almost resemble ice cream. It is very different from a snow cone or the water ice you purchase in cups from our grocery stores frozen food isle. Rita's is a popular chain that sells water ice and more importantly Gelatis in the warmer seasons of the region.

Philadelphia area residents know that truly nobody does bake a cake as tasty as a Tastykake. That is why Tastykakes are shipped all over the country to homesick residents daily. This delicious line of snack cakes originated in Philadelphia, and is only sold in states on the east coast. So, if ever in Philadelphia quickly stop in any local connivence store and pick up a pack of these cakes, because they put all other snack cakes to shame. Recommended cakes are the Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes or the Butterscotch Krimpets.

Many other foods are native to Philadelphia, these are just a few of the most popular. There is of course the Reading Terminal Market and Italian Market to visit for some of the best and freshest foods you will ever eat. Philadelphia is covered in restaurants, street vendors and local eateries that will make your mouth water.

Learn more about this author, Hillary Marshall.
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