by Elizabeth Kelly

Created on: April 20, 2008   Last Updated: December 05, 2008

There are some foods that are so tied up in an area's cultural identity that it would almost be a crime to visit there without sampling them. Can you imagine going to Rome without sampling Italian food? In Philadelphia, there are some food items that are practically icons. If you leave the city without trying them, they might not ever let you back in. Here are the four things you must try in Philadelphia...or else!

The Cheesesteak

Philadelphia is often referred to as "the junk food capital of the world", but locals know that it's not an insult. The city has elevated junk food to an art, the high point of which is the cheesesteak. The hot sandwich is served in a hoagie roll filled with strips of juicy, sauteed ribeye steak and topped with cheese that can either be provolone or American, though many locals say Cheese Whiz is what makes it authentic. Fried onions are a common topping, but you'll find that even those are a source of argument. Philadelphians take this sandwich quite seriously, and they don't like people messing around with it. Don't dare ask for a wheat roll or Dijon mustard. You might be kicked out of town.

Where to get the best one is also a source of dispute, but a few tried-and-true establishments can guarantee an authentic experience. Tony Luke's (39 E. Oregon Ave.) is popular with locals, so lines are long, but the cheesesteaks are huge, hot and cheap. Two of the other top eateries are right across the street from each other, and the fact that they both are bustling is proof of how good they are. Pat's Steaks (1237 E. Passyunk Ave.) is first-rate, but know what you want before you approach the counter, or you'll be barked at like the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld. Don't despair, though: just cross the street to Geno's and you'll get a sandwich that's just as good.

Italian Pizza

You might be scratching your head wondering why you need too try pizza in Philadelphia. If you are, you must be unaware that Philadelphia is home to a thriving Italian-American community. Italian immigrants settled in Philadelphia in the 19th century, and the city is now home to the famed Italian Market as well as some of the best and oldest family-owned restaurants in the United States. Forget Chicago, the pizza in Philly is the real deal, made by masters of pizza-making. It's the best you'll get outside of Europe, hands down.

The pizza at Taconnelli's (2604 E. Somerset St.) is so in demand that you have to call a day ahead and actually reserve your dough. The popular thin crust

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