Every city or town has some kind of delicacy that is native to the area. If you tell your friends you are going to visit Philadelphia, they will probably ask you if you are going to have some of the famous dishes. Well if you are coming to visit, there is a list of foods that you must try before you travel back home.
PHILLY CHEESE-STEAK
This world famous sandwich that makes is a must have if you are visiting the city. Nobody in any other state can make a sandwich quite like a true Philadelphian. If you want to try this sandwich, then make sure you try it at either Geno's or Pat's, both located across the street from each other in South Philadelphia. There is an ordering process so be sure you specify if you want your steak "wit" or "wit-out" onions or "whiz-wit" if you want Cheez Whiz. If you throw in some talk about the Eagles or Phillies, then you are sure to get great customer service. Just do not hold up the line, or you may be banned from the store like George did on Seinfeld when he ordered soup wrong from the Soup Nazi!
PHILLY PRETZELS
Nearly 300,000 pretzels are consumed daily in the city of Philadelphia. Why? Because nobody makes soft pretzels like a Philly vendor. These were originally introduced by the Pennsylvania Dutch when they settled eastern Pennsylvania and have become a staple in the city since. These pretzels are made fresh daily and sold by most food establishments in the city. Almost every street vendor will carry them as well. Just throw some mustard on it and you are good to go!
SCRAPPLE
Although unappetizing to some, I can't write this article without talking about this food that originated in the days of Benjamin Franklin and George Washington. Yes even they ate this "brown and serve" food. Scrapple is a pork food that originated in Chester County PA and is sold in almost every diner in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. If you were born and/or raised in or around Philadelphia, then you know that scrapple, eggs, and toast at any greasy spoon diner is the best.
TASTYCAKES
"Nobody bakes a cake as tasty as a tastycake" Residents of the Philadelphia area can sing this theme song, word for word. Tastycake is a company that manufacturers mini cakes such as the famous "krimpet" which is a vanilla sponge cake with butterscotch icing. My favorites are the chocolate peanut butter candy cakes and the chocolate covered pretzel rods. Jelly filled krimpets are also addicting. Since these are only sold in the Philadelphia region, you should stock up while in the area or you can visit their website to order some, but watch out, you will be starting a habit!
GOLDENBERG PEANUT CHEWS
These bars of nuts, corn syrup, and chocolate are a Philadelphia favorite. Originated in the city and in the late 1800's by David Goldenberg, this candy treat is a must try by any out of towner.
ITALIAN WATER ICE
Any child chasing the ice cream truck down in the city of Philadelphia will not ask for an ice cream cone, but instead will want the Philly famous Italian Water Ice. Made of shaved ice and fruit and/or syrup, these cool treats are perfect for any hot summer day. If you decide to try one, make sure you try a gelati, which is a water ice with custerd ice cream in the middle.
OTHER LOCAL DELCACIES
If you have time while you are visiting Philly, then hop on the AC Expressway and take about an hour and a half drive down to the Jersey Shore. You can buy some of the best saltwater taffy ever made. This is a chewy, flavorful candy that is utterly addicting. Don't forget to add some Boardwalk fudge too!
If you do not plan on visiting the Philly area, then you can always order these items online. That's right, you can have a Philly Cheesesteak Fedexed to your front door along with other items not available anywhere else in the world. Trust me, when I went away to college, I had my Philly Cheesesteak sent to me every week.
You can't go wrong by ordering a hoagie made on the fresh Amoroso rolls or pork roll sandwich in Philly either. Don't worry, you may be scrunching your face up while reading this, but to us locals, these items are part of our normal cuisine.
Welcome to Philly!