There are many cities in America that are known for their trademark cuisines. Kansas City is known for pit barbecue, Buffalo is known for chicken wings, Chicago has deep-dish pizza, but most famously is Philadephia's reputation as the home of the cheesesteak. Perhaps no other city in the world is linked to one particular food item, with the possible of another Pennsylvania town called Hershey.
Sure, there are cheesesteak joints scattered all over America, but the traditional Philadelphia cheesesteak is a true blue-collar delicacy; there are no portobella mushrooms or fancy cheeses or artisan breads here, just meat and grease and provolone on a bun. The original cheesesteak is simple yet complex, perhaps even deceptively simple. This is why a cheesesteak purchased in Chicago or Phoenix or Atlanta will never taste like a cheesesteak from Philadelphia.
Even within Philadelphia, there are rival factions who claim their version of the classic sandwhich is superior. Riots have been known to break out in South Philadelphia over arguments about who has the best cheesesteak. You are either an ardent supporter of Pat's or an ardent supporter of Geno's. One cannot be both.
Cheesesteaks aren't the only items on the Philadelphia menu. Like most Pennsylvania cities, Philadelphia has a large Polish and Ukranian population. And where there are Polish people, there are pierogies. These potato-filled dumplings have been eaten in Philadelphia since the early 20th century, even though pierogies are now slowly finding their way westward to other geographical regions of the country.
A pierogi is the Eastern European version of a comfort food. It is also a festival food, usually found at church picnics, block parties, and ethnic celebrations. A pierogi can be filled with almost anything, not just potato. Ground beef and saurkraut is a popular option, as is onion, prune, and cheese. Pierogies are traditionally deep fried in oil, and served with butter and sauteed onions.
Philadelphia is also known for cream cheese. Because of this, a visitor to the City of Brotherly Love does not have to travel far in order to find a cheesecake. While New York may be more famous for their cheesecakes, Philadelphia can give them a run for their money.
As with most local cuisines, the best places to eat are not fancy restaurants but low-key dives that look as thought they ought to be shut down by the local health inspector. It is all part of the charm when enjoying local cuisine. Philadelphia is no exception, as many of the city's best eateries are small mom and pop stands and dives where one needs not worry about reservations or a wine list. While some self-proclaimed gourmands are happy eating unpronounceable food and drinking expensive wine, I'll take a Philly cheesesteak dripping in grease or a fried pierogi dripping with butter any day of the week.