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 rib-eye 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, unless you like being looked at like you're from Saturn.
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 pizzas frequently sell out to locals and tourists alike. If you'd rather not have to make advance arrangements, Celebre Pizza (1536 Packer Ave.) lets you eat in, pick up or get delivery of some of the best pies in the city. People rave about both the crust and the sauce, and they're both supreme. Hit Little Italy for a concentrated area with tons of other options for dreamy slices.
Pretzels
If you think pretzels are tooth-breaking hard snacks you buy in a plastic bag, you've obviously never been to Philly. Don't confuse Philly pretzels with the soggy ones sold on the streets of New York, either. The soft pretzels on offer in Philadelphia are fresh, hot, golden brown twists of chewy goodness. When German settlers came to Philadelphia, they brought with them the secrets of perfect pretzel baking, and you can sample the results on almost every city street.
You can buy a good pretzel from a street vendor, but be certain to search out one that looks clean and fresh. If the pretzel looks moist, don't buy it; it's old. Some of the best the town has to offer are made in bakeries. Philadelphia Soft Pretzels, Inc. (4315 N. 3rd St.) is a wholesale pretzel bakery, but you can walk in and buy one or a bagful. The sidewalk in front of the store is covered with salt crystals, evidence of all the people who eat their hot treats as soon as they get out the door. You can also arrange tours of local pretzel factories and sample the wares as soon as they're popped out of the oven.
German Butter Cake
You'll hear a lot of talk about Tastykakes in Philly, but be warned that it's basically a packaged snack cake. Every region has a version they favor, whether it's Drake's, Hostess or Little Debbie. If you didn't travel so far just to eat grocery store snacks, you'll want to sample a cultural favorite that's better by leaps and bounds: German butter cake. Another favorite brought to town by German settlers, the version available in Philadelphia is like the gooiest, richest pound cake you've ever had. It's made even better with the addition of a buttery, pudding-like center.
At Danish Bakers (107 Huntington Pk.), the cake is at its messiest best. Be prepared to lick the sugary goo from the cardboard box, and believe me, you'll want to. The butter cakes at Mayfair Bakery (6447 Frankford Ave.) are simpler, but that means lots of real sugar and gobs of pure butter. You can also find the cakes on the dessert menu at restaurants if you know where to look. The Hot Potato Cafe (529 E. Girard) has a homemade one that has become the main reason people return. The food is okay, but the butter cake is heavenly.
It's interesting that all of the most famous Philadelphia foods don't travel well. Pretzels get cold and hard, butter cakes don't pack well and you certainly can't take a cheesesteak or a pizza on an airplane neatly. That means that if you want the buttery, cheesy, meaty or hot taste of Philly, you have to go there to have it. Maybe that's the secret to why everyone keeps going back.
in Pennsylvania
