Pennsylvania foods are highly influenced by Dutch and German traditions, making local cuisine truly unique when compared with other U.S. states. Here are 15 iconic dishes in Pennsylvania that are a must try; that’s right, a Pennsylvania foods bucket list! You may think you’ve had them all, but have you?
- Lebanon Bologna Sandwich
jeffreyw / Flickr The cool thing about Lebanon bologna is everyone prefers it served in different ways. Mustard, cream cheese, and even peanut butter have been used as a spread. I myself like it with mayonnaise and crushed potato chips. You?
- Chicken Corn Soup
Flickr/Alexa Clark There is nothing quite like your mother’s or grandmother’s homemade chicken corn soup. Can you feel your stomach growling in anticipation yet?
- Ham and Green Beans
jeffreyw / Flickr …oh, and potatoes. DON’T forget the potatoes!
- Whoopie Pies
Jennifer Boyer / Flickr Also known in some parts of Pennsylvania as gobs, these delightful desserts are always welcome. They’re available in a bunch of different flavors, too, although chocolate is probably the most popular.
- Hog Maw
Flickr/Brecht Bug Hog maw is an acquired taste and consistency. But it’s one of the most iconic dishes in Pennsylvania, so try it at least once, just to be sure! Who knows? You might end up loving it.
- Scrapple
stu_spivack / Flickr It’s a love-hate kind of thing. Some Pennsylvanians go crazy for the meaty treat, scrapple. Do you eat it with breakfast, lunch, dinner, or all of the above? Or are you in the “never-going-to-eat-scrapple” column?
- Shoofly Pie
Anna Creech / /Flickr Sweet molasses! To never have this Pennsylvania classic touch your taste buds is a crime.
- Red Beet Eggs
Jen / Flickr The easy part is eating them. The hard part is having to wait a few days before they’re pickled just right.
- Philly Cheesesteak
Phil Denton / Flickr In terms of iconic dishes in Pennsylvania, the cheesesteak is perhaps #1. Nobody makes ’em like they do in Pennsylvania. Thank you, Philly, for one of the best inventions ever.
- Pork and Sauerkraut
Steve Wertz / Flickr The only way to commemorate the new year.
- Creamed Chipped Beef
Steve Wertz / Flickr I’ve seen people smother this over waffles, toast, biscuits, and even chicken. What’s your preference?
- Pierogies
Flickr/Suburban Tourist No matter the flavor or if you’re digging into a regular or a dessert pierogi, you know you’re going to love every delicious bite.
- Soft Pretzel
Jennifer Bailey / Flickr Extra salt and extra spicy mustard, please.
- Chicken Pot Pie
Amber DeGrace / Flickr Pennsylvanians know this is the true blue way to make pot pie.
- Stuffed Cabbage
Adam Kuban / Flickr There are many varieties of stuffed cabbage but most often in Pennsylvania, it’s filled with pork, beef, or rice. What’s your favorite?
Which of these iconic dishes in Pennsylvania have you tried? If you’ve eaten 15 out of 15, your work here is done. If there were a few on the list you haven’t had the pleasure of trying, what are you waiting for?! Have at least a bite, and keep a big cup of Turkey Hill Iced Tea on standby to wash it all down.
jeffreyw / Flickr
The cool thing about Lebanon bologna is everyone prefers it served in different ways. Mustard, cream cheese, and even peanut butter have been used as a spread. I myself like it with mayonnaise and crushed potato chips. You?
Flickr/Alexa Clark
There is nothing quite like your mother’s or grandmother’s homemade chicken corn soup. Can you feel your stomach growling in anticipation yet?
…oh, and potatoes. DON’T forget the potatoes!
Jennifer Boyer / Flickr
Also known in some parts of Pennsylvania as gobs, these delightful desserts are always welcome. They’re available in a bunch of different flavors, too, although chocolate is probably the most popular.
Flickr/Brecht Bug
Hog maw is an acquired taste and consistency. But it’s one of the most iconic dishes in Pennsylvania, so try it at least once, just to be sure! Who knows? You might end up loving it.
stu_spivack / Flickr
It’s a love-hate kind of thing. Some Pennsylvanians go crazy for the meaty treat, scrapple. Do you eat it with breakfast, lunch, dinner, or all of the above? Or are you in the “never-going-to-eat-scrapple” column?
Anna Creech / /Flickr
Sweet molasses! To never have this Pennsylvania classic touch your taste buds is a crime.
Jen / Flickr
The easy part is eating them. The hard part is having to wait a few days before they’re pickled just right.
Phil Denton / Flickr
In terms of iconic dishes in Pennsylvania, the cheesesteak is perhaps #1. Nobody makes ’em like they do in Pennsylvania. Thank you, Philly, for one of the best inventions ever.
Steve Wertz / Flickr
The only way to commemorate the new year.
I’ve seen people smother this over waffles, toast, biscuits, and even chicken. What’s your preference?
Flickr/Suburban Tourist
No matter the flavor or if you’re digging into a regular or a dessert pierogi, you know you’re going to love every delicious bite.
Jennifer Bailey / Flickr
Extra salt and extra spicy mustard, please.
Amber DeGrace / Flickr
Pennsylvanians know this is the true blue way to make pot pie.
Adam Kuban / Flickr
There are many varieties of stuffed cabbage but most often in Pennsylvania, it’s filled with pork, beef, or rice. What’s your favorite?
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Address: Pennsylvania, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Iconic Dishes In Pennsylvania March 22, 2021 Beth Price-Williams What are some Pennsylvania foods every Pennsylvania has tried at least once? Pennsylvanians are all about food and for good reason. We live in the Snack Food Capital of the United States, and some of the best foods originated right here in PA. Can you think of a more delicious meal, for example, than a classic chipped (chopped) ham sandwich, with ingredients made from Isaly’s? Pair it with some Herr’s potato chips for the perfect meal. If you’re in a real hurry, how about ordering your meal with the fries on top? Yep, fries on sandwiches have been a favorite since Primanti Brothers introduced them early in the 20th century. Don’t forget the Pittsburgh salad, too, which comes topped with – you guessed it – fries. What are the classic dishes every Pennsylvanian loves? If you’re looking for classic cuisine in Pennsylvania, you usually don’t have to look very far. Most restaurants dish up all of the favorites. One of the most popular Pennsylvania foods, which got its start in Philly, is the Philadelphia Cheesesteak sandwich. You can find a Philly cheesesteak just about anywhere in PA, but for the best you’ve got to go to its birthplace. Speaking of sandwiches, who among us hasn’t craved a classic hoagie every now and then? Pierogis, haluski, and chipped ham sandwiches are just a few classics, each of which goes oh-so-well with a Birch Beer, another Pennsylvania original. Where can I find the best iconic restaurants in Pennsylvania? One of the most iconic restaurants in Pennsylvania has been serving its famous barbecue since 1926. Stockey’s Famous Barbecue in West Nanticoke dishes up such popular dishes as smoked pork ribs and smoked chicken. You can even dig into a hearty helping on homemade chili. The oldest restaurant in Pennsylvania, McGillin’s Old Ale House in Philadelphia, is also a must visit. It opened way back in 1860 and has served famous figures including Tennessee Williams and Ethel Merman. Dig into such popular dishes as shepherd’s pie or the classic Philadelphia cheesesteak, both of which pair perfectly with a cold brew.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Iconic Dishes In Pennsylvania
March 22, 2021
Beth Price-Williams
What are some Pennsylvania foods every Pennsylvania has tried at least once? Pennsylvanians are all about food and for good reason. We live in the Snack Food Capital of the United States, and some of the best foods originated right here in PA. Can you think of a more delicious meal, for example, than a classic chipped (chopped) ham sandwich, with ingredients made from Isaly’s? Pair it with some Herr’s potato chips for the perfect meal. If you’re in a real hurry, how about ordering your meal with the fries on top? Yep, fries on sandwiches have been a favorite since Primanti Brothers introduced them early in the 20th century. Don’t forget the Pittsburgh salad, too, which comes topped with – you guessed it – fries. What are the classic dishes every Pennsylvanian loves? If you’re looking for classic cuisine in Pennsylvania, you usually don’t have to look very far. Most restaurants dish up all of the favorites. One of the most popular Pennsylvania foods, which got its start in Philly, is the Philadelphia Cheesesteak sandwich. You can find a Philly cheesesteak just about anywhere in PA, but for the best you’ve got to go to its birthplace. Speaking of sandwiches, who among us hasn’t craved a classic hoagie every now and then? Pierogis, haluski, and chipped ham sandwiches are just a few classics, each of which goes oh-so-well with a Birch Beer, another Pennsylvania original. Where can I find the best iconic restaurants in Pennsylvania? One of the most iconic restaurants in Pennsylvania has been serving its famous barbecue since 1926. Stockey’s Famous Barbecue in West Nanticoke dishes up such popular dishes as smoked pork ribs and smoked chicken. You can even dig into a hearty helping on homemade chili. The oldest restaurant in Pennsylvania, McGillin’s Old Ale House in Philadelphia, is also a must visit. It opened way back in 1860 and has served famous figures including Tennessee Williams and Ethel Merman. Dig into such popular dishes as shepherd’s pie or the classic Philadelphia cheesesteak, both of which pair perfectly with a cold brew.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Pennsylvanians are all about food and for good reason. We live in the Snack Food Capital of the United States, and some of the best foods originated right here in PA. Can you think of a more delicious meal, for example, than a classic chipped (chopped) ham sandwich, with ingredients made from Isaly’s? Pair it with some Herr’s potato chips for the perfect meal. If you’re in a real hurry, how about ordering your meal with the fries on top? Yep, fries on sandwiches have been a favorite since Primanti Brothers introduced them early in the 20th century. Don’t forget the Pittsburgh salad, too, which comes topped with – you guessed it – fries.
What are the classic dishes every Pennsylvanian loves?
If you’re looking for classic cuisine in Pennsylvania, you usually don’t have to look very far. Most restaurants dish up all of the favorites. One of the most popular Pennsylvania foods, which got its start in Philly, is the Philadelphia Cheesesteak sandwich. You can find a Philly cheesesteak just about anywhere in PA, but for the best you’ve got to go to its birthplace. Speaking of sandwiches, who among us hasn’t craved a classic hoagie every now and then? Pierogis, haluski, and chipped ham sandwiches are just a few classics, each of which goes oh-so-well with a Birch Beer, another Pennsylvania original.
Where can I find the best iconic restaurants in Pennsylvania?
One of the most iconic restaurants in Pennsylvania has been serving its famous barbecue since 1926. Stockey’s Famous Barbecue in West Nanticoke dishes up such popular dishes as smoked pork ribs and smoked chicken. You can even dig into a hearty helping on homemade chili. The oldest restaurant in Pennsylvania, McGillin’s Old Ale House in Philadelphia, is also a must visit. It opened way back in 1860 and has served famous figures including Tennessee Williams and Ethel Merman. Dig into such popular dishes as shepherd’s pie or the classic Philadelphia cheesesteak, both of which pair perfectly with a cold brew.
