Pennsylvania’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its geography, from the bustling streets of Philadelphia to the rolling farmlands of Amish country. The Keystone State boasts iconic foods that have become part of American food culture, drawing visitors from across the country just for a taste.
Whether you’re a local or planning a visit, these seven Pennsylvania specialties are worth seeking out at their most authentic locations.
1. Philly Cheesesteak – Dalessandro’s Steaks
No food represents Pennsylvania quite like the legendary Philly cheesesteak. This iconic sandwich features thinly sliced ribeye beef, melted cheese (traditionally Cheez Whiz), and grilled onions on a long crusty roll.
Dalessandro’s Steaks in Philadelphia’s Roxborough neighborhood has been serving up some of the city’s best cheesesteaks since 1960. Their perfectly chopped steak creates a unique texture that distinguishes them from competitors.
Locals debate endlessly about the best cheesesteak spot, but Dalessandro’s consistently ranks at the top for their generous portions and perfect meat-to-roll ratio.
2. Hershey’s Chocolate – Hershey’s Chocolate World
The sweet aroma of chocolate literally fills the air in Hershey, Pennsylvania, known worldwide as ‘The Sweetest Place on Earth.’ Milton Hershey founded his chocolate empire here in 1894, forever changing America’s relationship with chocolate.
Hershey’s Chocolate World offers visitors an immersive experience into all things Hershey’s. The free chocolate tour ride shows how cocoa beans become delicious milk chocolate bars.
After learning about the chocolate-making process, visitors can create custom candy bars or sample exclusive treats not available elsewhere. The massive chocolate shop features every Hershey product imaginable.
3. Pittsburgh Pierogies – Cop Out Pierogies
These Eastern European dumplings found their American home in Pittsburgh, where Polish immigrants brought their culinary traditions in the early 20th century. Pierogies are doughy pockets typically filled with potato, cheese, sauerkraut, or meat.
Cop Out Pierogies in Etna serves handmade pierogies that would make any Polish grandmother proud. Founded by a former police officer (hence the name), this small shop offers both traditional and creative flavors.
Their pierogies come perfectly boiled then pan-fried with butter and onions. The crispy exterior gives way to a soft, flavorful filling that represents Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage on a plate.
4. Whoopie Pies – Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Cafe
Pennsylvania Dutch country gave America the whoopie pie – two soft chocolate cake-like cookies sandwiching sweet, fluffy cream filling. These treats reportedly got their name from Amish children shouting “Whoopie!” when finding them in their lunch boxes.
Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Cafe in Lancaster County serves authentic whoopie pies made from generations-old recipes. Their classic chocolate with vanilla filling remains the most popular, but seasonal varieties like pumpkin appear throughout the year.
The bakery’s location in the heart of Amish country provides visitors with the most authentic whoopie pie experience possible. Each one is handmade with local ingredients and traditional methods.
5. Scrapple – Dutch Eating Place, Reading Terminal Market
Scrapple represents Pennsylvania frugality and resourcefulness in delicious form. This breakfast meat combines pork scraps and trimmings with cornmeal and spices, formed into a loaf, sliced, and fried until crispy outside and soft inside.
Dutch Eating Place in Philadelphia’s historic Reading Terminal Market serves some of the best scrapple in the state. Their perfectly fried slices develop a golden crust while maintaining a tender interior.
Locals typically enjoy scrapple with maple syrup or ketchup alongside eggs and toast. While the concept might seem unusual to visitors, this Pennsylvania Dutch staple has sustained farming families for centuries and remains beloved across the state.
6. Primanti Bros. Sandwich – Primanti Bros. Original Location
Born from Pittsburgh’s steel mill era, the Primanti Bros. sandwich revolutionized the lunch break by putting an entire meal between two slices of Italian bread. These iconic sandwiches include meat, melted cheese, tomatoes, coleslaw, and French fries all stacked together.
The original Primanti Bros. in Pittsburgh’s Strip District began serving these hearty sandwiches to truckers and factory workers in the 1930s. The practical design allowed workers to eat a complete meal with one hand while continuing their jobs.
Today, the original location maintains its no-frills atmosphere while serving the same massive sandwiches 24 hours a day. The pastrami and capicola versions remain particularly popular among locals and visitors alike.
7. Lebanon Bologna – Seltzer’s Smokehouse Meats
This distinctive smoked beef sausage originated with Pennsylvania Dutch settlers in Lebanon County. Unlike its Italian namesake, Lebanon bologna has a tangy, smoky flavor from a slow-curing process using a beef and spice mixture.
Seltzer’s Smokehouse Meats in Palmyra has been crafting Lebanon bologna since 1902. Their traditional methods include smoking the meat over hardwood for up to four days, creating the product’s characteristic tangy flavor and firm texture.
Pennsylvanians enjoy Lebanon bologna sliced thin on sandwiches or cut into chunks with cheese and crackers. Seltzer’s offers factory tours where visitors can witness the smoking process and purchase fresh bologna directly from the source.
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