What is the best food to eat in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is the fifth-most populous city in the United States and one of the most historically significant. The city is famous for its Philadelphia cheese steak sandwiches, famous water ice, and soft pretzels. But it’s also renowned for its Italian, Greek, and Mexican eateries, bakeries, and casual family restaurants.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning local, you may be wondering what food is the best to eat in Philly. The answer will depend on your tastes, budget and available time but, below, we take a look at some of the highlights of the traditional Philly food scene to get your mouth watering.

Cheese Steaks from Pat’s King of Steaks or Geno’s Steaks

As mentioned, a visit to Philadelphia would not be complete without trying a world-renowned cheese steak sandwich. This sandwich consists of steak, onions, and grilled cheese all packed into a long roll. The two main icons of this American favorite are Pat’s King of Steaks on South 9th Street, near the corner of Passyunk Avenue, and Genos Steaks around the corner on South 10th Street. Both serve the traditional Philly cheese steak with its tasty ingredients including ribeye chopped beef and either American or Provolone Cheese. A visit to both is recommended so that you can make up your own mind which is the best.

Chinatown Restaurants

The old Chinese quarter of Philadelphia is an exciting place to visit and offers up delicious dishes from many different nations in Asia. Some of the favorites include delicious Chinese dumplings from Dim Sum Garden, a family-run eatery serving handmade dumplings, as well as delicious Cantonese fare from Ocean Harbor & Pavillion which offers a modern version of the classic Chinese seafood restaurants of yesteryear. Other must-try’s include Szechuan Tasty House for wonderful dishes from Szechuan province; No. 1 Grand China for artisanal Chinese dishes; and Vietnamese offerings from Nam Phuong, one of Philadelphia’s most authentic Vietnamese restaurants.

Philly Water Ice

The heat in summer months can be unbearable in Philadelphia but luckily there is always something cold and refreshing on-hand to beat the heat – Philly water ice. This frozen dessert combines freshly chopped fruit and sugar with a generous slathering of sweet syrup to create an unmissable summer treat. The two biggest names in this classic Philly treat are Rita’s Water Ice with shops throughout the city and John’s Water Ice with several locations in South Philly neighborhoods.

Tastykakes’ Sweets

Tastykakes have been around since 1914 when Tasty Baking Company was founded in Philadelphia. This confectionery outlet is well-known for its baked goods including its classic Kandy Kake which combines a yellow cake/chocolate icing combination for a mouthwatering delight. Other classics include Butterscotch Krimpets, Coconut Jumbles, and Chocolate Junior Krimpet which are popular for their cakey texture and reminder of old-fashioned bakery treats. You can pick many of these treats up from supermarkets in the Philly area but if you want the real deal they can be found at several outlets in the city including Treats at 3507-09 Fairmount Avenue.

What Else is There?

Of course, there are plenty more delicious eats to enjoy in Philly. The city has plenty of traditional restaurants serving up hearty American favorites such as fried chicken or barbeque beef sandwiches as well as pizza places offering up classic slices of New York style pizza and Italian restaurants serving up delicious dishes of spaghetti and ravioli. In addition, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian-friendly food options in places including Vedge or V Street, there’s something for everyone to try in this diverse city.

To sum up, there’s no single best dish to eat in Philadelphia as the choice will depend on your personal tastes, budget and available time that day but whatever you decide there’s plenty of delicious culinary delights to enjoy in this wonderful city. From the classic Philly cheese steak sandwiches to the vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes from Vedge or V Street, along with Italian feasts, Chinese favorites, and Tastykakes desserts – a visit to Philadelphia is never dull! Be sure to try as many culinary delights as your belly allows as long as you save a little room for some refreshing Philly water ice!

For more information on Philadelphia restaurants including reviews and ratings check out Tripadvisor.

An Insider’s Guide to Philadelphia: Discovering the City’s Cultural Gems and Culinary Delights

Philadelphia is a city that overflows with history, music, art, and vibrant cultures. It is the hometown of some significant political events, the arts, and the birthplace of American cuisine. Most tourists visit the Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, or Reading Terminal Market, but the city has much more to offer than that. From hidden food markets to underground jazz clubs, Philadelphia has something for everyone.

Local Attractions: Discovering Philadelphia’s Hidden Gems

Philadelphia has its fair share of tourist sites, but there are many hidden gems that are lesser-known to tourists. For example, if you’re an art enthusiast, The Mutter Museum is a hidden gem that is worth exploring. It has collections of peculiar medical oddities and specimens that will leave you amazed. Another hidden gem is the Graffiti Pier, a former coal-loading pier that is covered in street art and graffiti, making it an Instagram-worthy spot.

Dining Spots: Sampling Philadelphia’s Local Cuisine

Philadelphia is famous for its food culture, starting with the Philly cheesesteak. It is a sandwich made from thin slices of beef that are cooked on a griddle and served on a hoagie roll with melted cheese, onions, and hot or sweet peppers. But, Philly has other local dishes worth trying, such as soft pretzels, hoagies, and roast pork sandwiches. Reading Terminal Market is the perfect place to sample these and other tasty treats. Established in 1893, it is a bustling indoor market that offers visitors an authentic taste of Philly’s local cuisine.

Cultural Experiences: Celebrating Philadelphia’s Traditions

Philadelphia is a culturally diverse city that hosts numerous festivals and traditions throughout the year. The Mummers Parade is a unique New Year’s Day event that has been held since 1901 and is attended by thousands of people. It showcases elaborately costumed performers in string bands, comic skits, and other mummers’ clubs. The city is also home to several music and art festivals, including the Philadelphia Folk Festival and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Local History: Uncovering Philadelphia’s Fascinating Past

Philadelphia played a significant role in American history, serving as the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. The city’s Independence National Historical Park is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in American history, such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Benjamin Franklin museum. But there is more to Philadelphia’s history than the famous landmarks. Eastern State Penitentiary, an abandoned prison that housed notorious criminals, is a place that highlights the stark reality of life in the early 19th century.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Exploring Philadelphia’s Unique Experiences

For a unique experience, head to South Street, a vibrant and eclectic part of the city that is home to numerous shops, restaurants, and music venues. Another off-the-beaten-path suggestion is to take a tour of Philadelphia’s street murals. Philly was one of the first cities to establish a mural arts program, which has led to the creation of over 4,000 murals throughout the city. A walking tour of these murals can be an eye-opening cultural experience like no other.

In conclusion, Philadelphia has much to offer tourists beyond its famous cheesesteaks, Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall. With its best kept secrets, unique culture, and rich history, it’s no wonder Philadelphia is a city that leaves visitors with fond memories long after they’ve left.