Philly cheesesteaks are one of the city’s signature dishes, and there are various spots where to get one that each offer unique nuances – for instance, Chubby’s in Roxborough uses a sharp knife when cutting its steak compared to chop-chopping or shredding it down to bits.
Pat’s of Passyunk claims to have invented the sandwich, while Geno’s on Passyunk adds its touch by offering cheese sandwiches. Both shops accept cash-only payments and remain open all night long.
Cheesesteaks
A cheesesteak is a grilled sandwich consisting of thinly sliced steak topped with cheese, chopped onions or bell peppers, and mayo. Although numerous variations are available, an authentic Philly cheesesteak typically uses rib eye or top round meat combined with provolone or American (sometimes Cheez Whiz) cheese on an Amoroso roll with some fried onion sprinkled on. Though seemingly straightforward, some subtleties distinguish the best cheesesteaks, such as how finely cut steak is cut, how toppings are mixed or combined, and how the rolls are seeded, can alter their overall taste significantly.
Follow this straightforward recipe to recreate an authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak at home. Feel free to use your preferred meat and cheese, but remember that toasting the rolls first ensures a crisp outside while maintaining soft interior textures.
Philadelphia is famed for its authentic cheesesteak shops. Each one has an inviting neon sign, a loud jingle, and long lines waiting to order from them. Plus, these restaurants always stock an endless supply of salt and a grill to cook the meat and cheese – anyone visiting Philadelphia must make time to visit one!
Pat Olivieri founded one of Philadelphia’s first iconic cheesesteak houses in 1930 at Ninth and Passyunk and is widely credited with inventing it. Fans flock to his 24-hour diner for delicious cheesesteak sandwiches; its popularity rivals that of nearby Geno’s across the street.
Dalessandro’s in Roxborough is another Philadelphia favorite and offers what some consider the city’s best cheesesteaks – with finely chopped meat, deliciously melty cheese, and chunky onions – making for the perfect after-Phillies game snack! Additionally, you have the option of ordering it to go!
Soft Pretzels
Soft pretzels are an iconic Philadelphia snack and are beloved during football games and movie marathons. While you can buy them in many restaurants around town, making your own can be easy, too – brush it with butter before covering it with cinnamon sugar for a delicious finish!
Prepare these delicious pretzels and store them in an airtight container for up to three months in the freezer, where they can then be defrosted in either an oven or microwave and enjoyed at picnics and parties.
If your dough is too dry, add a small amount of water. However, be careful not to overdo it, as too much can make pretzels challenging, and ensure your water temperature is warm so the dough rises properly.
Another way to enhance the flavor of your pretzels is to add some salt to the boiling water, helping the dough maintain its shape while giving it its distinctive flavor. If salt isn’t your cup of tea, alternative flavors like garlic powder or cinnamon sugar might also work.
Before purchasing any frozen pretzel, always read its label carefully. Some contain too much sugar, which could harm your well-being; other frozen pretzels, on the other hand, are low-sugar versions perfect for those attempting to cut back their sugar intake. Furthermore, these products do not contain trans fats and are vegetarian-friendly. At the same time, they’re made without artificial flavors and colors – perfect for a snack with no artificial colors and flavors!
Roast Pork
But Philadelphians know another local favorite that doesn’t get as much notice: roast pork. This Italian American specialty features slow-roasted pork topped with sharp provolone cheese and sauteed broccoli rabe or spinach; its rich and bitter notes perfectly complement tender, meaty pork tenderness. Instead of the more traditionally used cheesesteak meat, this pork dish is massaged with fennel seeds, garlic, and other spices to enhance flavor for an unforgettable bite!
People often debate what makes a great roast pork sandwich. Yet, consensus always reigns on a crusty roll containing generous quantities of meat and an appropriate ratio of toppings to bread. Philly’s best roast pork sandwiches feature thinly sliced pork shoulder or loin with peppers and rabe (spinach). Once started on, these irresistibly delicious bites of salty meat, crunchy peppers, and tart greens become hard to put down!
Since 1938, this family-run deli on South 9th Street in Philly has been one of the go-to spots for delicious roast pork sandwiches. Packed high with peppers and provolone cheese, its fundamental star feature is its iconic fried egg, which helps ensure moist and juicy pork meat while holding it together when cut open.
French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup, or Soupe a la gratinee, is an irresistibly comforting soup made of beef broth and caramelized onions topped with toasted bread drenched in cheese and served at room temperature. While making French Onion Soup may take time and patience, its results make it worthwhile! To ensure maximum flavor potential, using only high-quality ingredients when crafting this delectable treat is essential!
For an easy soup base, you will need good quality beef stock and a baguette or crusty bread, such as sourdough. I like to add one clove of garlic per slice for extra flavor; for the cheesy croutons, you can choose any cheese, such as Gruyere or Parmesan, which is always delicious. For an added splash of color and freshness, I like adding several sprigs of chives as garnish.
Onion soup can be enjoyed both warm and cold. A bowl is often preferred, but toast can also add an element of toastiness. A glass of wine pairs beautifully with this classic dish as its rich sweetness of onions complements each sip; sherry is traditionally enjoyed alongside it, but any dry white will work just as well. When the onions have finished caramelizing, it is essential to deglaze the pan using wine to remove any remaining stuck-on brown bits.
An excellent pairing for this soup would be a Beaujolais or Cru from France’s Fleurie, Saint-Amour, or Chiroubles regions. Such wines will highlight the sweet onions while pairing beautifully with the rich flavor of beef stock.
Wawa
Wawa is a convenience store beloved by its fans – and rightly so. Offering one-stop shopping for gas, food, and coffee with exceptional cleanliness and friendliness. You’ll likely find an irresistibly delicious hoagie, a delectable soft pretzel, and some of the finest coffee here!
Wawa Food Market’s chain began life as an iron foundry in New Jersey in 1803. Owner George Wood expanded into dairy processing in Wawa, Pennsylvania, in 1902. When home delivery of milk began to decrease in the early 1960s, Grahame Wood’s grandson opened the first Wawa Food Market as a sales outlet for his family’s dairy products.
Since then, Wawa has grown exponentially into over 750 locations spread throughout six East Coast states and is beloved by local communities, with many visiting multiple times per day for coffee or sandwiches at Wawa locations.
Wawa offers essentials such as cheesesteaks, roast pork, and soft pretzels. Still, they also provide an impressive assortment of fresh baked goods, coffee that rivals the best local options, high-quality sandwiches made with freshly cut ingredients that taste amazing, and an extensive beverage selection, including iced tea and kombucha.
Wawa offers an assortment of locally-made products, such as Amoroso rolls, Wise chips, Taylor pork rolls, Hank’s soda, and genuine Tastykakes – make sure you stop in to experience some authentic Philly flavors – try an Amoroso roll made with Boar’s Head meats on an Amoroso roll with oil & vinegar & oregano for an incredible cheesesteak sandwich! Finish it with PA Dutch Birch Beer, Hank’s soda, and genuine Tastykake for the complete Philadelphia experience!
