Each and every state in the country lays claim to its own delicious food, though here in Pennsylvania, we undoubtedly love some of the best. The strong Pennsylvania Dutch presence in our state has granted us with some amazing German-style traditional cuisine that is complemented by our miles and miles of fertile farmland. Our cities are also famous for their innovative foods and the many internationally popular foods that are headquartered there. Read on to discover the 15 foods that Pennsylvanians just can't live without.
1. TastyKake
Headquartered in Philadelphia, the Tastykake company gives us all of the heavenly prepackaged goodness that we can handle.
2. Apples
Apples are a popular fruit almost everywhere in the country, though it's undeniable that in Pennsylvania our numerous apple orchards grow some of the juiciest and crispiest apples imaginable.
3. Primanti Bros
No visit to Pittsburgh is complete without a stop at Primanti's to get one of their famous sandwiches topped with french fries.
4. Philly Cheesesteak
On the other side of the state, be sure to pick up a Philly cheesesteak. Just make sure you're prepared with your order before approaching the counter.
5. Pierogies
How could anyone dislike buttery potatoes nestled into scrumptious pockets of deep friend dough?
6. Shoofly Pie
A Pennsylvania Dutch classic, shoofly pie is a molasses pie so sweet that you'll have to literally shoo the flies away while you eat it.
7. Hershey's Chocolate
We are proud to call ourselves the home of Hershey's chocolate, America's favorite candy bar.
8. Heinz Ketchup
The Heinz quarters are located in Pittsburgh and it is the world's leading manufacturer of condiments.
9. Utz Chips, and snackfoods in general
Utz, located in Hanover, produces the chips that we have all come to know and love. Pennsylvania is also famous for its other snack food companies.
10. Yuengling
America's oldest brewery is located in Pottsville. Anyone with Pennsylvania loyalty will proudly order a Yuengling every time.
11. Birch Beer
People from out-of-state might be thrown off by birch beer's sweet taste, though here it is a staple.
12. Scrapple
Scrapple is a divisive food, and not all Pennsylvanians love it. However, those who love scrapple REALLY love scrapple.
If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Maine, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss
If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Massachusetts, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss
If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Maryland, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss
13. Pork and Sauerkraut
Pork and sauerkraut is the perfect comfort food for a cold day, and hails from our Germanic roots.
14. Lebanon Bologna
The perfect addition to any sandwich, Lebanon bologna is a Pennsylvania favorite.
15. Dippy Eggs
In most places, these are called sunny side up eggs. However, here in PA, we playfully refer to them as dippy eggs. Happy breakfast!
I bet you're feeling hungry now. What are your favorite traditional Pennsylvanian foods?
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!