Philadelphians are serious about our food. We’ll argue to the death for the term “hoagie,” we’ll roll our eyes when you try to tell us you had a good cheesesteak in Wisconsin, and we’ll gladly try to explain water ice for an hour. When you spend enough time here, food becomes part of the who you are. If you’re new to the city, or if you’ve lived here your whole life, make sure you’ve tried the following classic Philly foods.

1. Birch beer.
Facebook / Amish Pretzel Shop
Whether you like PA Dutch or Boylan's, birch beer is a Philadelphia favorite.
2. A really, really good cheesesteak.
Facebook / Jim's Steaks
Jim's, Dalessandro's, Steve's, Joe's... choose one of Philly's legendary steak shops for the best cheesesteaks in the city.
3. Center City Pretzels.
Flickr / Ashbridge Studio
Center City Pretzel Co. took over where Federal Pretzel left off... and the best pretzels you'll find in the city come in nondescript brown bags, sold on the corners out of odd carts or in small street stands.
4. Peanut Chews.
Flickr / Kelly Garbato
I'll never understand why these didn't catch on across the rest of the country. They're the best part of halloween in Philly!
5. All of the Tastykakes!
Flickr / wdecora
Krimpets, Kandy Kakes, Pies, Donuts, Cupcakes... you have to try each one if you're from Philly.
6. Lager.
Flickr / David Reber
Yuengling is the nectar of the Philadelphia gods. America's Oldest Brewery still makes the best cheap beer around, and it's the perfect drink for a night in Philly.
7. Federal Donuts & Fried Chicken.
Facebook / Federal Donuts
They're best when paired together - something about the crispy fried chicken is perfect with a soft, freshly baked donut.
8. DiNic's Roast Pork.
Facebook / Tommy DiNic's, the Salty Peach
The best sandwich in America is right here in Philly... but you already knew that, right? Find this gem at Reading Terminal Market.
9. The Gobbler.
Facebook / Wawa
The most iconic Wawa hoagie is the Gobbler, but you'll have to wait until the fall to have one if you've missed out so far.
10. Hershel's Pastrami Sandwich.
Facebook / Hershel's East Side
Hershel's East Side Deli in the Reading Terminal Market is the best deli in Philly, hands down. Their fresh meats make for the best Reubens you'll ever have.
11. Franklin Fountain Ice Cream.
Facebook / Franklin Fountain
I scream, you scream, we all scream for Franklin Ice Cream! From the classic soda fountain atmosphere to the seriously out-of-this-world scoops of handmade ice cream (and all of the treats you can imagine in between), this classic sweet shop can't be beat.
12. Pennsylvania General Store Cookies
Facebook / Pennsylvania General Store
Philadelphians tend to go right to 4th Street Cookie Company when we're looking for a sweet treat, but if you haven't tried the Pennsylvania General Store cookies at Reading Terminal, you're missing out. These are a hit with those in the know!
13. A real Italian hoagie.
Facebook / Paesano's
It's gotta be on Sarcone's or Carangie bread for it to count as a true Italian hoagie. Save the Amoroso rolls for cheesesteaks.
14. Beiler's Donuts.
Facebook / Beiler's Donuts
Beiler's donuts - another Reading Terminal Market gem - are some of the tastiest, freshest donuts in the city.

You might have noticed that a few of these classic Philly foods can be found at Reading Terminal Market. If RTM isn’t a regular stop for you, or if you haven’t spent much time there, read about what makes this landmark The Most Incredible Marketplace In Philadelphia That Every Food Lover Will Simply Adore.

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