Who’s up for a round of remembering the good old days in Pennsylvania? Sled riding down steep hills, walking to school in a foot of snow, and the smell of dinner wafting from the kitchen to the bedroom. We Pennsylvanians sure are spoiled when it comes to amazing food. Like these 10 classic Pennsylvania dishes most of us ate – and loved – growing up.

1. Philly cheesesteak
Flickr/Naven Rajagopalan
The Philly cheesesteak is synonymous with PA and Philadelphia, in particular. And, how could it not be one of the classic Pennsylvania foods? A generous helping of steak smothered with cheese and sandwiched on a hoagie roll. What more could we want?
2. Shoofly pie
Flickr/Herkamer Roenski
Three cheers for the Pennsylvania Dutch who introduced us to shoofly pie way back in the 1800s. Traditionally a breakfast dish, the molasses pie is the perfect way to start or end the day.
3. Pierogies
Flickr/Stephen_n_Maher
Did your grandma, aunts, or mom make homemade pierogies in their kitchen when you were a kid? That's probably how pierogies became such a classic dish in PA.
4. Potpie
Flickr/Scott Sherrill-Mix
What's one of the very best comfort foods in Pennsylvania? Well, potpie, of course. A Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, potpie is typically made with chicken or turkey and homemade noodles. Do you add vegetables to your potpie? If so, what kind?
5. Hoagies
Flickr/Jeffrey W.
Everyone else may refer to them as subs, but we love our hoagies. All kinds of hoagies, too. Italian hoagies. Veggie hoagies. Turkey hoagies. You name it, we can pretty much turn it into a hoagie, right?

Related Stories

11 Foods Every Pennsylvanian Craves When They Leave Pennsylvania

11 Foods Every Pennsylvanian Craves When They Leave Pennsylvania

 If You Haven’t Eaten These 12 Foods, You Haven’t Lived In Pennsylvania Long Enough

If You Haven’t Eaten These 12 Foods, You Haven’t Lived In Pennsylvania Long Enough

 These 9 Long-Standing Restaurants In Pennsylvania Have Served Mouthwatering Meals For Decades

These 9 Long-Standing Restaurants In Pennsylvania Have Served Mouthwatering Meals For Decades
6. Red beet eggs
Flickr/Jen
Red beet eggs may be an acquired taste but they're definitely a PA favorite. When do you eat red beet eggs?
7. Dippy eggs
Flickr/Giulioun Garetti
Virtual hands up if you start your day with dippy eggs! The popular breakfast meal - also known as over easy fried eggs - is one of the best iconic Pennsylvania dishes. It's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner.
8. Haluski
Flickr/Steve Wertz
What immediately comes to mind when you think of - or even better, smell - haluski? Your grandparents' house? A family dinner? A family reunion? The popular Polish dish has become a classic in PA.
9. Scrapple
Flickr/Kate Hopkins
So, maybe not everyone who grew up in PA loves scrapple or can even tolerate it. But it certainly does have its fair share of fans. If you're a fan of scrapple, what do you eat yours with? Maple syrup? On a sandwich? With a side of scrambled or dippy eggs?
10. Whoopie pies (gobs)
Flickr/Kate Hopkins
We can't have a list of classic Pennsylvania dishes without including one of our favorite desserts - the whoopie pie or gob, depending on which you prefer. What's a better pick me up than biting into a rich gob in the middle of the day? Or topping off a meal with a whoopie pie? We Pennsylvanians sure do have good taste.

What are some other classic Pennsylvania dishes that you love? Share your thoughts and recipes with us in the comments below!

Love dining out? Click here to read more about an iconic BBQ joint in PA.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

classic Pennsylvania dishes

Elisa Regulski | May 11, 2020

What is Pennsylvania’s favorite food?

We Pennsylvanians enjoy a wide variety of delicious eats. While it can be hard to pinpoint our all-time favorite food, Philly cheesesteaks are definitely a beloved meal. With generous helpings of thinly sliced beef, a delicious cheese spread, and a fresh hoagie roll, this classic dish has become synonymous with Pennsylvania. In addition to these perfect sandwiches, Pennsylvania is known for its incredible pretzels. That’s right! Some of the country’s oldest pretzel bakeries, including Snyder's of Hanover, can be found right here in Pennsylvania. There really is no shortage of delicious eats in the Keystone State.

Which is an iconic food of the Pennsylvania Dutch?

Scrapple is one of the most famous Pennsylvania Dutch dishes. This iconic meal consists of pork scraps and trimmings and cornmeal that’s been shaped into a loaf. To outsiders, this dish may not sound too appetizing. But us Pennsylvanians know just how delicious it really is. Another classic Pennsylvania Dutch food is chicken corn soup. This warm and nourishing meal is especially comforting on a cold winter day. The delightful combination of corn, egg noodles, and dumplings is absolutely wonderful.

Where can I find classic Pennsylvania dishes?

If you’re craving a serving of iconic Pennsylvania foods, visit Hometown Kitchen in Quarryville. This charming restaurant serves comfort food classics in a laid back atmosphere. You’ll also find scrumptious Amish eats at Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord. This eatery makes some of the best Pennsylvania Dutch food around. After a hearty serving of biscuits and apple butter, scrapple, and mashed potatoes, you’ll feel full and happy. Bring your loved ones and enjoy a delicious meal together! Dishes like these are meant to be enjoyed with friends and family.

Related Articles

Explore Pennsylvania

Featured Addresses
Pennsylvania, USA