If You Grew Up In Pittsburgh, You Definitely Love These 9 Classic Dishes
Who’s up for a stroll down Memory Lane today? Growing up in Pittsburgh had plenty of perks. Playing outside til the street lights came on. Running after the ice cream truck on hot summer days. Drinking straight out of the hose. And…the food. Oh, the food. What were your favorites growing up? You must just find yourself craving some — or even all — of these classic Pittsburgh dishes as you read.
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Who among us hasn't had a chipped chopped (or chipped) ham sandwich for lunch or dinner? Maybe you added some fries or chips as a side. Isaly's brick and mortar shops might pretty much be a memory but their chipped chopped ham lives on. What do you add as toppings to your chipped chopped ham sandwich?
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Some of us could probably eat pierogies for breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner. They're just that good. Many yinzers grew up with moms, grandmas, and aunts who made the delicious Polish dish from scratch. The classic Pittsburgh dish is certainly best when homemade, wouldn't you say?
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Think of haluski. Where did you eat it growing up in Pittsburgh? Close your eyes for just a minute. Were you transported to your grandparent's house? A hall in a church? Your kitchen table at dinner after school? Haluski is just one of those classic Pittsburgh dishes that will take us back in time with every delicious bite.
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Kennywood is just synonymous with Potato Patch fries. The fries — drenched in cheese and topped with bacon or whatever toppings you prefer — make the perfect snack or meal. The age-old tradition of the Kennywood picnic for area school districts also meant that we would stand in a long line to order Potato Patch fries at least once every summer.
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Another classic since the early 20th century, the Primanti Brothers sandwich is a Pittsburgh tradition. We eat it topped with fries and coleslaw, washing it down with a tall, cold drink. What's your favorite Primanti Brothers sandwich?
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Back to grandma's kitchen! How many of us sat down to Sunday dinners that also starred homemade cabbage rolls? Cabbage rolls are typically made with cabbage, beef, pork, and other popular fillings. (Is the above photo giving you cravings for homemade cabbage rolls right about now?)
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Another classic Polish dish we Pittsburghers have made our own. Every yinzer has his or her own way of eating kielbasa. Do you eat yours hot or cold? On a sandwich? In soup? In sauce?
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The Original Oyster House holds a distinction as Pittsburgh's oldest restaurant. Generations of Pittsburghers have made the quaint restaurant in Market Square their go-to spot for a hearty fish sandwich. The Original Oyster House's famous jumbo fish sandwich is so big that it spills off of the bun. Add a side of coleslaw and voila! A perfectly classic Pittsburgh meal.
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We Pittsburghers love our fries. Potato Patch fries. Fries on our sandwiches. And, what the heck? Fries on our salads. Turn your salad into a full meal by adding —what else? — fries and creating the famous Pittsburgh salad.
What are your favorite classic Pittsburgh dishes? If you said pierogies, plan a trip to this homey Pittsburgh kitchen that serves pierogies to die for.
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