Okay, fellow Pittsburghers, we all have our own family traditions, favorite dishes we always have at Thanksgiving dinner, or on the Fourth of July. But, there are some dishes that just about all Pittsburghers have tried – or must try – at least once in their lives. Full disclosure: Not all of the following are technically dishes in the traditional sense but they were added because, well, you’ll see why. Here are nine of the most popular Pittsburgh dishes you have to try before you die.

1. Pierogies
Flickr/stephen_n_mayer
People from Pittsburgh are crazy about pierogies, those you eat and those who race around the ball field at PNC Park between Buccos' innings, so is it any surprise that pierogies make the top of the list? Pierogies are a staple at many Pittsburgh restaurants and at the local church fairs during the summer fair season.
2. Pittsburgh Salad
Flickr/Chris Brooks
What do you get when you top a traditional salad with french fries (and maybe steak or chicken)? The Pittsburgh Salad, one of the city's most popular salads, of course. Whether you make your own version of the Pittsburgh Salad or order one at an area restaurant, you're pretty much guaranteed a delightful meal.
3. Haluski
Flickr/iris
Living in a city that is truly a melting pot means being able to eat some of the world's best foods, like haluski, a popular Polish and Slovak dish that combines noodles and cabbage. Like our beloved pierogies, you can find haluski at local restaurants and at those summer church fairs.
4. Chipped Ham (Chipped Chopped Ham)
Flickr/Steve Wertz
Chipped ham or chipped chopped ham? What do you call it? Whichever term you use, chipped ham – usually purchased from Islay's – is as common in Pittsburgh as the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. If you haven't tried a (barbecued, maybe?) chipped chopped ham sandwich, you really don't know what you're missing.

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5. Primanti's Brothers Sandwich
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM
Pittsburghers typically fall into one of two camps. You either love the Primanti's Brothers fry and coleslaw-topped sandwich or you don't. Either way, it's one of those foods that Pittsburghers have to try at least once. The popular sandwich – which features chosen meat along with fries and coleslaw sandwiched in between two pieces of bread – was invented to allow Pittsburghers to have a hearty meal they could eat quickly at lunchtime.
6. Cabbage Rolls
Flickr/Amy Ross
What do most people eat on New Year's Day in Pittsburgh? Cabbage rolls! (Or, stuffed cabbage or stuffed cabbage rolls, depending on your preference.) It's a Pittsburgh tradition and a dish you definitely have to try.
7. Potato Patch Fries
Flickr/Tyler Neu
Summer means one thing: A mandatory day at Kennywood Park. And, what's a trip to Kennywood without stopping by the Potato Patch for an overflowing order of fresh cut fries swimming in cheese or with a side of cheese? A definite must try if you're in Pittsburgh.
8. Klondike Bar
Flickr/Ken
What would YOU do for a Klondike bar? Call it a dish, of course, and add it to the list of dishes you have to eat in Pittsburgh before you die. After all, who can resist a Klondike bar? Klondike Bars, of course, are an Islay's invention and, for many of us, Islay's was the go-to deli for years.
9. Sarris Candy
Sarris Candies
Well, if we're counting a Klondike bar as a dish then drop some of Sarris' famous chocolate candy – chocolate pretzels, peanut butter meltaways, or milk chocolate candy bars (easy to break up) – in a bowl and voila! The perfect snack, dessert, or instant chocolate craving solution is the perfect Pittsburgh dish. If the Klondike Bar doesn't hit the spot, head to the Sarris Candy store in Canonsburg for some homemade ice cream made with, that's right, Sarris chocolate.

Mmm..mmm..are you craving any of these popular Pittsburgh dishes yet? Which tasty treat is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know some famous restaurants in Pittsburgh we should feature, nominate them through our online form!

Hungry for more? You’ll find some of our famous dishes at these 10 food trucks often seen around Pittsburgh.

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Elisa Regulski | August 14, 2020

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What are some habits of people from Pittsburgh?

People from Pittsburgh are one-of-a-kind. In fact, some say we have our own unique way of living! For example, we always measure distance in minutes, and we often give directions using landmarks. We’ll put french fries on our sandwiches, and we’re incredibly loyal to our hometown sports teams. Of course, this is just the beginning! For more, check out our list of the 14 strange habits all people from Pittsburgh have.

What kind of food is Pittsburgh known for?

Pittsburgh is known for a wide variety of delicious eats. In addition to the iconic Philly Cheesesteak, this city is known for its magnificent Polish cuisine. Really, the pierogies in Pittsburgh are some of the best in the nation! You’ll also find wacky sandwiches, chipped ham, and tasty cabbage rolls. Which one is your favorite dish from Pittsburgh? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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