21 Must-Try Dishes For A True Philadelphia Experience

Have your Tastykake and eat it, too.

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Everyone knows Philly for its cheesesteaks, but the food scene here is chock full of other notable dishes that may or may not involve meat and cheese.

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There’s truly no better way to experience Philly than to eat your way through it. (Calories don’t count here.)

1. Square Pizza — Santucci’s

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Since 1959, this family-owned pizza joint has been baking pies in a square pan with the sauce spread over the cheese. Get it plain or with any of their specialty toppings, like prosciutto and broccoli rabe.

What it costs: $18 for a large 17-inch pizza

Where to go: various locations

2. Crabfries — Chickie’s & Pete’s

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So serious about Crabfries (one word), they trademarked it. The crinkle-cut french fries, doused in a “secret” blend of crab spices and served with a white creamy cheese dipping sauce, have been a Chickie’s & Pete’s staple since the late ‘70s.

What it costs: $5.99

Where to go: various locations

3. Roast Pork Sandwich — Tommy DiNic’s

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Fight your way through crowds and stand in one of the longest lines of any Reading Terminal Market vendor for a roast pork roll (stuffed with provolone and broccoli rabe) that was once named the Best Sandwich in America by the Travel Channel.

What it costs: $9.75

Where to go: Reading Terminal Market, 51 N. 12th St.

4. Lamb Shoulder — Zahav

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The James Beard award-winning Israeli restaurant is famous for many things, but their lamb shoulder — slow-braised with pomegranate molasses and chickpeas — is an absolute showstopper. (And you can only get it with the chef’s tasting menu.)

What it costs: $48 per person for the tasting menu

Where to go: 237 St James Pl.

5. Fried Chicken And Donuts — Federal Donuts

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Nothing says “balanced meal” like three pieces of fried chicken (seasoned with za’atar, coconut curry, buttermilk ranch, chili garlic, sweet soy garlic, or honey ginger) and a honey doughnut from this esteemed spot.

What it costs: $10

Where to go: various locations

6. Soft Pretzel — Philly Pretzel Factory

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You can’t come to Philly without getting a soft pretzel. The best ones have a firm exterior and a soft interior, like Philadelphians themselves. The twist in the middle is the most coveted part. Protect at all costs.

What it costs: $1.95

Where to go: various locations

7. Rendang — Hardena

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This South Philly family-run, hole-in-the-wall (and also James Beard finalist) Indonesian spot serves up the most tender, slow-braised caramelized beef in coconut milk and spices. Try it with the house-made hot sauce.

What it costs: $8 for a small

Where to go: 1754 S. Hicks St.

8. Water Ice — John’s Water Ice

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It’s wooder ice around these parts, but maybe you know the sweet, frozen treat as Italian ice. Obama tried the water ice here, so if it’s good enough for the former-president, it’s good enough for you. Don’t miss the special flavors like honeydew, but also save room for tried-and-trues like lemon, cherry, chocolate, and pineapple.

What it costs: $1.75 for a small

Where to go: 701 Christian St.

9. Cheesesteak — Pat’s King Of Steaks

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Everyone’s got their favorite, but the folks at Pat’s (who claim to be the inventor of the famed sandwich) have enough business for all 24 hours of the day. Make sure you’re ordering correctly — wit or witout (onions); plain, Cheez Wiz, provolone or American cheese — and remember it’s cash only.

What it costs: Steaks start at $9.20

Where to go: 1237 E. Passyunk Ave.

10. Paesano Sandwich — Paesano's

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Not for the faint of heart, this sammy packs a punch: Loaded with beef brisket, horseradish mayo, roasted tomatoes, pepperoncini, sharp provolone, and a fried egg, you’ll get your fill of protein.

What it costs: $11

Where to go: 148 W. Girard Ave.

11. Tastykakes

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These packaged sweets are based here in Philly, so head into any grocery or convenience store to pick up buttery, vanilla Krimpets, peanut butter filled Kandy Kakes, or sweet and sticky Honey Buns.

What it costs: varies per item

Where to go: any grocery or convenience store

12. Cannoli — Termini Brothers Bakery

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This nearly century-old bakery whips up solid confections all around, but their cannoli — with its crunchy, handmade shells and thick-yet-fluffy ricotta cheese, vanilla, or chocolate Italian cream filling — is a can’t-miss.

What it costs: $4 each

Where to go: various locations

13. Tacos — South Philly Barbacoa

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With lines this constant, you know it must be good. The tender, slow-cooked lamb barbacoa is served on house-made tortillas. Try one and you’ll know why they open at 5 a.m. daily and frequently sell out.

What it costs: $3–$4 per taco

Where to go: 1140 S. 9th St.

14. Philly Taco — Jim's Steaks and Lorenzo and Son's Pizza

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A Philly Taco is a very healthy dish comprised of a slice of Lorenzo’s pizza wrapped around a Jim’s cheesesteak. You’ll have to DIY this dish. Don’t hurt yourself!

What it costs: $8.60 for the cheesesteak; $4 for the slice of pizza

Where to go: 305 South St. and 400 South St.

15. Hummus — Dizengoff

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Though the menu changes daily, featuring toppings like lamb, kale pine nut, and eggplant, the main attraction here — the hummus — is consistently creamy, light, and not too overwhelming on the tahini. It’s served with a fresh-baked pita worthy of living in.

What it costs: $10–$13

Where to go: various locations

16. Hash Brown — Wawa

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Yes, Wawa is famous for its hoagies and gobblers, but the simple hash brown is consistently a good time.

What it costs: $0.99

Where to go: various locations

17. Pho — Thang Long

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Up in Kensington is a nondescript Vietnamese joint that serves up tasty pho: The noodles are fresh, the broth isn’t too salty, and the service is prompt. Plus, they’ve got beer.

What it costs: $9 and up

Where to go: 2534–36 Kensington Ave.

18. Dan Dan Noodles — Han Dynasty

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Noods have never tasted so good. Spicy, with a hint of sweet, these thick noodles are enough to share or to ration across a few meals.

What it costs: $7.95

Where to go: various locations

19. Roast Beef Sandwich — Old Original Nick’s Roast Beef

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A juicy, meaty meal of thick-sliced roast beef, doused in gravy, topped with provolone and piled into a kaiser roll. You’ll need both hands and a lot of napkins.

What it costs: $7.20

Where to go: 2149 S. 20th St.

20. Platter — Abyssinia

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Choose from either the meat or veggie platter at this low-key Ethiopian spot and prepare to get dirty. You’ll eat with your hands, scooping delicious stews, beef, and chicken onto injera, a thin, spongy crepe bread.

What it costs: $9.95–$12.95

Where to go: 229 S. 45th St.

21. BBQ Oysters — Oyster House

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The city’s most hoppin’ oyster bar (come during happy hour and you’ll see what I’m talking about) serves up the freshest seafood, including oysters of many persuasions, including these grilled barbecue ones.

What it costs: $14

Where to go: 1516 Sansom St.