12 Foods Pennsylvanians Crave The Moment They’re Away From Home

Pennsylvanians carry a taste of home wherever they go, and certain foods trigger instant cravings the moment they’re away.

From hearty sandwiches to sweet treats, these dishes capture the flavors, memories, and comfort of the Keystone State.

Each bite reminds them of local traditions, familiar streets, and family gatherings.

Exploring these beloved foods shows how powerful flavor can be, turning distance into longing and making every meal a little taste of Pennsylvania nostalgia.

1. Roast Pork Sandwich (Philadelphia)

Forget cheesesteaks – real Philadelphians know roast pork is the true sandwich king.

Thinly sliced, juicy pork piled high with sharp provolone and sautéed broccoli rabe creates a harmony of flavors that out-of-state imposters can’t match.

At spots like John’s Roast Pork or DiNic’s in Reading Terminal Market, locals line up for this savory masterpiece.

The sandwich’s perfect balance of meat, greens, and cheese makes it the first stop when returning to the City of Brotherly Love.

2. Pierogies (Pittsburgh & statewide)

Pockets of potato-filled heaven grace dinner tables across Pennsylvania, but especially in Pittsburgh where the Polish influence runs deep.

These doughy delights, pan-fried until golden and topped with caramelized onions and sour cream, represent comfort food at its finest.

Church basements across the state still host pierogi-making sessions where generations work side by side.

Nothing compares to the first bite through that tender dough into the creamy potato filling, especially when they’re made by someone’s grandmother following a recipe that’s never been written down.

3. Haluski (cabbage & noodles)

Simplicity shines in this Eastern European staple that conquered Pennsylvania’s coal regions.

Buttery egg noodles tossed with caramelized cabbage and onions might not sound fancy, but one forkful transports Pennsylvanians straight back to grandma’s kitchen.

The magic happens when the cabbage slowly cooks down, developing a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the buttery noodles.

Found at church picnics, fire hall fundraisers, and family gatherings throughout the state, haluski proves that sometimes the most basic ingredients create the most satisfying meals.

4. Whoopie Pies (Pennsylvania Dutch/Amish)

Two chocolate cake-like cookies sandwich a cloud of vanilla cream filling in this Pennsylvania Dutch treat that puts mass-produced snack cakes to shame.

Amish bakers have been crafting these handheld desserts for generations, and no store-bought version ever measures up.

Legend says Amish wives would pack these treats in farmers’ lunch pails, who would shout “Whoopie!” upon discovering them.

While traditional chocolate reigns supreme, pumpkin, red velvet, and other seasonal flavors make appearances throughout the year at farmers markets and roadside stands.

5. Old Forge Pizza

Named after the small town near Scranton that claims to be “The Pizza Capital of the World,” this rectangular pizza defies all conventional pizza rules.

The crust sits somewhere between traditional and Sicilian thickness, topped with a slightly sweet sauce and an unorthodox cheese blend. Locals don’t order by the slice but by the “cut” or the “tray.”

What makes Old Forge pizza truly special is the cheese – a mysterious combination that typically includes American cheese along with other varieties, creating a creamy, melty texture that has sparked fierce loyalty among Northeastern Pennsylvanians.

6. City Chicken

Despite its misleading name, there’s no poultry to be found in this Western Pennsylvania favorite.

Cubes of pork (sometimes veal) are skewered, breaded, and fried or baked to create what resembles a chicken drumstick – a clever Depression-era solution when chicken was more expensive than pork.

The meat becomes incredibly tender after cooking, while the outside maintains a perfectly seasoned crunch.

Family recipes are guarded jealously, with debates raging about whether to include garlic, paprika, or other secret ingredients in the breading.

City Chicken remains a cherished Sunday dinner tradition in many Pittsburgh-area homes.

7. Red Beet Eggs (pickled eggs & beets)

Hard-boiled eggs transform into vibrant purple gems after soaking in sweet-tangy beet brine – a staple on Pennsylvania Dutch tables and bar counters across the state.

The pickling liquid typically includes vinegar, sugar, salt, and the natural juice from canned or fresh beets. The longer they sit, the deeper the color penetrates, eventually reaching the yolk.

Found in glass jars at diners, delis, and family gatherings, these distinctive eggs offer a perfect balance of earthy beet flavor and tanginess that makes them irresistible snacks or side dishes.

8. Apple Dumplings (Pennsylvania Dutch)

Whole apples wrapped in flaky pastry, baked until tender, and swimming in cinnamon-sugar syrup represent fall perfection in Pennsylvania Dutch country.

The contrast between the buttery crust, soft apple, and sweet sauce creates a dessert that’s equally welcome at breakfast or after dinner.

Local orchards provide the perfect tart apples, usually Granny Smith or other firm varieties that hold their shape while baking.

The secret to authentic dumplings lies in the syrup, which often includes butter, brown sugar, and sometimes a splash of vanilla or even a bit of Mountain Dew soda for an unexpected twist.

9. Stromboli (Philadelphia-area origin)

Born in Philadelphia’s suburbs in the 1950s, stromboli revolutionized how we eat Italian ingredients.

Unlike its cousin the calzone, stromboli features rolled dough stuffed with Italian cold cuts, cheese, and sometimes vegetables, creating a spiral of flavors when sliced.

The dough gets an egg wash before baking, resulting in a shiny, golden exterior that crackles when cut. Romano’s in Essington claims to have invented this masterpiece, naming it after an Italian movie.

Pennsylvanians living elsewhere often find themselves attempting homemade versions when the craving strikes.

10. Pittsburgh Salad

Only in Pittsburgh would a pile of french fries be considered a salad topping.

This Steel City invention features a bed of lettuce topped with grilled chicken or steak, vegetables, cheese, and a generous handful of french fries right on top.

The warm fries slightly wilt the lettuce and melt the cheese, creating a contrast of temperatures and textures. Ranch or Italian dressing typically finishes this surprisingly delicious combination.

Local establishments like Primanti Bros. have made this concept famous, but true Pittsburghers know the best versions come from neighborhood diners and sports bars.

11. Turkey Hill Iced Tea

From humble beginnings at a Lancaster County dairy, Turkey Hill tea has become Pennsylvania’s unofficial state beverage.

The original sweet tea strikes the perfect balance – sweet enough to satisfy but not so sugary it makes your teeth hurt. Green tea and diet varieties have joined the lineup, but the classic remains the gold standard.

Lancaster County natives stock up when returning home, sometimes filling coolers to bring back to tea-deprived areas.

The distinctive yellow and blue packaging alone triggers nostalgia for Pennsylvanians who’ve moved away.

12. Middleswarth Potato Chips

Crunchier, lighter, and more flavorful than national brands, these central Pennsylvania chips have spawned a cult following.

The distinctive green bags disappear quickly at gatherings, with the BBQ flavor inspiring particularly fierce loyalty among fans.

Made in Middleburg since 1942, Middleswarth chips use a special kettle-cooking process that creates their signature texture and taste.

Former Pennsylvanians regularly beg visiting friends to bring bags when visiting, and some specialty shops now ship them nationwide to satisfy expatriate cravings.