What to try in Philadelphia

Thinly sliced sautéed beef and melted cheese in a long roll, often ordered with or without grilled onions.

Visit Philadelphia documents the sandwich's 1930 creation by hot-dog vendor Pat Olivieri and calls it the city's most iconic food.

Also known as Philly cheesesteak

A long-roll sandwich of meat, cheese, vegetables, and oil or another spread, with bread treated as an essential part of the form.

The official city guide presents the hoagie as Philadelphia's distinct version of the long deli sandwich and a neighborhood institution.

Roasted pork on an Italian roll, commonly layered with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe, spinach, or long hot peppers.

Visit Philadelphia describes roast pork as a regional Italian-American sandwich and, for many locals, the city's true signature sandwich.

A tender, lightly moist local pretzel traditionally formed in a compact figure-eight and eaten with spicy brown mustard.

Philadelphia's official guide distinguishes the local soft pretzel form and documents its presence at bakeries, street vendors, and neighborhood shops.

A smooth frozen dessert in which fruit or flavored syrup is incorporated into finely shaved ice rather than poured on top.

Visit Philadelphia identifies water ice as a quintessential warm-weather city specialty with a distinctive local name and texture.

Also known as Wooder ice