A hearty Philadelphia roast pork sandwich topped with tender pork, sharp provolone, and broccoli rabe on a crusty roll.

Philadelphia is known for more than just cheesesteaks. It’s a city with a rich culinary history and a strong sense of tradition when it comes to food. From iconic sandwiches to beloved baked goods, Philly’s favorite dishes are a reflection of its diverse influences and deep-rooted love for comforting, flavorful eats.

Roast Pork Sandwich

While cheesesteaks get most of the national spotlight, Philadelphians know that the roast pork sandwich is a true hometown favorite. This classic sandwich starts with slow-roasted, garlicky pork, sliced thin and piled onto a crispy-yet-chewy Italian roll. It’s traditionally topped with sharp provolone cheese and broccoli rabe or sautéed spinach, adding a punch of bitterness and richness that balances the savory pork. A good roast pork sandwich is juicy, flavorful, and—like most of Philly’s best foods—best eaten with two hands and plenty of paper towels.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt)

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 6 Italian rolls

• 6 slices sharp provolone cheese

• 2 cups sautéed broccoli rabe or spinach

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F. Rub the pork shoulder with garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.

2. Place pork in a roasting pan and pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan. Cover tightly with foil.

3. Roast for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds.

4. Let pork rest for 15 minutes before slicing or shredding.

5. To assemble, place pork onto Italian rolls, top with sharp provolone, and add sautéed greens. Serve warm.

A classic Philadelphia tomato pie, known for its thick crust and rich tomato topping, served at room temperature.

Tomato Pie

Philadelphia’s tomato pie is a bakery staple that’s nothing like the cheesy, saucy slice you might expect from a traditional pizza. Instead, this Sicilian-inspired treat is a thick, airy, focaccia-like crust topped with a generous layer of seasoned tomato sauce—and usually, that’s it. Some versions are finished with a dusting of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, but never mozzarella. Tomato pie is served room temperature, making it a perfect grab-and-go snack for busy days or a must-have at family gatherings and parties.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast

• 1 1/2 cups warm water

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix yeast with warm water and let sit for 5 minutes. Add flour, salt, and olive oil, then knead for 10 minutes. Cover and let rise for 2 hours.

2. Preheat oven to 450°F. Stretch the dough into a greased baking sheet.

3. In a saucepan, cook crushed tomatoes with garlic, sugar, oregano, and red pepper flakes for 10 minutes.

4. Spread the sauce over the dough and bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden.

5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and let cool before slicing. Serve at room temperature.

A decadent cream cheese pound cake, a beloved Fan Day Nation family recipe, perfect for any gathering.

Cream Cheese Pound Cake (A Fan Day Nation Family Favorite!)

Pound cake has long been a comforting, old-fashioned dessert, and in Philadelphia, it gets a decadent twist thanks to cream cheese. This ultra-rich version of the classic cake is dense, buttery, and slightly tangy, making it the perfect canvas for toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

The Fan Day Nation family knows this recipe well. It’s been passed down through generations, carrying the sweet taste of tradition with every slice. Whether enjoyed on its own, alongside a cup of coffee, or dressed up for a celebration, cream cheese pound cake is a true taste of Philly-style home baking.

Ingredients

• 3 cups granulated sugar

• 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

• 6 eggs

• 3 cups cake flour

• A pinch of salt

• 2 tbsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F. Spray a bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray and dust with a bit of cake flour to prevent sticking.

2. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined. The batter will be rich and thick.

3. Pour the batter evenly into the pan, smoothing the top for even baking.

4. Bake for 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

5. Let the cake cool before carefully turning it out onto a cake stand. Serve with whipped cream and fresh berries.

Popular Philly-Style Toppings for Pound Cake

While fresh strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream are a classic pairing, Philadelphians also enjoy their pound cake with:

• Local honey or fruit preserves (especially cherry or peach preserves from Pennsylvania farms)

• A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence

• A scoop of Bassett’s ice cream, one of Philly’s oldest and most beloved ice cream brands

Enjoy Philadelphia’s Flavors

Philadelphia’s food scene is as vibrant and historic as the city itself. Whether you’re biting into a roast pork sandwich, savoring a slice of tomato pie, or enjoying a homemade cream cheese pound cake, these dishes bring the flavors of Philly to life. Have a favorite Philly food memory? Share it with us and celebrate the city’s best bites!