Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, may be known for its steel mills and sports teams, but it’s also a city with a rich culinary history and a unique food culture. From sandwiches packed with French fries to pierogies that rival those found in Eastern Europe, Pittsburgh’s iconic foods are both hearty and delicious. In this blog post, we’ll take a culinary tour of the Steel City and explore some of its most famous and beloved dishes.
- Primanti Brothers Sandwich
If there’s one food that’s synonymous with Pittsburgh, it’s the Primanti Brothers sandwich. This colossal creation features grilled meat (typically pastrami or roast beef), provolone cheese, coleslaw, and French fries piled high between two thick slices of Italian bread. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a beloved favorite for locals and visitors alike. You can find Primanti Brothers locations throughout the city, but the original shop in the Strip District is a must-visit.
- Pierogies
Pittsburgh’s love affair with pierogies dates back to the city’s Eastern European heritage. These dumplings, typically filled with potato and cheese or sauerkraut, are a comfort food staple. You can enjoy them at various local restaurants or even catch a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game at PNC Park, where pierogies race during the seventh-inning stretch.
- Italian Hoagie
The Italian hoagie is another sandwich classic in Pittsburgh. It’s typically made with ham, capicola, salami, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a drizzle of Italian dressing. When ordered “all the way,” it includes coleslaw and French fries inside the sandwich. It’s an indulgent choice that’s available at many delis and sandwich shops in the city.
- City Chicken
City chicken is a Pittsburgh tradition that’s not actually chicken at all. It’s skewered, breaded, and fried cubes of pork or veal. The name likely originates from the Great Depression when chicken was expensive, and this more affordable alternative became popular. It’s often served with gravy and is a comfort food delight.
- Fish Sandwich
Pittsburgh takes its fish sandwiches seriously, especially during Lent. These sandwiches feature a breaded and fried fish fillet (often cod) on a soft bun with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce. They’re a beloved Friday night tradition and can be found at numerous local churches, bars, and restaurants.
- Chipped Ham BBQ Sandwich
Chipped ham, a processed deli meat, takes center stage in this Pittsburgh classic. The meat is simmered in a tangy barbecue sauce and served on a bun, creating a unique and tasty sandwich experience. It’s a comfort food delight that’s still popular in Pittsburgh today.
- Klondike Bar
While not a meal, the Klondike Bar holds a special place in Pittsburgh’s food history. This iconic ice cream treat was invented in the city in the 1920s by the Isaly family. The original Isaly’s Dairy is long gone, but the Klondike Bar lives on, delighting people across the country.
- Rice and Gravy
With a significant Italian-American population, Pittsburgh is no stranger to Italian comfort food. “Rice and gravy” is a Pittsburgh staple, featuring tender cuts of beef or pork slow-cooked in a tomato-based sauce and served over a bed of fluffy white rice. It’s a hearty, homey dish that’s a comforting taste of Pittsburgh’s Italian heritage.
- Isaly’s Chipped Ham BBQ Sandwich
Another take on chipped ham, Isaly’s Chipped Ham BBQ Sandwich is a nostalgic Pittsburgh favorite. It features chipped ham piled high on a soft bun and topped with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. Isaly’s, a former local dairy and deli chain, has left a lasting legacy with this sandwich.
Conclusion
Pittsburgh’s iconic foods are a testament to the city’s blue-collar heritage and diverse culinary influences. From hearty sandwiches loaded with French fries to comforting pierogies and inventive barbecue creations, these dishes reflect the city’s rich history and the fusion of flavors that define Pittsburgh’s unique food culture. Whether you’re a lifelong Pittsburgher or a curious visitor, these iconic foods are a must-try for anyone looking to savor the flavor of the Steel City.
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