My organization is having a convention in Philly this summer and I need to write an article about the "don't miss" foods. I know about cheese steaks and hoagies and pretzels with mustard of all things, but what other kinds of food, or food brand such as Bassett's, are uniquely Phila? Don't need restaurant recommendations--emphasis will be on street vendors and Reading Terminal Market.

Offhand, I know Tastykakes are unique to the area, as are the Amish vendors who are in Reading Terminal.

I understand your article is about foods native to the area, but keep in mind that Philly has many excellent restaurants too, from Buddakan and Striped Bass to Pasion and Le Bec Fin. I would include those on the "don't miss" list!

SCRAPPLE!!

How about Shoofly pie and Middleswarth potato chips?? I also think porketta sandwiches are indigenous to the Philly area. As for other brands, anything from the ACME supermarket (which we pronounce Aca-me).

When I was a little boy, my favorite thing was to go to the Aca-me for TastyCakes, especially the Tandy Cake.

John G.,
Where do you get Middleswarth potato chips? I became addicted to them at Penn State MANY years ago. They are the absolute BEST. I can't find them anywhere close to Philly. The closest is Hershey or the Pocono area. Do you know of a closer source??

Didn't we just have another thread on the same subject recently? Do a search on Philadelphia and check the message subjects that come up.
Re street vendors, you will find people selling delicious, big fresh fruit salads all summer long on just about every corner in Center City. Eat them al fresco in Philly's many urban parks, particularly Rittenhouse Square, Washington Square or Fitler Square.
In Reading Terminal, the Dutch Eating Place is the best spot to sample PA Dutch cuisine. Try the chicken and waffles if they're on the menu, but their pork barbecue with mashed potatoes is excellent. And all their gravy is the real, homemade thing.
In addition to Middlesworth, try to find products by Gibbles. Their chips are addicting (but not for vegetarians, they're fried in beef lard). Also try red beet eggs (hard boiled eggs in red beet juice). The truly adventurous (with cast iron stomachs) can try souse, which is pickled pigs feet jelly. Funnel cakes are a tasty treat for the more conventional. And don't forget Italian shaved ices. Better than snow cones!

And don't forget the soul food at such places as Delilah's....
and mozzarella french fries or cheez whiz fries....
sticky buns (no jokes, please!) with raisins or walnuts from a real bakery....
buttercream doughnuts likewise....
Italian water ice....
Fisher's buttered pretzels from Reading Terminal....
Is it any wonder we're about the fattest city in America???

Don't forget Hershey Chocolates and Goldenberg's Peanut Chews.

goldenberg peanut chews and tasty cakes are the best