Philadelphia is known for being the birthplace of the cheesesteak and home to the oldest baseball team in North America. But did you know that Philadelphia has some of the best street food? From hot dogs to tacos and everything in between, here’s a round-up of some of my favorite places to grab food on the go.
What is Street Food?
Street food is exactly what it sounds like: food sold on the street. Street food has been around for thousands of years, but in recent years the trend has taken off in cities around the world. It can be anything from hot dogs and tacos to ice cream and crepes—and everything in between!
The appeal of street food is a little different than that of restaurant food because it’s often cheaper, more authentic, and faster than eating at a restaurant. That said, there are some dangers associated with eating street food as well (see below), so make sure you’re aware of both sides before getting started on your own adventure into this exciting culinary scene.
Hot dogs vs Bratwursts vs Sausages
When you think of street food in Philadelphia, hot dogs, bratwursts and sausages are the first things that come to mind. But are these foods really as different as they seem?
What is a hot dog? A sausage on a bun with condiments. It’s an American classic that has evolved over time to include more ingredients like cheese, chili or relish. Hot dogs can be found at most street fairs and festivals around Philly.
What is a bratwurst? A sausage made of beef and pork, seasoned with garlic and spices. It’s typically served on a bun with sauerkraut or onions.
What is a sausage? A coarsely ground mixture of pork, beef or veal seasoned with herbs, spices and often vegetables like garlic or peppers. They are usually served on a bun with condiments like sauerkraut or onions.
How to Eat Like a Local at a Philadelphia Sporting Event
As a local, you’re likely familiar with the rules of eating at a sports game. You know to wear your jersey and bring your own bag of food. But if you’re attending an event in Philadelphia for the first time—or if you want to make sure you’re maximizing every experience—here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your itinerary:
- Don’t bring a bag. No one else in Philly seems to have their own bag; instead, they carry their snacks around in plastic bags from grocery stores like Target or Whole Foods (which are ubiquitous here). If you don’t want to risk being singled out as an outsider by bringing along an item that stands out among the crowd, just leave it at home!
- Don’t bring a drink. The best part about attending sporting events here is how easy it is to get drinks without having them confiscated before entering the stadium: just walk around asking people if they have any extra beers lying around! However, if this sounds too difficult or time-consuming for you, there’s always the option of buying one from vendors outside; however be warned that tickets are expensive ($12-$15) so planning ahead might save some money down the line…
Where to Grab a Great Sandwich in Philly
A sandwich is a common category of food items, generally consisting of two or more slices of bread and a filling. The bread can be used in the form of baguettes, buns and wraps. A true sandwich traditionally consists of two pieces of bread with something sandwiched between them, such as meat (sliced roast beef) or cheese (vegan cheese). As with some other categories in culinary taxonomy, this definition is somewhat subjective and open to interpretation.
The fillings are typically held together by toothsome means like mayonnaise or peanut butter; this helps hold the filling in one spot while you eat it. The quality that separates sandwiches from tacos is that a taco has its fillings contained within tortillas, whereas the fillings for sandwiches are contained within two pieces of bread — no tortilla necessary! If your filling does not require some sort of binding agent (e.g., tomato slices stacked on top), then it’s probably best classified as a salad rather than a sandwich — however if it contains any kind of dressing/topping/condiment that would make it difficult to eat without being able to hold onto everything together somehow while eating, then it should probably go under “sandwiches.”
Where to Get Your Food Truck Fix
Food trucks are a great way to get food on the go. In Philadelphia alone, there are over 500 trucks in operation. The city’s website has a list of all of the food trucks in town and their locations. You can also find this information by downloading their app and searching for “food truck map.”
Philly has some of the best street food.
Philly has some of the best street food in USA. If you’re looking to get your lunch on without breaking the bank, this article will help you find some of the best places in Philly to grab a bite. From tacos and falafel, to ice cream and churros—you can get it all at these spots. Plus, there are great breakfast options on our list too!
These are definitely not your average fast food joints: these restaurants offer up tasty eats from around the world at an affordable price. If you’re looking for something greasy and delicious but don’t want to spend more than a few bucks on lunch or dinner, these places have got you covered.
We hope this guide has helped you discover your favorite new food truck. Whether you’re looking for a great taco, burrito or sandwich, we know there are plenty of options in Philadelphia. With so many different types of food available on the streets of Philly it can be overwhelming at times! But don’t worry – we did all the hard work for you so now it’s time to get outside and enjoy what this city has to offer.