Philadelphia, PA - A cheesesteak sandwich has been a favorite throughout the history of Philadelphia. But did you know there's a science behind this famous sandwich? The Philly cheesesteak is one of the most iconic foods in Philadelphia, and there's an entire universe of restaurants dedicated to this delicious snack.
Philadelphia Cheesesteaks - Why Philadelphia Loves Cheesesteaks
The origins of the cheesesteak sandwich date back to the 1930s when a butcher named Pat Olivieri would grill up steaks during his lunch breaks. Soon cabbies were ordering the meat sandwiches. Pat's King of Steaks was opened by the Olivieri brothers in 1940. It became so popular that they opened another restaurant across the street.
Today, you can find Philadelphia cheesesteaks in several restaurants, local food trucks, and food carts. Some of the most popular restaurants are Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks.
Both restaurants are open twenty-four hours. The sandwich is a mixture of steak and onions and topped with Cheez Whiz. It is also served in an Italian roll, which is firm enough to hold up to the grease.
Pat's King of Steaks is a favorite among Philadelphians. It's located at 1237 East Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia. It's also one of the most well-known eating establishments in the city. The shop is more blended than Geno's rival across the street.
Philadelphia's other great cheesesteak restaurants include Jim's on South Street, Chubby, Dalessandro's Steaks, and Poe's Joint. Several bakeries provide the classic cheesesteak roll, including Sarcone's, Conshohocken Italian Bakery, and Amoroso.
So What is a Philadelphia Cheesesteak?
Known for its cheesy goodness, the Philadelphia cheesesteak is a hearty comfort food dish that can be enjoyed solo or with your favorite toppings. Many locals believe the sandwich's origins trace back to a hot dog cart vendor in the early 20th century.
The sandwich is traditionally made with a thinly sliced ribeye steak. This meat is tender and flavorful. You can purchase ribeye steak from most supermarkets in the Philadelphia area.
The classic cheesesteak features a thinly sliced steak, a variety of cheeses, and a tangy whiz sauce. It's also traditionally cooked on a griddle. You can use a skillet or fry pan if you don't have a griddle.
The cheese is traditionally mild American, but you can also try Provolone. You can also add Worcestershire sauce and horseradish. Other toppings include sauteed mushrooms, sauteed peppers, hot peppers, and fried onions. You can add ketchup, barbecue sauce, or steak sauce to the sauce if you like, but it's not recommended!
