Philadelphia, PA
- The pretzels in Philadelphia are famous for their hard shells and soft insides, and a trip to the city is not complete without a handful of these savory treats. In fact, the city's history of eating these tasty treats is well worth exploring.
The Philadelphia Soft Pretzel
In Philly, there's no better street food than a soft pretzel. The soft pretzel is a city staple, making it the ultimate treat for tourists and residents alike. In fact, Philadelphians make soft pretzels into highly efficient rows of figure eights, which are more popular in Philly than hot dogs sold by street vendors in New York City.
Philadelphians talk about soft pretzels like they're soul mates. In fact, soft pretzels are so beloved in Philadelphia that you can almost hear them being eaten at all hours of the day. In fact, the love for soft pretzels reminds me of the love of bagels in the Big Apple. As a local of the city, I can say that soft pretzels are one of my favorite staple foods, especially for a quick snack or bite to eat.
History of The Philadelphia Soft Pretzel
For hundreds of years, soft pretzels were a staple of Lancaster County's Pennsylvania Dutch community. Their tradition of making soft pretzels results from Dutch ancestors emigrating to the region. While they were often not accustomed to zippers and other modern conveniences, they did know how to make a good pretzel.
During the early 19th century, soft pretzels were a favorite food for schoolchildren. After the First World War, the soft pretzel became a popular dinner roll called a pretiola. Many Philadelphia restaurants and bakeries adopted the name.
What Makes Philadelphia Soft Pretzels So Damn Good?
The texture is also crucial. The soft dough is dense, chewy, and slightly crispy. The best soft pretzels are made from a yeast-encrusted dough and should be pulled apart like a figure eight.
The shape of Philadelphia soft pretzels is a key feature. Its thin, flat, figure-eight shape is the perfect shape for the city's pedestrians. Its salt-encrusted exterior is crisp but not overly done. The soft pretzels of Philadelphia are so popular that they're even sold at street corners.
Philadelphia Soft Pretzels
The soft pretzel is an iconic Philly food. While they were initially softer than today, The Philadelphia Soft Pretzel has become a staple in the "City of Brotherly Love." And it's as popular today as it was in the past. So, the next time you're in town, grab a soft pretzel and enjoy the game. It's the ultimate comfort food.
