Philadelphia is not only a great city for foodies, it’s a great city for sandwiches, specifically. Of course, we have the iconic cheesesteak. (Philly’s new Michelin Guide honored three different cheesesteak spots with the Bib Gourmand award.) However, there are plenty of mouth-watering sandwiches that local delicatessens, taverns and beyond have created and serve, which are distinct and deserve recognition.
Here are 10 Philly sandwiches Billy Penn loves that are doing their own thing.
Kale Caesar Cutlet Sandwich at Liberty Kitchen
Where: Fishtown, Chestnut Hill, University City
Liberty Kitchen unlocked gold when they decided to take a kale Caesar salad and put it on a seeded bun. The sandwich has gained icon status for a reason, with its light, fried chicken cutlet topped with leafy kale, pecorino cheese and house Caesar dressing. Maybe more salads should become sandwiches.
(@sahbyyfood via Instagram)
Lemongrass Cheesesteak at Sahbyy Food
Where: University City
Sure, Sahbyy Food’s Cambodian lemongrass cheesesteak is technically a cheesesteak, but it’s certainly not the regular kind. The twist on the classic has lemongrass-tinged beef, crisp papaya salad, pepper chips and cilantro bringing tangy and fresh elements. What’s more, the sandwich — which used to only be at FDR Park’s South East Asian Market — is now available year-round thanks to Sahbyy Food’s new location at Gather Food Hall.
Chicken Maroosh at Saad’s Halal Restaurant
Where: West Philadelphia
Saad’s Halal Restaurant’s chicken maroosh sandwich (aka, the chicken shish tawook maroosh way sandwich) is a mixture of Lebanese deliciousness and authentic Philly style. With skewered grilled chicken, onions, sliced tomatoes, parsley, pickle and garlic sauce on a hoagie roll, it’s the mashup that you never knew you needed.
The Schmitter at McNally’s Tavern
The Schmitter at McNally’s Tavern
Where: Chestnut Hill
The Schmitter is for the real ones — a truly Philly sandwich with classic cheesesteak elements, plus more. Served on a kaiser roll, the Schmitter is stuffed with steak, cheese, grilled salami, fried onions, tomatoes and special sauce. What should be too much is a perfect balance of salty, savory goodness.
Phoagie at Middle Child
The Phoagie at Middle Child
Where: Center City and Fishtown
Middle Child has a bunch of inventive sandwiches on its roster. Who knew stuffing four eggs into a breakfast sandwich could be so fluffy and delightful? The restaurant’s phoagie is perfect for vegan friends — filled with hoisin eggplant, avocado, sauteed onions and cilantro, and topped with pho sauce.
Paesano Sandwich at Paesano’s
Where: Bella Vista
Paesano’s has a bunch of unique, mouth-watering sandwiches in its arsenal, including a lasagna-filled hoagie, but its namesake brisket sandwich is one to behold. Filled with beef brisket, provolone cheese, horseradish aioli, roasted tomato, pepperoncini and topped with a fried egg, the Paesano is decadent and delicious.
Ramen Thing (@cleobagels via Instagram)
Ramen Thing at Cleo’s Bagels
Where: West Philadelphia
The Ramen Thing is curiously named and for curious eaters. The sandwich involves marinated egg with braised bamboo, house pickled ginger, seaweed crisp, scallions, togarashi mayo and toasted ground sesame seeds on a bagel — a “thing” so daring it may just be changing the breakfast game.
(@hudaphl via Instagram)
Grilled Swordfish Milk Bun Sandwich at Huda
Where: Center City
While Philadelphians love their hoagie rolls, sometimes a soft and pillowy milk bun is what a sandwich calls for. The grilled swordfish milk bun sandwich at Huda, comes with kimchi tartare sauce, napa slaw and a beautifully sizzled swordfish.
(@rowhomecoffee via Instagram)
Soft Pretzel Sandwich at Rowhome Coffee
Where: Fitler Square and Kensington
Philly soft pretzels already contain the elements of good sandwich bread, so why not make it so? The pork roll, egg and cheese soft pretzel breakfast sandwich at Rowhome coffee is great for a morning bite. You can mix and match elements — swap pork roll for sausage, bacon or even a vegan option.
To make a Philly Taco, you roll a cheesesteak inside a slice of pizza
The Philly Taco at Jim’s and Lorenzo’s
Where: South Street
Is this even a real sandwich? The unauthorized delicacy has long been a viral challenge. Whether it’s a tourist trap or an authentic Philly staple is for you to decide. The idea is simple yet bold. Head to Lorenzo’s and order some pizza. Then, get a cheesesteak from Jim’s and wrap it in a slice. Viola, a Philly taco. Enjoy and try to finish it in one go.