Pittsburgh Needs a Unique Food Identity

New Orleans has their Po’Boys, Chicago their Deep Dish Pizza, and Philadelphia their Philly Cheesesteak. But what does Pittsburgh have that will draw “foodies” from all over the country?

On a list of 50 Cities Know for a Specific Food, Pittsburgh isn’t even mentioned. However, ask a native Pittsburgher and you will get several answers that might make your mouth water or churn your stomach on the spot.

Onlyinyourstate.com wrote about 9 iconic foods in Pittsburgh that identifies with the area. What catches the eye is the way Pittsburghers love to put sides like fries or coleslaw on both sandwiches and salads. Primanti Brothers, first to introduce the idea, holds a special place in the hearts and stomachs of native Pittsburghers.

With tourists spending in the billions, Pittsburgh must keep people coming back. Primanti Brothers might be a small draw for people who want to try the uniquely topped sandwich, but it is not enough. What can Pittsburgh adopt as their region’s food to draw even more to the area?

The solution might be as simple as embracing the eccentric foods of which Pittsburghers are proud. Call it CRAZY COMBOS, Pittsburghers love the reactions people get when they first hear of the zany way the Primanti sandwich changes the way we eat a meal. Why don’t we adopt this notion and make it our own?

Food Festivals and competitions make people pack their bags and spend the week in a new place. Pittsburgh can get on the national stage by holding their own Crazy Combo Competition to rediscover the unique success of Primanti Brothers. Would you visit to try new foods and unique combinations? I certainly would. Of course, I would bring a couple of chocolate bars just in case things got a little too crazy.