5 Unique Foods of The Lehigh Valley

What is your favorite local dish? Like many places, the Lehigh Valley has a few dishes that are unique to the area and loved by locals. What may seem strange or even gross by outsiders is considered a delicious delicacy! From sweets and baked goods to snacks and historic dishes the Lehigh Valley is filled with local flavor.

Which of these is your favorite?

Shoofly Pie

This Pennsylvania Dutch delicacy has a long history in the Lehigh Valley. The pie was brought into the area by the Amish long ago, but there is little documentation as to exactly when. The pie is simple and made up of lard, flour, brown sugar and molasses. Variations on the recipe in present day are whether it has a “wet or dry bottom” meaning if the consistency is more like a coffee cake or more like a gooey sticky toffee pudding. The pie is a local favorite that rarely exists beyond the Pennsylvania border. It is so celebrated that there are still regular competitions to see who can create the best one!

Cheesesteaks With Sauce

We all know that cheesesteaks are a Pennsylvania staple and a celebrated tradition -- but how about a cheesesteak with sauce? Some balk at the idea of putting sauce on a cheesesteak, but in the Lehigh Valley sauce is the way to go! Many in the Lehigh Valley grow up putting sauce on cheesesteak much to the chagrin of their Philly neighbors.

Fastnachts

Who doesn’t love a fried potato donut? In the Lehigh Valley Fat Tuesday is celebrated as Fastnacht Day. Locals celebrate by indulging on these delicious treats, overwhelming bakeries all over the Lehigh Valley to fill orders. Fastnachts are generally square fried potato donuts topped with powdered sugar, cinnamon or glazed. They aren’t just for Fastnacht Day, either -- you can enjoy these treats anytime you like!

Tomato Pie

No it’s not pizza. Tomato pie is a little bit like pizza but not exactly. The pie is served cold made with a fluffy crust topped with tomato sauce and sprinkled with minced garlic, onions and a touch of cheese. They are cooked in large sheets and cut into squares to be served. This pizza-like dish can be found in the Lehigh Valley and generally goes for less than a dollar a slice!

Moravian Sugar Cake

If you are looking for something sweet then you might just grab a piece of Moravian Sugar Cake. The cake is a true local creation made with potato dough and packed with brown sugar and butter. The dough creates a heavy yet moist cake that is loved by locals but may puzzle those outside of the Lehigh Valley.

Have a question about living in the Lehigh Valley? Contact our Home Team today.