Author Profiles History of Philadelphia Sandwiches

Philadelphia is synonymous with cheesesteaks, but did you know the city is also home to several other distinctive sandwich creations?

“The city's cultural and ethnic diversity has resulted in many of America's most established meals between bread,” said Mike Madaio, author of the new book “A History of Philadelphia Sandwiches: Steaks, Hoagies, Iconic Eateries, and More." In the book, Madaio describes iconic bites like DiNic's roast pork, Luigi & Giovanni's porchetta with sharp cheese and peppers, Chicken Lorenzo from A Cut Above, and Angelo's Meatball Parm.

“Philly is the world's best sandwich city, so I felt it was long overdue for a deep dive on the origins and evolution of not just the cheesesteak, but all the amazing sandwich creations throughout the region,” he said to The Chestnut Hill Local.

According to Madaio, this history of sandwiches stretches back a long way. The sandwich concept is associated with John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich, who is said to have eaten meat between two slices of bread to avoid leaving the gaming table, according to the Oxford Companion to Food.

American recipes for sandwiches began appearing by the early 19th century, with early Philadelphia twists on sandwiches taking form like the hot dog and Philly's twist on the American classic: a fish cake and pepper hash created by Old Original Levis, formerly located in South Philadelphia.

Madaio also recounts Philadelphia's immigrant traditions, industrial history, and vibrant street food scene, all of which have collectively shaped the city's iconic sandwiches, reinforcing its status as a premier sandwich city.