Editing Philadelphia Roast Pork

'''Philadelphia roast pork''' is a sandwich of slow-roasted pork, typically served with sharp provolone cheese and either broccoli rabe or long hots (Italian long hot peppers), on a crusty Italian roll. Though less famous than the cheesesteak, many Philadelphia food enthusiasts consider the roast pork sandwich the city's finest, combining Italian-American culinary tradition with locally developed preferences. The sandwich represents the working-class Italian heritage of South Philadelphia while achieving recognition among food critics nationally.<ref name="pork">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/philly-roast-pork-sandwich/ |title=Philadelphia Roast Pork |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== Origins ==

The roast pork sandwich emerged from Italian-American South Philadelphia, where Italian immigrants brought traditions of slow-roasted meats. The specific Philadelphia configuration—pork shoulder roasted until tender, combined with sharp provolone and bitter greens—developed over generations. While Italian-American communities elsewhere produced similar sandwiches, Philadelphia's version achieved particular refinement.<ref name="pork"/>

DiNic's at Reading Terminal Market gained national attention when celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain praised the roast pork sandwich, calling it one of the best sandwiches in America. This exposure introduced audiences beyond Philadelphia to a sandwich locals had always considered superior to the more famous cheesesteak.<ref name="pork"/>

== Preparation ==

=== The Pork ===

Pork shoulder is seasoned, slow-roasted until tender, and sliced thin. The long cooking produces meat that's juicy and flavorful, with edges slightly caramelized. Quality pork and proper roasting distinguish great sandwiches from mediocre ones. Some producers add pan drippings to enhance flavor.<ref name="pork"/>

=== The Cheese ===

Sharp provolone, aged longer than mild versions, provides assertive flavor that complements the rich pork. The cheese is placed on the roll to melt from the pork's heat. American cheese or Cheez Whiz—acceptable on cheesesteaks—would be inappropriate on a roast pork sandwich.<ref name="pork"/>

=== The Greens ===

Broccoli rabe (rapini), sautéed with garlic until tender but still slightly bitter, is the classic accompaniment. The bitterness balances the rich pork and sharp cheese. Long hots—Italian long hot peppers, roasted or fried—provide an alternative with different heat and flavor profile. Some sandwiches combine both.<ref name="pork"/>

=== The Roll ===

The roll must be Italian, preferably seeded, with a crusty exterior and soft interior. The roll should be sturdy enough to hold the substantial filling without disintegrating. As with hoagies and cheesesteaks, proper Philadelphia bread is considered essential.<ref name="pork"/>

== Shops ==

=== DiNic's ===

Tommy DiNic's at Reading Terminal Market achieved widespread recognition after Bourdain's endorsement. The market location makes it accessible to tourists while serving regular customers who were eating there before the national attention.<ref name="pork"/>

=== John's Roast Pork ===

John's Roast Pork in South Philadelphia serves from a small building without seating, offering roast pork sandwiches that many consider the city's best. The location's inconvenience hasn't deterred devotees who make pilgrimages for what they consider the essential Philadelphia roast pork experience.<ref name="pork"/>

=== Tony Luke's ===

Tony Luke's serves roast pork alongside cheesesteaks, introducing the sandwich to customers who might otherwise order only cheesesteaks. The multiple locations and extended hours make Tony Luke's accessible to various schedules.<ref name="pork"/>

== Cultural Significance ==

The roast pork sandwich represents Italian-American Philadelphia's culinary heritage while demonstrating that the city's food extends beyond the tourist-focused cheesesteak. Food enthusiasts' preference for roast pork signals insider knowledge—visitors eat cheesesteaks; locals know to order roast pork. This hierarchy reflects the sandwich's position as Philadelphia's other great sandwich.<ref name="pork"/>

== See Also ==
* [[Philadelphia Cheesesteak]]
* [[Philadelphia Hoagie]]
* [[Italian Market]]
* [[Reading Terminal Market]]

== References ==
<references />

{{#seo:
|title=Philadelphia Roast Pork - The City's Best Sandwich
|description=Philadelphia roast pork sandwich features slow-roasted pork with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe, considered by many the city's finest sandwich.
|keywords=roast pork, Philadelphia food, Italian food, DiNic's, John's Roast Pork, broccoli rabe
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Food]]
[[Category:Italian-American History]]
[[Category:Philadelphia Identity]]