Pittsburgh Ethnic Foods

A Celebration of Tasty Treats 

In Pittsburgh, food is a multi-cultural experience meant to be embraced, celebrated and shared. From its early days, Pittsburgh has been a melting pot of ethnic diversity as immigrants came to the area in pursuit of their American dream. Early immigrants from England, Germany, Scotland, Ireland and Wales were soon followed by Italian, Polish, eastern European, African, Swedish, Spanish, Russian and Greek immigrants. More recent immigrants from the Middle East, Ethiopia, Asia, Vietnam, India and Pakistan have also arrived. Seeking comfort in familiar traditions, new residents often moved in to neighborhoods where others, who shared a similar language and culture, had already settled. Soon, the ethnic neighborhoods in Pittsburgh gained definition as churches, synagogues and temples were built, shops were opened and local restaurants offered a taste of their homeland. 

Today, menus in Pittsburgh area restaurants embrace the ethnic diversity of local neighborhoods.  Pierogies, polenta, halupki, hasenpfeffer, gyros, egg rolls, curries, sambussa and tappas join traditional menu items while halushki and haggis show up in food booths at Pittsburgh area food festivals. Trays of homemade cookies and sweet treats are a tradition at every family event whether it's a reunion, graduation or wedding. Traditional Pittsburgh cookie trays overflow with Italian Pizzelles and crème filled pastries, Greek Baklava, Russian Tea Cakes, Czech Kolache, English fruit tarts and Slovenian Potica in addition to other delights. Pittsburghers celebrate who they are today by sharing the traditions and foods of their past with family and friends. 

Download your Pittsburgh Visitors Guide today and come join our celebration. Hurry- the welcome is always warm but the food might get cold if you wait!