Philly Cheesesteak: the story on the plate
The cheesesteak originated in Philadelphia in the 1930s, when Pat and Harry Olivieri began selling chopped steak sandwiches from a hot-dog stand. Cheese was added later, and rival shops helped turn the sandwich into a city institution. Pat’s, Geno’s and many neighbourhood shops now represent competing versions of the tradition. Its character comes from beef sliced thin enough to cook quickly on a flat-top griddle, mixed with melted cheese and packed into a soft but resilient roll. American cheese, provolone and Cheese Whiz each have dedicated supporters. The sandwich should be juicy without collapsing into a soggy mass. Ordering language is part of the Philadelphia experience: customers may specify the cheese and whether they want onions, often using shorthand such as “Whiz wit”. Cheesesteaks are eaten at lunch counters, late at night and at sporting events, and loyalty to a particular shop is strongly local.
Historical background
The cheesesteak originated in Philadelphia in the 1930s, when Pat and Harry Olivieri began selling chopped steak sandwiches from a hot-dog stand. Cheese was added later, and rival shops helped turn the sandwich into a city institution. Pat’s, Geno’s and many neighbourhood shops now represent competing versions of the tradition.
Why it is famous
Its character comes from beef sliced thin enough to cook quickly on a flat-top griddle, mixed with melted cheese and packed into a soft but resilient roll. American cheese, provolone and Cheese Whiz each have dedicated supporters. The sandwich should be juicy without collapsing into a soggy mass.
Cultural significance
Ordering language is part of the Philadelphia experience: customers may specify the cheese and whether they want onions, often using shorthand such as “Whiz wit”. Cheesesteaks are eaten at lunch counters, late at night and at sporting events, and loyalty to a particular shop is strongly local.




