Foodie’s Guide to Lancaster, PA: Amish Country Edition
Your Guide for Where To Find Traditional Amish Food: GOOD EATS IN LANCASTER AMISH COUNTRY
Your trip to Lancaster County is not complete without trying authentic PA Dutch foods. And don’t be selfish — be sure to take some home to your friends and family!
Keep in mind there is no such thing as “Amish food.” The Amish don’t have any dietary restrictions. However, traditional Amish foods from our area are typically categorized as “Amish” or “Pennsylvania Dutch.”
Here are tips to help you plan your next food adventure in Lancaster, Pennsylvania:
- For a classic breakfast, try the shoo-fly pie, which is made with molasses and crumb topping. You can find this sweet treat at many Amish bakeries in the area.
- For lunch, head to Miller’s Smorgasbord for a wide variety of dishes, including chicken pot pie, ham and bean soup, and homemade breads. The restaurant also has a gift shop where you can find unique souvenirs.
- For a unique dining experience, visit the Amish Farm and House for their “Amish Dinner Experience.” You’ll enjoy a family-style meal in a historic farmhouse while learning about Amish culture and traditions.
Here are a few of the most popular PA Dutch foods in Lancaster and the best places to find them.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania is a foodie’s paradise, especially if you’re looking for classic Amish cuisine. From hearty breakfasts to savory dinners, Lancaster has a lot to offer any food enthusiast. Here’s a guide to the best restaurants and dishes to try in Amish Country.
Breakfast
Start your day off right with a hearty breakfast at the Shady Maple Smorgasbord. This all-you-can-eat buffet has over 200 items to choose from, including homemade waffles, bacon, sausage, and eggs. Don’t forget to try the scrapple, a local favorite made from pork scraps and cornmeal.
Lunch
For lunch, head to Katie’s Kitchen for classic Amish dishes like chicken pot pie and ham loaf. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the chow chow, a tangy relish made from pickled vegetables. Finish off your meal with a slice of shoofly pie, a molasses-based dessert that’s a Lancaster specialty.
Dinner
For dinner, visit Miller’s Smorgasbord for traditional Amish fare like roast beef and mashed potatoes. Don’t miss the chicken and waffles, a local favorite that’s sure to satisfy. If you’re feeling extra hungry, try the family-style dining option, where you’ll be served all-you-can-eat portions of classic dishes like fried chicken and baked ham.
Snacks
When you need a snack, head to the Lancaster Central Market for fresh produce, baked goods, and other treats. Try the soft pretzels, a Pennsylvania Dutch specialty that’s chewy and delicious. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the scrapple sandwich, a breakfast meat patty served on a Kaiser roll.
Drinks
For a refreshing drink of the devil’s mouthwash, stop by Lancaster Brewing Company for a pint of their award-winning beer. Locals suggest you try the Milk Stout, a dark and creamy beer that pairs well with hearty Amish dishes. If beer isn’t your thing, try a glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade from one of the many Amish roadside stands.
Dessert
No trip to Amish Country is complete without a slice of homemade pie. Head to the Bird-in-Hand Bakery for a slice of their famous shoofly pie or try the apple dumplings, a classic Amish dessert made with fresh apples and flaky pastry. Don’t forget to pick up a bag of homemade whoopie pies to take home with you.
When you can’t wait until your next visit to Amish Country: Our Authentic Amish Shoo-Fly Pie Recipe
In conclusion, Lancaster, PA is a foodie’s dream destination, especially if you’re looking for classic Amish cuisine. From hearty breakfasts to savory dinners and delicious snacks, there’s something for everyone in Amish Country. So pack your bags and come hungry, because you won’t want to miss out on these delicious eats.
Whoopie Pies
If you’ve never had a whoopie pie, imagine a mini chocolate cake sandwich filled with whipped vanilla icing. While chocolate cake with vanilla filling is the most popular variety, whoopies pies are usually available in other flavors too, such as pumpkin and red velvet depending on the time of year. Whoopie pies get their name from Amish children opening their lunch boxes and hollering ‘whoopie’ upon seeing the delicious dessert. When you take your first bite of this sweet treat, be sure to say ‘whoopie’ with delight.
Make your own with our authentic recipe: Amish Whoopie Pies
Our recommendation: The Bird-in-Hand Bake Shop
Chicken Pot Pie
This savory soup is filled with homemade noodles, potatoes, and chicken. To know if you’re eating the real deal, your pot pie shouldn’t be covered by a pie crust. This dish could be considered one of the most controversial foods in Amish Country. The argument is whether potatoes should or shouldn’t be included in the recipe. What’s your opinion?
Our recommendation: Katie’s Kitchen
Soft Pretzels
Indulge yourself in a warm, buttery, salty soft pretzel. This is not a Philadelphia style pretzel, which is more dense and dry. The PA Dutch style soft pretzel melts in your mouth and are made even better when dipped in sweet mustard. While most of us like our pretzels plain, our Amish friends say they NEVER eat soft pretzels without a cheese or mustard dipping sauce.
Our recommendation: Amish BBQ Barn on our farm.
Sticky Buns
Calories do not count while on vacation, we promise! This sweet breakfast food originated in Germany and was brought to our area by Pennsylvania Dutch (German) immigrants. The list of ingredients varies by baker and bakery, but traditionally are plain or topped with raisins, walnuts or pecans.
Our recommendations: Mr. Sticky’s or Bird-in-Hand Bakery.
Chow Chow
While Amish Country is known for sweet baked goods, they also have sweet and sour vegetables. Traditionally, at the end of the summer, Amish families would collect all the leftover vegetables, and can them with salt, vinegar, sugar, and water.
Our recommendation: Purchase a jar from our on-site gift shop.
Chicken Corn Soup
There is nothing better than a cup of chicken corn soup to warm you up on a cold day. Here in Amish Country, you might find this soup with or without rivels. Rivels are teeny tiny dumplings that are made from homemade dough.
So there is your Foodie’s Guide to Lancaster, PA
