"In Pennsylvania, Zimmern was fortunate enough to sample a Pittsburgh roast beef sandwich, which he recalled as being 'one of the best sandwiches I've ever eaten in my life.' Speaking to NEXTpittsburgh in April 2026, discussion of Pittsburgh's restaurant scene prompted Zimmern to rhapsodize about a roast beef sandwich crammed with French fries and cheese, accompanied by a cup of gravy on the side."
"Traditionally, a Pittsburgh sandwich is a brick-thick assemblage of Italian bread stuffed with a choice of meats, provolone cheese, fries, tomatoes, and a vinegar-based coleslaw. Even in a state renowned for its proud and vibrant sandwich culture, Pittsburgh-style sandwiches have arguably become one of the city's most iconic repasts."
"According to unproven but nonetheless resilient legend, the sandwich was supposedly invented in the 1930s for steelworkers on break, turning what would normally be sides into fillings for the sake of speed. What is beyond doubt is that to many, the Pittsburgh sandwich is synonymous with Primanti Bros., a Steel City institution since 1933."
Pittsburgh sandwiches represent an iconic local culinary tradition, featuring thick Italian bread filled with meats, provolone cheese, fries, tomatoes, and vinegar-based coleslaw. Chef Andrew Zimmern, known for exploring unconventional cuisines worldwide, considers Pittsburgh roast beef sandwiches among the best he has ever eaten. Legend attributes the sandwich's invention to the 1930s when steelworkers needed quick, filling meals combining sides into portable forms. Primanti Bros., operating since 1933, became the definitive Pittsburgh sandwich institution, originally serving truck drivers seeking complete meals in their vehicles. The restaurant earned a James Beard Award recognizing it as one of America's Classic establishments, cementing Pittsburgh's reputation for distinctive sandwich culture.
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