Cheesesteaks are fast, portable and readily available at steak shops, delis, food trucks, pizzerias and even some high-end restaurants throughout the region.

Some sandwich shops also offer a cheesesteak hoagie, a hybrid that combines the cheesesteak with cold hoagie dressings like lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise.

Other toppings may include sautéed mushrooms, ketchup and hot or sweet peppers. The art of cheesesteak preparation lies in the balance of flavors, textures and what is often referred to as the “drip” factor. Generally, the cheese of choice is Cheez Whiz ®, but American and mild or sharp provolone are common substitutions. So, what is an authentic cheesesteak and where did it come from? Here’s the lowdown on this region’s favorite sandwich.Ī cheesesteak begins with a long, crusty roll and continues with thinly sliced sautéed rib-eye, melted cheese and, as often as not, griddled onions. Often imitated around the world, the cheesesteak is rarely duplicated outside of Philly. In Philadelphia, cheesesteaks are a civic icon, tourist draw and cultural obsession.

Canned cheese whiz