FWIW –

PA has some great local food traditions. I think that what is important to retaining these traditions is that the ethnic groups associated with the traditions continue the traditions.

For example, the traditional PA Dutch cooking continues in Lancaster County in part because of the Amish. In the coal mining belt the Polish and other ethnic groups continue to maintain their traditional cuisine. In Philly the Italians maintain their traditions of cheesesteaks and roast pork sandwiches. In Pittsburgh the different ethnic groups maintain their cuisine as well.

In short, PA has some great traditional cuisine that is maintained by the descendants of those who developed it.