Provided herein are compositions, systems, kits, and methods for generating dorsal foregut endoderm (DFE) cells by contacting pluripotent stem cells with a retinoic acid signaling pathway agonist and a bone morphogenetic (BMP) pathway inhibitor without exposing the stem cells to a transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) pathway agonist. In certain embodiments, the DFE cells are contacted with a retinoic acid signaling pathway agonist and a FGFR pathway inhibitor to generate pancreatic endoderm (PE) cells (e.g., with dorsal identity). In other embodiments, the PE cells are contacted with an ALK5 inhibitor and a Notch inhibitor to generate endocrine cells (e.g., insulin expressing endocrine cells). In certain embodiments, compositions, systems, kits, and methods are provided for generating anterior domain endoderm (ADE) cells.