Chicago: The Ultimate Foodie Destination
Chicago is famous for many things: its architecture, sports teams, and museums, to name a few. But if there is one thing that is synonymous with the city, it’s food. From deep dish pizza to hot dogs, Chicago has a culinary scene that rivals any major city in the world. In this post, we will explore some of the most famous classic Chicago foods and what makes them so special.
Deep Dish Pizza: The Iconic Chicago Dish
When you think of pizza, the first thing that comes to mind is likely a thin, crispy crust with tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings. However, in Chicago, pizza is a completely different experience. Deep dish pizza is a thick, buttery crust that is packed with cheese and toppings, and then filled with a layer of tomato sauce on top. The pizza is so thick that it’s served in slices, almost like a piece of pie.
The debate over the best deep dish pizza in Chicago is a never-ending one, but some of the most popular spots include Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, and Pizzeria Uno. One thing is for sure: if you haven’t tried deep dish pizza in Chicago, you’re missing out on a culinary experience unlike any other.
As noted in the data, “first-time visitors’ travel to Chicago and are awed by our unique and flavorful pizza scene.” Of Chicago’s top-ranked 10-pizzas on Yelp, not a single is thin crust.
Chicago-Style Hot Dogs: A Classic Street Food
Another quintessential Chicago food is the hot dog. However, the Chicago-style hot dog is more than just a simple sausage in a bun with ketchup and mustard. A true Chicago-style hot dog is topped with an array of ingredients, including mustard, chopped onions, tomato wedges, neon green relish, a dill pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. Most importantly, the Chicago-style hot dog is served on a poppy seed bun.
Hot dogs are found in numerous locations throughout the Windy City, from street vendors to classic diners. In fact, Chicago residents consume over 18 million hot dogs a year, according to the Vienna Beef Company.
Italian Beef: The Underdog of Chicago Foods
While deep dish pizza and hot dogs may get all the attention, Italian beef is a classic Chicago food that can’t be missed. Italian beef is thinly sliced, slow-cooked beef that is served on a long roll and topped with giardiniera, a pickled vegetable mixture. The sandwich can be served “wet” with gravy or “dipped” in the gravy for extra flavor.
There are many places to find Italian beef in Chicago, but some of the most popular spots include Portillo’s, Al’s Beef, and Mr. Beef. The popularity of the sandwich has even spread beyond Chicago, with Italian beef being served in other cities across the country.
It’s worth noting that even with Italian Beef, there is room for variance. Some Chicagoans put gravy on both sides of the bun, while others prefer an avalanche of giardiniera.
Chicago Mix Popcorn: A Sweet and Salty Snack
Chicago Mix popcorn, also known as Garretts mix, is the perfect blend of sweet and salty. The popcorn is a combination of classic caramel corn and cheese popcorn, and is a popular snack throughout the city. Garrett Popcorn Shops is the most popular spot to find Chicago Mix, with locations found throughout the city.
One of the reasons for the popularity of the snack is the unique combination of flavors. The cheese popcorn is savory, while the caramel popcorn is sweet, making for a perfect combination. Chicago Mix popcorn is often enjoyed as a snack while watching sporting events or at the movies.
The Chicago Culinary Scene: A Coming Together
While these foods are some of the most famous in Chicago, the city’s culinary scene is much more than just deep dish pizza and hot dogs. With a diverse population and thriving restaurant scene, Chicago has become a foodie destination in recent years. From fine dining to street food, there is something for everyone in the city. Chicagoans, knowing the local claim of best pizza is always being debated, “mentioning all the amazing and critically acclaimed restaurants throughout the city is an easy task–dozens of River North, West Loop spots–but also the diverse food found in neighborhoods like Devon, Pilsen, and Chinatown,” emphasizes the ChooseChicago article.
In conclusion, Chicago is a food lover’s paradise. From deep dish pizza to Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef to Chicago Mix popcorn, the city has something for every type of foodie. The culinary scene in Chicago continues to grow and evolve, making it a must-visit destination for any food lover. So come visit and indulge in the flavors of the city.
