Cuisine of Chicago

Cuisine of Chicago refers to the culinary traditions and unique dishes found in the city of Chicago, Illinois. The city's diverse cultural history and location in the Midwest have contributed to a rich and varied food scene.

History

Chicago's culinary history dates back to its founding in the 19th century. The city's location on the shores of Lake Michigan and its position as a hub for the railroad industry made it a melting pot of different cultures and cuisines. Early influences included the food traditions of the city's Irish, German, and Polish immigrants.

Signature Dishes

Chicago-Style Pizza

Chicago-style pizza is a deep-dish pizza characterized by a thick, buttery crust, chunky tomato sauce, and copious amounts of cheese. The pizza is typically baked in a round, steel pan that is more similar to a cake or pie pan than a typical pizza pan. The crust is covered with cheese, followed by various fillings like sausage, mushrooms, and green peppers, and then topped with a layer of tomato sauce.

Chicago-Style Hot Dog

The Chicago-style hot dog is a steamed or boiled all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun, topped with yellow mustard, bright green relish, chopped onions, tomato wedges, a pickle spear, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. The complete assembly of a Chicago hot dog is said to be "dragged through the garden" due to the many toppings.

Italian Beef

Italian beef is a sandwich of thin slices of seasoned roast beef, dripping with meat juices, on a dense, long Italian-style roll. The sandwich is often garnished with Chicago-style giardiniera (called "hot") or sauteed, green Italian sweet peppers (called "sweet").

Influence and Impact

The cuisine of Chicago has had a significant impact on the broader culinary scene in the United States. Chicago-style pizza and hot dogs have become popular nationwide, and the city is frequently cited as one of the best food cities in the country.

See Also

• Culture of Chicago
• History of Chicago
• List of American foods