St. Louis cuisine

St. Louis cuisine refers to the culinary culture and dishes that are unique to or originated from the St. Louis, Missouri region of the United States. The city's culinary scene is characterized by a mix of influences from various immigrant groups, including Italian, German, and French, as well as traditional Southern and Midwestern fare.

History

St. Louis' culinary history is deeply intertwined with its broader history as a hub of migration and trade. The city's location on the Mississippi River made it a key point of convergence for people from various cultural backgrounds, each bringing their unique culinary traditions. This has resulted in a rich and diverse food culture that continues to evolve today.

Signature Dishes

Several dishes and food items are closely associated with St. Louis cuisine. These include:

• St. Louis-style pizza: Known for its thin, cracker-like crust and use of Provel cheese, a processed cheese blend that is not widely used outside the St. Louis area.
• Toasted ravioli: A popular appetizer in St. Louis, these are breaded and deep-fried ravioli, usually served with marinara sauce.
• Gooey butter cake: A type of cake that is very rich and sweet, with a gooey, buttery filling on a dense cake base.
• St. Louis-style barbecue: Characterized by the use of pork steaks, which are grilled and then slow-cooked over indirect heat with a tomato-based barbecue sauce.

Influence and Recognition

St. Louis cuisine has gained recognition both nationally and internationally. The city's unique dishes and culinary traditions have been featured in various food and travel shows, and St. Louis has been recognized as one of the top food cities in the United States by several publications.

See Also

• Cuisine of the United States
• List of American foods
• List of regional dishes of the United States