Chicago, often referred to as the "Windy City," stands tall not just for its impressive skyline but also for its rich and diverse culinary scene. This vibrant metropolis is a gastronomic paradise that caters to every palate, making it an absolute must-visit for food enthusiasts across the globe.
Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply looking for a taste adventure, Chicago's smorgasbord of iconic dishes promises a culinary experience that will leave you craving more.
1. Deep Dish Pizza
Deep-dish pizza, a culinary icon of Chicago, is an absolute must-try for anyone visiting the city. Its distinctiveness talked about in Chicago vacation summaries around the world, lies in its thick, buttery crust and the exceptional stretch of its cheese- a hearty meal in just one slice!
Deciding where to try the best Chicago deep-dish pizza can be a subject of spirited debate among locals. Pizzeria Uno, the birthplace of the original deep-dish pizza, is a classic choice, but Lou Malnati's Pizzeria is also a beloved spot among locals famed for its zesty tomato sauce.
Other notable mentions for outstanding deep-dish pizzas include Giordano's, known for its stuffed pizzas, Pequod's Pizza with its caramelized crust and Burt's Place, which offers a unique pan-style pizza.
2. Chicago Style Hot Dog
Streetside food carts are always a good option for immersing yourself in a city’s culinary landscape. They often tell the city's history with recipes that go back generations. The history of the Chicago Dog is as rich as its flavor profile. The poppy seed bun has Polish roots, while the beef frankfurter is a nod to the Austro-Hungarian immigrants who established the Vienna Beef Company. The dish's popularity skyrocketed during the Great Depression providing an affordable yet delicious meal to this day.
Known for its unique combination of flavors, this beloved dish starts with a steamed poppy seed bun cradling a boiled all-beef frankfurter. What sets it apart are the seven traditional toppings: yellow mustard, tomato wedges, a dill pickle spear, spicy sport peppers, neon green sweet pickle relish, chopped white onions and a finishing sprinkle of celery salt.
Unlike Boston's famed Fenway Frank, you don't have to be at a baseball game to savor a Chicago Dog. Some popular spots to enjoy this local favorite include Flub A Dub Chub's in Lakeview, Superdawg on the Northwest side, Chicago's Dog House in Lincoln Park and the widely loved Portillo's, which has multiple locations across the city.
3. Chicago Mix Popcorn
The renowned Garrett Mix, also known as the ‘Chicago Mix,’ is an iconic popcorn blend from the Windy City. It's a mouth-watering combination of cheese and caramel popcorn that has become a signature offering at Garrett Popcorn Shops, an iconic foodie stop for visitors in Chicago.
The people have spoken! The inception of this delectable mix was serendipitous. The proprietors of Garrett Popcorn Shops noticed that customers were combining their CaramelCrisp and CheeseCorn flavors into a single bag to savor both tastes simultaneously. Recognizing the popularity of this flavor fusion, it wasn't long before Garrett decided to officially incorporate the mix into their menu.
Today, this distinctive blend of sweet and savory popcorn has become the star attraction at Garrett locations. The Garrett Mix has not only delighted local taste buds but has also gained recognition as a quintessential Chicago snack.
4. Italian Beef Sandwich
The Italian Beef Sandwich holds a spot of honor in Chicago's rich culinary tapestry. This iconic sandwich, steeped in the city's Italian history, is a must-try for anyone visiting the Windy City. The sandwich is traditionally made with thinly sliced, seasoned roast beef that is simmered and served au jus on a long Italian roll. The origins of this mouthwatering delicacy can be traced back to Al Ferrari's stand in Little Italy.
For those seeking the best Italian Beef Sandwich in Chicago, there are numerous acclaimed establishments to choose from. Al's #1 Italian Beef and Johnnie's Beef are hot spots for locals, offering a classic rendition of the sandwich.
Other notable spots include Scatchell's, Portillo's, Buona Beef, Odge’s, Budacki's Drive-In, Bari Foods, Tony's Italian Beef, Mr. Beef, Ciccio Italian Beef and Roma's Italian Beef, with each venue putting its unique spin on the dish.
5. Chicago BBQ
Sauced-up and smoked meats may not be the first thing to come to mind for a quintessential Chicago meal, but the city has built its cult following around a bespoke recipe.
One of its defining characteristics is the use of an aquarium smoker, a distinctive type particularly suited to Chicago's colder winter months. Chicago BBQ also focuses on two specific cuts: spicy, coarsely ground sausages known as hot links and rib tips. These cuts have their roots in the South Side industry and black entrepreneurship of the 20th century.
Chicago BBQ also offers a variety of styles, including Delta style, smokeless roast, digital and fusion barbecue. The sauces used in Chicago BBQ often have a tomato base, with a sweetness from ingredients like ketchup and molasses, followed by bespoke spice blends.
For visitors to the city looking for the best places to try authentic Chicago BBQ, the South Side is a great place to start, as it's home to many establishments specializing in the local style. Try Soul & Smoke at Avondale of the River, run by a native South Side chef!
6. Chorizo Stuffed Dates
Chorizo Stuffed Dates are a delightful blend of sweet, smoky and savory flavors, typically made by stuffing dates with chorizo sausage and often wrapped in bacon.
This dish is believed to have been popularized by Perry Hendrix, the chef de cuisine at the acclaimed restaurant Avec in Chicago. His recipe for Chorizo-Stuffed Dates with Piquillo Pepper Sauce has been lauded for its intensely flavored mouthfuls that hit all the right notes.
The Spanish influence on this dish is evidenced by the use of a particular blend of chorizo, a type of pork sausage originating from Spain. Sweet and salty appetizer perfectly represents the cultural exchange between Spain and the Americas, deeply influencing cuisines on both sides of the Atlantic.
7. Palmer House Chocolate Brownie
A little-known fact, possibly one that will enamor you to the Windy City even more, the brownie was invented in Chicago. That’s right, the dessert beloved across America and beyond traces its origins back to the Palmer House in Chicago. It was here in 1893 that this sweet treat was first created, specifically designed to be easily portable for women attending the World's Fair.
This culinary innovation quickly captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many, making it one of the most cherished desserts in America. If you're ever in Chicago, visiting the Palmer House Hotel is a must. Here, you can indulge in the original version of the dessert, complete with walnuts and take a few home as a memory of Chicago's rich food history.
From the world-renowned deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati's to the iconic Chicago-style hot dog at Portillo's, the city's food scene is as diverse as its architecture and culture. Add to this mix the famous Italian beef sandwiches, the unique "Chicago Mix" popcorn from Garrett Popcorn and the unforgettable Rainbow Cone and you've got an epicurean journey that transcends the ordinary.
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