Chicago is a popular choice among tourists for several reasons, including food! The cultural diversity in the city makes way for cuisine of all kinds.
They have something for everyone from the east to the west. But with this variety, you might wonder, where should you begin?
Here’s a list of Chicago delicacies you have to try in the city!
Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza
You can’t visit Chicago without trying out the iconic deep-dish pizza. In fact, there are lots of restaurants in the city that serve this as the main course or a side.
Unlike your regular pizza, this deep-dish pizza is popular for its thick crust and thick layers covered with sauce, cheese, and a load of toppings! Think of it like a pie but make it pizza.
Chicago Style Hot Dogs
Chicago follows a unique formula with their hot dogs, creating a bright cartoon-like meal. They usually use a Vienna beef hot dog with mustard instead of ketchup.
You can decide on which toppings you decide, but they usually go for bright ones in anything from green to red. It varies for every store, but it sure does give off the same Chicago-style vibe either way!
Jibarito
The jibarito is one of Chicago’s most iconic foods for a reason. Beyond simply being a Puerto Rican-inspired dish, it’s also a culinary masterpiece that represents cultural diversity well.
It’s a sandwich with shredded beef or thin-cut steak. You can also find them in different meat forms, from poultry to seafood. One thing that makes it unique is the fried and flattened plantains that go in between for an extra kick.
Italian Beef
In Chicago, you can have Italian beef in several ways, enough for people to start a debate about the best way to have it. But despite it being a topic for discussion, it’s a great meal nonetheless, no matter what you serve it with.
Lots of restaurants in Chicago will have their personal rendition of serving Italian beef. In most cases, they serve it in a sandwich, topped with tons of other ingredients that add a pop of color and bring out the true flavor it has to offer.
Shrimp DeJonghe
The shrimp DeJonghe is a recipe that originated in the Windy City as early as the 20th century. It’s perfect for people looking for a seafood mix with a hint of something else. In this case, it’s Italian!
The dish is comparable to a simple casserole. The key to finding the perfect one is putting the right ingredients together. So, take your time to explore the city to find different versions of this dish.
Saganaki
Cheese offers lots of health benefits as it is, but have you ever wondered what it’s like to have it alone as a meal? That’s the saganaki.
Chicago is home to the flaming saganaki. The unique Greek appetizer is literally just a platter of fried cheese, but it brings out flavors you might be surprised to find out.
