Top 10 Culinary Specialties in Chicago

American cuisine? It's among the most appreciated in the world. Many describe it as "junk food," but that's just the tip of the iceberg. To tell you the truth, it's an extremely varied and diversified cuisine: in a single city, you'll find plenty of restaurants of all kinds serving salty, sweet, spicy, vegetarian, vegan food... You have plenty of choice. Today, we're particularly interested in Chicago's cuisine. What does it hide? What are its cult dishes? We'll answer that without further delay!

What to eat in Chicago?

1. The Hot Dog (without ketchup)

Yes, we know, Chicago didn't invent the legendary hot dog. But the city has a particular way of preparing it: without ketchup. This is actually replaced by what's called "relish," a pickle-based recipe that goes well with many dishes. The Chicago-style hot dog is a culinary specialty that pleases everyone, with some fries. It's a typical street food meal, enjoyed at a snack bar after spending a long time visiting the city. After all, who says no to such an appetizing sandwich!

2. The Deep-dish Pizza

The one that was born in the city's kitchens during the 1940s is THE main specialty! It's the pride of the residents and is enjoyed around a family table. Just imagine a pizza more loaded than any you've ever eaten before, more indulgent, where meat and cheese reign supreme. Many people actually like to mix all kinds of cheese to give a unique taste to the dough. It's a hearty dish that, yes, is caloric, but it's good to taste at least once in your life to take a bite of what true happiness is.

3. The Original Rainbow Cone

Like a mini rainbow erected on an ice cream cone, the Original Rainbow Cone catches the eye. It's a little frozen treat that can be enjoyed while walking, while visiting the city's wonders. Its particularity? It's made from five types of ice cream, carefully placed one on top of the other to form an edifice of sweetness: chocolate, strawberry, pistachio, orange, and vanilla. These are generally the most commonly used flavors. And to finish it all off, the ice cream is sprinkled with multicolored sprinkles or chocolate. A real delight!

4. Garrett Popcorn

We talked about ice cream earlier. It's now time for another treat, more singular, to be honored. What goes pop, explodes, and is delicious and crunchy, that we find especially in movie theaters before going to see a film? Yes, it's of course popcorn! Garrett Popcorn is a Chicago staple and is almost more famous than classic popcorn. It comes in different flavors, but the most famous are caramel and cheese, sometimes we even mix the two. Give it a try, you'll thank us later!

5. Chicago Salad

Here's a meal that's a bit healthier than the previous ones. Chicago salad is actually made up of a whole assortment of ingredients that give it an enchanting appearance: hard-boiled eggs; mushrooms; green lettuce; a few tomato slices; diced white ham; and a bit of gruyere. Yes, we agree, it's still a pretty "muscular" recipe for a simple green salad. But you can always ask for it without meat, or without cheese! Nothing beats a good little fresh salad, especially if you're visiting the city in summer!

6. Green Beer

This dish in honor of Saint Patrick's Day catches the eye just by its color. This curious drink that fortunately doesn't contain chlorophyll, made from blonde beer and food coloring, was created to celebrate this holy day that is Saint Patrick's Day. It's said that on that day, bartenders serve it as the drink of the day and customers flock to enjoy it. An American symbol of holidays, here's a nectar that will remain engraved in your memory for a long time.

7. Steakhouses

The city of Chicago is a great specialist in grilled meat. You'll quickly realize this while strolling through the streets: your nostrils won't take long to smell the delicious meat aroma emanating from the kitchens of surrounding restaurants. Dried beef is undoubtedly THE most consumed meat in the region: with vegetables; pasta; potatoes; fries; mashed potatoes... It has this particularity of going with any type of food. From time to time, it's good to treat yourself with a delicious thick piece of meat!

8. Donuts

It's a thousand and one recipes that you'll discover in Illinois: but if there's one that you're sure to find in absolutely every neighborhood, it's the donut. This "sweet donut" covered with a glaze that could melt the sun is practically the very emblem of American sweet treats. Loved by young and old alike, there are so many flavors that you'll easily find your happiness among this list of soft pastries.

9. Grilled Steak Tacos

Chicago is a cosmopolitan city... So much so that cuisines from all horizons meet and mix! The perfect example would be grilled steak tacos, which consists of a ripe avocado, soft and warm taco; as well as vinegar, olive oil and other ingredients, including vegetables. The meat goes very well with the taco, this meal is among the most appreciated in the city, so much so that many restaurants have made it their favorite culinary specialty and their main dish!

10. Burgers

Visiting Chicago means at least once during your stay, enjoying a burger. But be careful, not just any one: a burger where the well-cooked meat has been cooked with love, and where the two round-shaped buns carefully dress it all: accompanied by pickles, onions, lettuce leaves, tomato slices, and a delicious sauce of choice (usually ketchup). Many can't resist the legendary American burger, and in the city of Chicago, you'll have the opportunity to taste different ones each time. The craziest among you will surely try the mythical multi-story burger, similar to a building of food!