Top 10 culinary specialities in Chicago

American cuisine? It’s one of the best-loved in the world, and 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 one and the same city, you’ll find plenty of restaurants of all kinds: serving salty, sweet, spicy, vegetarian, vegan food… You’ve got plenty of choice. Today, we’re taking a closer look at Chicago cuisine? What’s behind it? What are its cult dishes? We’d like to give you the answers without further ado!

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 very special way of preparing it: without ketchup. Instead, the ketchup is replaced by what’s known as ‘relish’, a gherkin-based recipe that goes well with many dishes. The Chicago-style hot dog is a culinary speciality that appeals to everyone, with a few chips. It’s a typical street-food meal, to be enjoyed in a snack bar after spending a long time touring the city. After all, you can’t say no to such an appetising sandwich!

2. Deep-dish Pizza

This pizza, which originated in the city’s kitchens in the 1940s, is THE main speciality! It’s the pride and joy of the local population, and is best enjoyed around the family dinner table. Just imagine a pizza with more toppings than you’ve ever had before, a more gourmet pizza, where meat and cheese are king. Many people like to mix a whole lot of cheese together to give the dough a unique flavour. It’s a hearty dish, admittedly high in calories, but it’s worth trying at least once in your life to get a taste of what true happiness is all about.

3. The Original Rainbow Cone

Resembling a mini rainbow on an ice cream cone, the Rainbow Cone Original is a real eye-catcher. It’s an icy treat that can be enjoyed on the move, while you visit the city’s wonders. What makes it special? 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 flavours that are used most often. And to finish it all off, the ice cream is sprinkled with multicoloured glitter or chocolate. A real delight!

4. Pop-Corn Garret

We mentioned ice cream earlier. Now it’s the turn of another, more unusual sweet to take centre stage. What’s pop, what’s exploding, what’s delicious and crunchy, and what do you find in cinemas before going to the movies? Yes, of course it’s the popcorn! Garret popcorn is a Chicago staple and is almost more famous than classic popcorn. It comes in a variety of flavours, but the most famous are caramel and cheese, and sometimes the two are even mixed together. Give it a try and let us know how you like it!

5. Chicago Salad

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

6. Green beer

This dish in honour of St Patrick’s Day is an eye-catcher for its colour alone. This curious drink, which fortunately contains no chlorophyll and is made from lager and colouring agent, was created to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. It is said that on this day, barmen serve it as the drink of the day and customers flock to enjoy it. An American symbol of the holidays, this is a nectar that will live long in your memory.

7. Steakhouses

Chicago is a great specialist in grilled meat. You’ll soon realise this as you stroll through the streets: it won’t be long before your nostrils catch the delicious smell of meat emanating from the kitchens of the surrounding restaurants. Beef jerky is undoubtedly THE most eaten meat in the region: with vegetables; pasta; potatoes; chips; mashed potatoes… It has the particularity of going with any type of food. From time to time, it’s a good idea to treat yourself to a delicious thick piece of meat!

8. Donuts

There’s a thousand and one recipes you’ll discover in Illinois: but if there’s one you’re sure to find in absolutely every neighbourhood, it’s the donut. This “sweet doughnut” covered in a sun-melting glaze is almost the very emblem of American sweet treats. Loved by young and old alike, there are so many flavours that you’ll easily find what you’re looking for in this list of soft pastries.

9. Grilled Steak Tacos

Chicago is a cosmopolitan city… so much so that cuisines from all over the world meet and mingle! The perfect example would be the grilled steak taco, which is made with a ripe avocado, a soft, warm taco, vinegar, olive oil and other ingredients, especially vegetables. Because the meat goes so well with the tacos, this is one of the city’s most popular meals, so much so that many restaurants have made it their favourite culinary speciality and their main dish!

10. Burgers

Visiting Chicago means sampling a burger at least once during your stay. But not just any burger: a burger where the well-cooked meat has been cooked with love, and where the two round buns are carefully dressed: accompanied by gherkins, onions, salad leaves, slices of tomato, and a delicious sauce of your choice (usually ketchup). Many people can’t resist the legendary American burger, and in the city of Chicago you’ll have the chance to try a different one every time. The craziest among you will surely try the mythical multi-storey burger, similar to a food building!