Chicago is known for its diverse and delicious food scene. Some of the city’s most popular cuisines include deep dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and hot dogs with all the toppings.
Deep dish pizza, also known as Chicago-style pizza, is a thick and hearty pizza with a crust that is about an inch deep, topped with cheese, meat, and vegetables. Some of the most famous pizza places in Chicago are Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s and Gino’s East.
Italian beef sandwiches are another Chicago staple. They are made with thin slices of roast beef that is cooked in a flavorful broth and served on a crusty Italian roll with giardiniera (a mix of pickled vegetables) and/or sweet peppers. Some of the most famous Italian beef places in Chicago are Al’s Italian Beef, Mr. Beef and Portillo’s.
Chicago-style hot dogs are a must-try for any food lover visiting the city. They are typically made with a beef frankfurter on a poppy seed bun, topped with yellow mustard, chopped onions, sliced tomatoes, pickle spears, sport peppers and a dash of celery salt. Some of the most famous hot dog places in Chicago are Gene & Jude’s, Superdawg and Hot Doug’s.
In addition to these classic Chicago dishes, the city also boasts a vibrant food scene featuring an array of international cuisines, including Mexican, Chinese, Korean, and Ethiopian. Some of the best places to find these cuisines in Chicago are Pilsen, Little Village and Devon Ave.
Overall, Chicago offers something for every taste, from classic comfort foods to exotic flavors, and is a great place to explore the delicious food scene.
Food Festivals
Chicago is also home to many food festivals throughout the year, showcasing the city’s diverse culinary scene. Some popular food festivals include:
- Taste of Chicago: This is one of the largest food festivals in the country, held annually in Grant Park. It features food from some of the city’s most popular restaurants, as well as live music and other entertainment.
- Chicago Gourmet: This festival is held annually in Millennium Park and features tastings from top chefs, sommeliers and mixologists from around the world. It also includes cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and other culinary-themed events.
- Chicago Food Truck Fest: This festival features a variety of food trucks from around the city, offering a wide range of cuisines and dishes. It’s usually held in different locations throughout the city during the summer months.
- Chicago Pizza Fest: As the name suggests, this festival is dedicated to celebrating the city’s famous deep-dish pizza. It features pizza from some of the city’s top pizzerias, as well as live music and other entertainment.
- Chicago Hot Dog Fest: This festival is held annually in Lincoln Park and celebrates Chicago’s famous hot dogs. It features hot dogs from some of the city’s top hot dog stands, as well as live music and other entertainment.
These are just a few examples, Chicago has many food festivals throughout the year, celebrating different cuisines, cultures and ingredients.
Travel Foodie 