Illinois, a state nestled in the Midwest of the United States, is renowned not only for its vibrant cities and unique architecture but also as a culinary paradise with a plethora of enticing dishes. If you have the chance to visit Illinois, don’t miss the opportunity to savor the specialties that have made this land famous. Surely, your culinary journey through Illinois will bring you unforgettable experiences.
Chicago-Style Pizza – “Deep-Dish Delight”
When it comes to Illinois, Chicago-style pizza, also known as deep-dish pizza, is a must-mention. The unique feature of this pizza lies in its thick, high crust, forming a “pan” filled with cheese and rich tomato sauce. The crispy crust, combined with melted, rich cheese and sweet and sour tomato sauce, creates a unique and irresistible flavor.
Deep-dish Chicago-style pizza with thick crust and cheesy topping
Unlike regular pizza, Chicago-style pizza is usually eaten with a knife and fork because of its thick and generous filling. This is not just a dish, but also a fascinating culinary experience, reflecting the liberal and generous spirit of Illinoisans. If you are a pizza lover, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy this specialty in Chicago.
Recommended Spots to Enjoy Chicago-Style Pizza
- Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria: One of the most famous Chicago-style pizza places, with a crispy crust and high-quality cheese filling.
- Gino’s East: A long-standing pizzeria with a unique, Chicago-style ambiance.
- Pequod’s Pizza: Famous for its caramelized crust edge, creating a distinctive flavor.
Illinois Apple Pie – The Sweet Taste of America
“As American as apple pie” – this familiar saying partly reflects the status of apple pie in American culinary culture. And Illinois, with its vast apple orchards, is one of the places that makes the best apple pie in the United States. Illinois apple pie typically has a crispy crust, a soft, sweet apple filling, and a fragrant aroma of cinnamon and vanilla.
Classic American apple pie with flaky crust and sweet apple filling
Apple pie is not only a familiar dessert in family meals, but also a meaningful gift for relatives and friends. The sweet taste of Illinois apple pie will warm anyone’s heart, especially on cold winter days.
Tips for Enjoying Illinois Apple Pie
- Apple pie is best enjoyed warm, served with vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of tea.
- You can find apple pie in most bakeries and cafes in Illinois.
- Many families in Illinois have traditional apple pie recipes, try to find out and enjoy them.
Illinois Hamburger – Simple and Delicious
Hamburger is a popular fast food worldwide, but each region has its own way of preparing and enjoying it. Illinois hamburger is not too elaborate in terms of ingredients or preparation, but it offers a distinctive flavor that is hard to mistake.
Juicy hamburger with beef patty, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on a bun
Soft buns, fragrant grilled beef, combined with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and mayonnaise, create a nutritious and flavorful hamburger. Illinois hamburgers are often served with French fries and soft drinks, making for a quick and convenient meal.
Recommended Spots to Enjoy Illinois Hamburger
- Au Cheval: Famous for its “single” and “double” hamburgers, rated as one of the best hamburgers in the United States.
- Kuma’s Corner: A hamburger joint with a unique rock ‘n’ roll style, serving huge hamburgers with various toppings.
- Billy Goat Tavern: A long-standing hamburger joint, famous for its simple yet delicious “cheezborger”.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog – Distinctive Street Flavor
Chicago-style hot dog is a street food not to be missed when visiting Illinois. Unlike regular hot dogs, Chicago-style hot dogs do not use ketchup, but instead use yellow mustard, onions, pickle relish, tomatoes, sport peppers, and celery salt.
With this unique combination, Chicago-style hot dogs offer a harmonious blend of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors, creating a fascinating culinary experience. Chicago-style hot dogs are often sold at street carts, a favorite snack of locals and tourists alike.
Tips for Enjoying Chicago-Style Hot Dog
- Never ask for ketchup when eating a Chicago-style hot dog, it’s a taboo.
- Try enjoying a Chicago-style hot dog while strolling down the street, you will feel the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
- If you can’t handle spice, ask for less sport peppers.
Conclusion
Illinois is not only a state rich in history and culture but also an attractive destination with unique culinary specialties. From deep-dish Chicago-style pizza, sweet apple pie, delicious hamburgers to flavorful street-style Chicago hot dogs, Illinois cuisine will conquer any food lover. Come and experience it, you won’t be disappointed!