St. Louis is a city that offers a unique blend of culture and cuisine. The city is known for its diverse food scene, with a wide variety of cuisines available to suit every taste and preference. From traditional American fare to international delicacies, St. Louis has something for everyone.
St. Louis is also known for its distinct culinary traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. The city’s culinary heritage is rich and varied, reflected in popular dishes like toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, and St. Louis-style pizza. In this article, we will delve deeper into the food culture of St. Louis and explore the iconic dishes that make the city’s food scene so unique.
The History of St. Louis Cuisine: A Journey Through Time
St. Louis cuisine has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century when European settlers first landed in the city. As the city grew, so did its culinary scene, with new dishes blending with old favorites to create a unique cuisine that reflects the city’s diverse population.
Some of the city’s earliest dishes were influenced by the French, who brought with them dishes such as salade Nicoise, escargots, and floating islands. Native American dishes such as succotash and cornbread also became part of the city’s culinary fabric. Over time, new dishes were introduced, including toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, and a variety of barbecue styles, making St. Louis a food destination known for its unique and memorable dishes.
The Iconic Gateway Dish: St. Louis-Style Pizza
St. Louis-style pizza is a distinct pizza variant that is an iconic dish of the city. It is characterized by its cracker-thin crust, sweet tomato sauce, and the use of Provel cheese, which is a combination of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone. This blend of cheese gives the pizza a unique flavor and texture that cannot be found in other types of pizza. The crust of St. Louis-style pizza is so thin that it is often described as crispy and crunchy, making it a favorite among pizza enthusiasts.
The origins of St. Louis-style pizza can be traced back to the 1940s when Italian immigrants in the city started experimenting with various pizza toppings and crust recipes. The popularity of the pizza eventually spread throughout the city, and today, it is a staple dish that can be found in almost every corner of St. Louis. Whether you prefer traditional toppings like pepperoni and mushrooms or unconventional toppings such as barbecue sauce or shrimp, St. Louis-style pizza is a must-try dish that perfectly represents the culinary heritage of the city.
Meat Lovers Paradise: St. Louis’ Famous Barbecue
When it comes to barbeque, St. Louis is a meat lover’s paradise. The city is home to some of the finest and most renowned BBQ joints in the country, and has a long-standing BBQ tradition that can be traced back several decades. The secret behind St. Louis’ famous BBQ lies in the unique blend of spices and sauces that are used to flavor the meat. From slow-smoked ribs to juicy pulled pork, the BBQ here is cooked to perfection and served with a variety of traditional side dishes like coleslaw, mac and cheese, and cornbread.
One of the most iconic BBQ joints in St. Louis is Pappy’s Smokehouse, which has been serving up award-winning BBQ since 2008. Their smoked brisket, ribs, and pulled pork are some of the finest in the city, alongside their range of homemade sauces and sides. Other popular St. Louis BBQ spots include Sugarfire Smoke House, Bogart’s Smokehouse, and Salt + Smoke, each with their unique take on BBQ and their loyal following of meat-loving fans. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a visitor to the city, no trip to St. Louis is complete without sampling the city’s famous BBQ.
Exploring the Flavorful World of Gooey Butter Cake
St Louisans swear by Gooey Butter Cake, a sweet indulgence that’s quintessentially synonymous with their hometown. This cake is derived from a German coffee cake that used to be made with yeast dough. However, in the 1930s, a local baker misinterpreted the recipe and ended up using the wrong type of ingredients, leading to the creation of a new type of cake – the Gooey Butter Cake. A cake so rich and gooey that it bears the city’s name and has managed to preserve its popularity over the years.
The Gooey Butter Cake is prepared using flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, which results in a dense, almost fudgy cake that’s rich and chewy at the same time. The cake’s irresistible texture and taste make it the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. And with the variations and unique flavors that St Louis bakers have added to the recipe over the years, from chocolate Gooey Butter Cakes to Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cakes, you’ll never get tired of exploring the flavorful world of Gooey Butter Cakes.
Local Favorites: Unique St. Louis Foods You Must Try
When it comes to local favorites and unique St. Louis foods, there are several dishes that cannot be missed. One of the most iconic is the St. Louis-style pizza, which features a thin crust and a unique Provel cheese blend. This cheese, a combination of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone, is a local creation that is rarely found outside of the St. Louis area. For those who love gooey, cheesy pizza, this is a must-try.
Another popular St. Louis dish is the toasted ravioli, which is exactly what it sounds like – ravioli that has been breaded and deep-fried until crispy. This savory snack is often served with marinara sauce for dipping and is a staple at restaurants throughout the city. If you’re looking to try something truly unique, you may also want to sample the “gooey butter cake”. This dense, sweet treat is made with butter, cream cheese, and cake mix and is a must-have when visiting St. Louis.
From Soulard Market to The Hill: Where to Find the Best Food in St. Louis
St. Louis is home to a plethora of amazing food options thanks to its diverse cultural influences and vibrant culinary scene. No visit to the city would be complete without sampling some of the best food it has to offer. From the world-famous barbecue to unique pizza styles and Italian specialties, St. Louis has something for everyone.
For the ultimate foodie experience, be sure to visit Soulard Market, one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the country. Here, you can enjoy fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods from local vendors. Another must-visit area is The Hill, known for its authentic Italian cuisine, including toasted ravioli, provel cheese, and famous St. Louis-style pizza. No matter where you go, you’re sure to find delicious food in St. Louis.
Pairing Food and Fun: Best Food Festivals in St. Louis
St. Louis is well-known for its vibrant food festival scene, which has something to offer to everyone. With a variety of events throughout the year, from music festivals to craft breweries, St. Louis has become a hub for food lovers. The St. Louis Food and Wine Experience is one such festival, offering food and drinks from over 30 countries. The event takes place in January and is known for its endless wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, and live music performances.
In the summer, the Taste of St. Louis festival is held downtown and is the perfect place to indulge in local cuisine. The festival features food from over 40 St. Louis restaurants, including dishes like barbecue, sushi, and pizza. Additionally, there are live cooking demonstrations, cocktail competitions, and live entertainment. No matter the time of year, St. Louis has a delicious food festival to attend.
Final Verdict
St. Louis is a city with a rich culinary history that has been influenced by the mix of cultures that have made this city their home over the years. From delicacies like toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake to classic dishes like crispy fried chicken and exquisite barbecue, St. Louis has a lot to offer to the food-loving community.
The city is a melting pot of diverse food options with a unique St. Louis touch and has become a paradise for any food lover. So, if you’re looking to indulge in some of the best comfort foods, St. Louis is the place to be.