Chicago is famous for a lot of things – deep dish pizza, the Chicago Bears, and its iconic skyline, to name a few. But there’s one beloved food item that stands above the rest: the hot dog. Chicago-style hot dogs are a point of pride for the city, and locals and visitors alike can’t get enough of them.
But what exactly makes a Chicago-style hot dog so special? From the toppings to the type of sausage used, there are a few key elements that set these hot dogs apart from the rest. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Chicago-style hot dogs so unique and dive into some of the best spots in the city to grab one for yourself.
The origin of Chicago-style hot dogs
Chicago-style hot dogs are a beloved local icon that features a distinct combination of toppings on top of an all-beef frankfurter. While the origin of the hot dog itself is debated, Chicago’s version is believed to have been invented in the city’s street-side hot dog stands in the 1920s. The hot dog quickly became a staple food in Chicago’s working-class neighborhoods, and the traditional Chicago-style hot dog has remained popular ever since.
The distinctive flavor profile of a Chicago-style hot dog largely comes from its combination of toppings. Toppings include yellow mustard, bright green relish, chopped onions, tomato slices, a dill pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt piled high on a poppy seed bun. The unique combination of flavors creates the perfect sweet, salty, and savory taste that has made the Chicago-style hot dog a beloved food icon for over a century.
Ingredients and toppings found on classic Chicago-style hot dogs
Chicago-style hot dogs are a must-have when visiting the Windy City. This quintessential hot dog is uniquely topped with a variety of ingredients, thereby creating a flavor explosion in every bite. The classic Chicago-style hot dog is made with an all-beef frankfurter that is boiled or steamed to perfection.
But what makes it stand out from any regular hot dog is the toppings. The traditional toppings include yellow mustard, salted diced onions, a bright-green sweet pickle relish, dill pickle spear, fresh tomato slices, and a dash of celery salt. A steamed poppy-seed bun is then used to hold the sausage and the toppings, giving a perfect blend of flavors and textures to the taste buds. It is topped off with a sport pepper (a small pickled pepper) and a sprinkle of celery salt, making it a true Chicago-style hot dog.
Regional variations: How Chicago-style hot dogs differ across the city
When it comes to hot dogs, Chicago is famous for its unique style of preparation that has become a hallmark of the city’s culinary scene. However, even within Chicago, there are regional variations that distinguish one hot dog stand from another.
One of the primary differences amongst Chicago-style hot dogs is the toppings used. While some places stick to the classic condiments of yellow mustard, relish, chopped onions, tomato wedges, pickle spears, hot peppers, and celery salt, others may add additional toppings like sauerkraut, bacon bits, or even cheese. Additionally, the type of hot dog used can vary, with some favoring all-beef franks while others may use a pork/beef blend or even vegetarian options. These regional variations may seem small but are enough to create a unique taste and experience for each hot dog stand in Chicago.
The best places to find authentic Chicago-style hot dogs
If you’re in Chicago, you can’t leave without trying an authentic Chicago-style hot dog. There are a few places that are considered the best for serving up these delicious dogs. One of the top spots is Superdawg, which has been a staple in the city since 1948. Their hot dogs are dressed with all the classic condiments, including mustard, onions, relish, and a big dill pickle spear on top.
Another great place to find authentic Chicago-style hot dogs is Portillo’s. This chain has multiple locations throughout the Chicagoland area and is known for their delicious beef sandwiches, but their hot dogs are also a must-try. Their dogs are made with Vienna beef and are topped with mustard, relish, onions, sliced tomatoes, a pickle spear, and celery salt. These two places are just a few of the many great options for finding an authentic Chicago-style hot dog in the Windy City.
Vegetarian and vegan options for Chicago-style hot dogs
Chicago-style hot dogs are ubiquitous in the Windy City. These hot dogs have a well-established recipe that includes mustard, neon green pickle relish, chopped onions, tomato wedges, a pickle spear, sport peppers and celery salt, all nestled comfortably in a steamed poppy seed bun. But what about vegetarians and vegans who want to enjoy the Chicago-style hot dog experience? Fortunately, several restaurants now offer vegetarian and vegan options for this all-American dish.
One popular vegan option is the “Chicago Dog” at The Chicago Diner. This version replaces the meat with a house-made carrot and seitan dog, and also includes the usual toppings like onions, pickle, relish and mustard. Similarly, Weiner Circle has a vegetarian option that uses a veggie dog instead of a meat-based one, while Superdawg also offers veggie dogs on their menu. With these delicious plant-based versions of Chicago-style hot dogs, vegetarians and vegans don’t have to miss out on one of Chicago’s signature dishes!
The cultural significance of the Chicago-style hot dog
The Chicago-style hot dog is not just another meal in Chicago, it’s a cultural icon. This is because it’s not just about the taste, it’s about the way the hot dog is prepared and served. The famous Chicago-style hot dog is usually made from a beef sausage on a sesame seed bun and topped with yellow mustard, chopped onions, green relish, a pickle spear, tomato slices, hot peppers, and celery salt.
The toppings on the Chicago-style hot dog are a nod to the diversity and history of the city. The green relish, for example, is a reference to the city’s Irish heritage while the pickle spear represents the German influence. All these ingredients make the hot dog unique and special, and it truly reflects the city of Chicago. This is why Chicagoans take pride in their beloved hot dog, and it has become a symbol of the city’s culture and heritage.
Hot dog etiquette: How to order and eat a Chicago-style hot dog like a local
If you’re visiting Chicago for the first time, ordering and eating a Chicago-style hot dog can seem like a daunting task. But fear not, with some simple rules to follow, you can enjoy the iconic hot dog just like a local. Firstly, never put ketchup on your hot dog! This is a strict no-no in Chicago and is considered sacrilege. Instead, cover your hot dog with yellow mustard, pickle relish, chopped onions, sliced tomatoes, pickled sport peppers, and celery salt.
Next, take a bite of the hot dog without removing any of the toppings. This ensures that you get a perfect flavor profile in each bite. And finally, be prepared to eat your hot dog standing up. Most hot dog stands don’t have seating, and locals prefer to consume their dogs while standing on the street corner. Follow these tips and enjoy the true Chicago-style hot dog experience.
Wrapping Up
Chicago-style hot dogs are the epitome of the American street food scene. These iconic hot dogs are loaded with a variety of toppings, giving them a unique taste that is sure to satisfy any appetite. It’s no surprise that they have become an essential part of Chicago’s cuisine and culture.
The versatility of the Chicago-style hot dog is its greatest strength. From classic street corner vendors to gourmet restaurants, people across the city use their creativity to make the perfect hot dog that caters to everyone’s taste buds. Whether it’s a Chicagoan or a tourist visiting the city, no one can resist the deliciousness of a well-made Chicago-style hot dog. So, if you’re in Chicago, make sure to grab a hot dog and experience the city’s culinary delight!