13 Iconic Chicago Dishes You Have to Try

When it comes to iconic food, Chicago knows how to deliver. From deep-dish pizza to juicy Italian beef sandwiches, the city is packed with bold flavors and culinary heritage. Whether you’re visiting or a local, you can’t leave without indulging in these must-try dishes. Each bite offers a taste of history, culture, and a little Chicago magic.

Deep-Dish Pizza

Chicago’s deep-dish pizza is world-famous for its thick, buttery crust, layers of gooey cheese, and rich tomato sauce. To make it at home, start by mixing flour, water, yeast, and olive oil to form a dough, then let it rise. Roll the dough and press it into a deep-dish pan, ensuring it goes up the sides. Layer mozzarella cheese at the bottom, followed by your favorite toppings like pepperoni, sausage, or vegetables. Pour a generous amount of tomato sauce on top, sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake at 425°F for 30-40 minutes until the crust is golden. Let it cool slightly before slicing.

Italian Beef Sandwich

This classic Chicago sandwich is packed with thinly sliced roast beef, soaked in flavorful gravy, and served on a crusty Italian roll. Start by slow-cooking a beef roast with garlic, Italian seasoning, and beef broth until it’s tender enough to shred. Slice the beef thinly and let it soak in its juices. Pile the beef onto a roll, add spicy giardiniera or sweet peppers for that signature Chicago heat, and dip the whole sandwich in the gravy before serving. This juicy, savory sandwich is the ultimate comfort food.

Chicago-Style Hot Dog

A true Chicago-style hot dog is all about the toppings and the poppy seed bun. Boil or steam all-beef hot dogs until they’re juicy, then nestle them into soft poppy seed buns. Add yellow mustard, neon green relish, chopped onions, tomato wedges, sport peppers, a dill pickle spear, and a dash of celery salt. Whatever you do, never add ketchup! This hot dog is an explosion of flavors and textures that capture the heart of Chicago’s street food culture.

Garrett Mix Popcorn

Chicago’s Garrett Mix Popcorn is an addictive blend of caramel corn and cheddar cheese popcorn, combining sweet and savory in every bite. To make it at home, pop fresh popcorn and toss half with melted butter and cheddar cheese powder until coated. For the caramel portion, simmer sugar, butter, and a little corn syrup until golden brown, then pour it over the other half of the popcorn. Once cooled, mix the two together for a treat that’s hard to resist and a staple at any Chicago gathering.

Jibarito Sandwich

The jibarito is a unique Chicago creation made with fried plantains instead of bread. To make this flavorful sandwich, start by frying thin slices of green plantains until golden. Flatten them and fry again for a crispy base. Fill the sandwich with slices of steak or pork, garlic mayo, lettuce, tomato, and cheese. The contrast of crispy plantains and savory fillings makes the jibarito a Chicago favorite.

Maxwell Street Polish

The Maxwell Street Polish sausage is a grilled delight, served with onions, yellow mustard, and sport peppers. Start by grilling or pan-frying a Polish sausage until charred and juicy. Place it in a bun and top with caramelized onions that have been cooked slowly in butter. Add yellow mustard and sport peppers for that perfect Chicago kick. This street food classic is best served hot and fresh off the grill.

Pizza Puff

A Chicago staple, the pizza puff is a deep-fried pocket filled with mozzarella cheese, Italian sausage, and marinara sauce. To recreate it at home, roll out pizza dough and fill it with a mixture of cooked sausage, shredded mozzarella, and marinara. Fold the dough into a pocket, seal the edges, and deep fry until golden brown and crispy. Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy this indulgent, portable snack.

Shrimp DeJonghe

Shrimp DeJonghe is a Chicago original, featuring shrimp baked in a garlicky, buttery breadcrumb mixture. To make it, sauté shrimp in butter and garlic, then toss with breadcrumbs, parsley, and a dash of white wine. Layer the shrimp in a baking dish, cover with more breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes until golden. The result is a rich, buttery dish that melts in your mouth.

Rainbow Cone

The Original Rainbow Cone is a summertime favorite featuring five colorful flavors stacked high. You’ll need chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with cherries and walnuts), pistachio, and orange sherbet ice creams. Scoop each layer onto a cone, making sure the ice creams blend slightly for that signature look. It’s the perfect way to cool down while enjoying a piece of Chicago history.

Gyros

Chicago’s version of the gyro is a hearty mix of sliced lamb, onions, tomatoes, and creamy tzatziki sauce, all stuffed into a warm pita. Start by marinating lamb in garlic, oregano, and olive oil. Grill or roast the meat, then slice it thinly. Warm the pita bread, layer in the lamb, and top with fresh onions, juicy tomatoes, and a generous dollop of tzatziki. This handheld meal is flavorful and satisfying.

Chicago-Style Tamale

Unlike traditional tamales, Chicago-style tamales are wrapped in paper and have a distinct taste. To make, mix cornmeal, beef, and spices into a dough and form it into cylindrical shapes. Steam the tamales until firm, then serve with chili, hot sauce, or as a side to a classic Chicago hot dog. The texture is soft and the flavor slightly sweet, making it a nostalgic snack for many locals.

Char-Dog

The char-dog takes the Chicago-style hot dog to another level by grilling the sausage until it has a crispy, smoky flavor. Start by grilling a beef hot dog over high heat until charred on all sides. Place it in a poppy seed bun and top with mustard, relish, onions, sport peppers, tomato, and celery salt. The combination of the smoky dog and fresh toppings makes this variation a favorite among Chicagoans.

Mother-in-Law Sandwich

The Mother-in-Law Sandwich is a spicy, comforting combo of a tamale served in a hot dog bun and smothered in chili. To make it, place a steamed tamale inside a soft hot dog bun, then ladle on chili made from ground beef, beans, and tomatoes. Top with diced onions and shredded cheese for an extra kick. This unique fusion of flavors is truly one-of-a-kind.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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