Chicago is one of the most beloved parts in the United States, with a larger population than any other American city bar New York and Los Angeles.
This city is ideally located on the southwest coast, and its prominent urban area is complemented by its proximity to Lake Michigan, a major local tourist attraction.
As well as playing host to the mythical Chicago Bulls basketball team, a host of fascinating buildings, museums and galleries, and a thriving music and art scene, Chicago also boasts an extremely strong gastronomic heritage, with food playing a major role in its culture.
So if you ever get the opportunity to visit the Windy City, make sure to book a Chicago Food Tour, to get to know a truly unique culinary tradition.
Sweet (& Savory) Home Chicago
Taking a Chicago Food Tour lets visitors discover a new, rarely seen side of the city and its inhabitants, while enjoying typical dishes that date back over 150 years to the city’s origins.
The tour lasts over 3 hours and makes a total of 6 stops, passing through a number of historical neighborhoods.
First on the menu is a slice of deep-dish pizza – considered a classic by Chicago locals – followed by a sampling of gourmet popcorn
Tour participants will also get to try a Chicago-style hot dog, covered in mashed potatoes and other toppings that give this delicacy its distinct flavor, followed by the famous Italian meat sandwich.
On top of all that, a delicious surprise dish will be announced on the day of the tour. For dessert, visitors can try a typical brownie, while learning about its creation right here in Chicago.
In addition to the great food and interesting back-stories, the tour passes through historic locations such as the so-called “cathedral of books”, the Harold Washington Library.
A city with something for everyone
Chicago has a rich history of culinary fusion and innovation, which is reflected in its modern-day menus.
Immigrants have always played a fundamental role in feeding this city, and since Chicago is home to so many different nationalities and ethnicities, its gastronomy has become a melting pot of international recipes as well. All of which can make it extremely difficult to decide what to eat when you’re in town!
For example, multiple Chicago venues offer stuffed, tasty pizza using a variety of doughs and toppings. The same goes for hot dogs –the distinctive Chicago style and quality is ever-present, but the dressings and side dishes vary greatly across the city
Mixed grills are a popular staple of the local diet, and roast beef and carne asada are favourites among visiting tourists.
Try to taste El Jibarito as well, if you’re passing through. This meal consists of a sandwich filled with grilled meat or seafood, accompanied with vegetables and topped with fried plantains. This delicious dish was brought to Chicago from Puerto Rico and immediately became part of the local diet.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something sweet (in addition to Chicago’s own chocolate brownie), donuts are always a safe bet, both for breakfast and as an afternoon snack, together with a coffee or a refreshing soda.
What else is there to do in Chicago?
In addition to food tourism, there are many things for visitors to do in this unique city, guaranteeing an unforgettable stay.
Why not take in a live Chicago Bulls game and witness the highest-quality basketball in the world? Culture junkies can visit a wide range of museums and galleries, discovering fantastic works by local and international artists, or take in a show or musical in downtown Chicago.
The city’s streets call out to tourists, inviting them to stroll around and get to know its historic locations, which have a lot to say about the city’s history.
So make a plan today to travel to the Windy City on the shores of Lake Michigan, and get ready for a truly unique journey – not to mention a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.
