What Food is St. Louis Known For: A Culinary Journey Through the Gateway City

What Food is St. Louis Known For: A Culinary Journey Through the Gateway City

St. Louis, Missouri, often referred to as the “Gateway to the West,” is not only known for its iconic Gateway Arch but also for its unique and diverse culinary scene. The city’s food culture is a melting pot of influences, reflecting its rich history and vibrant communities. From classic American comfort foods to international delicacies, St. Louis offers a wide array of dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. In this article, we will explore the foods that St. Louis is known for, delving into their origins, cultural significance, and where you can find the best versions of these dishes.

1. St. Louis-Style Pizza: A Thin and Crispy Delight

One of the most iconic foods associated with St. Louis is its unique style of pizza. St. Louis-style pizza is characterized by its ultra-thin, cracker-like crust, which is made without yeast. The crust is so thin that it is often cut into squares or rectangles, rather than the traditional triangular slices. The pizza is typically topped with Provel cheese, a processed cheese blend that is a staple in St. Louis cuisine. Provel cheese is known for its smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor, which melts beautifully on the thin crust.

The origins of St. Louis-style pizza can be traced back to the Italian immigrants who settled in the city in the early 20th century. These immigrants brought with them their culinary traditions, which were adapted to suit the local tastes and ingredients. Today, St. Louis-style pizza is a beloved dish that can be found in pizzerias throughout the city. Some of the most popular spots to try this unique pizza include Imo’s Pizza, Cecil Whittaker’s Pizzeria, and Pi Pizzeria.

2. Toasted Ravioli: A Deep-Fried Delicacy

Another St. Louis classic is toasted ravioli, a dish that has become synonymous with the city’s food scene. Toasted ravioli consists of breaded and deep-fried ravioli, typically filled with meat, cheese, or a combination of both. The dish is often served with marinara sauce for dipping, adding a tangy and flavorful contrast to the crispy exterior.

The exact origins of toasted ravioli are somewhat disputed, but it is widely believed to have been invented in St. Louis in the mid-20th century. One popular theory suggests that the dish was created by accident when a chef at a local Italian restaurant accidentally dropped ravioli into hot oil instead of boiling water. The result was a crispy, golden-brown ravioli that quickly became a hit with customers.

Toasted ravioli is now a staple appetizer in many St. Louis restaurants, and it can also be found in frozen form at grocery stores throughout the region. Some of the best places to enjoy this dish include Charlie Gitto’s on The Hill, The Hill being St. Louis’s historic Italian neighborhood, and Mama’s on The Hill.

3. Gooey Butter Cake: A Sweet St. Louis Treat

No discussion of St. Louis cuisine would be complete without mentioning gooey butter cake, a rich and decadent dessert that has become a local favorite. Gooey butter cake is a type of coffee cake that features a dense, buttery bottom layer topped with a soft, gooey, and slightly chewy filling. The cake is typically dusted with powdered sugar, adding a touch of sweetness to each bite.

The origins of gooey butter cake are somewhat mysterious, but it is believed to have been created in St. Louis in the 1930s or 1940s. One popular story suggests that the cake was the result of a baking mistake, where a baker accidentally reversed the proportions of flour and butter in a traditional coffee cake recipe. The result was a cake that was so delicious and unique that it quickly gained popularity.

Today, gooey butter cake is a beloved dessert in St. Louis, and it can be found in bakeries, cafes, and even some restaurants throughout the city. Some of the best places to try this sweet treat include Park Avenue Coffee, which offers a variety of flavored gooey butter cakes, and Missouri Baking Company, a historic bakery located in The Hill.

4. St. Louis-Style BBQ: A Meaty Masterpiece

While St. Louis may not be as well-known for its barbecue as cities like Kansas City or Memphis, it still boasts a thriving BBQ scene with its own unique style. St. Louis-style BBQ is characterized by its use of pork ribs, particularly spare ribs, which are trimmed to a specific shape known as the “St. Louis cut.” This cut removes the rib tips and cartilage, resulting in a more uniform and easier-to-eat rib.

St. Louis-style BBQ ribs are typically seasoned with a dry rub and then slow-cooked over indirect heat, often using a combination of wood and charcoal. The ribs are then finished with a tangy, slightly sweet barbecue sauce that is a hallmark of St. Louis BBQ. The sauce is usually tomato-based, with a balance of vinegar, sugar, and spices that gives it a distinctive flavor.

Some of the best places to enjoy St. Louis-style BBQ include Pappy’s Smokehouse, Bogart’s Smokehouse, and Sugarfire Smoke House. These restaurants are known for their expertly smoked meats, flavorful sauces, and welcoming atmosphere.

5. Frozen Custard: A Cool and Creamy Treat

Frozen custard is another St. Louis favorite, offering a rich and creamy alternative to traditional ice cream. Frozen custard is made with a higher proportion of egg yolks than ice cream, giving it a denser and smoother texture. It is also churned at a slower speed, which results in less air being incorporated into the mixture, making it even creamier.

St. Louis has a long history with frozen custard, with several iconic custard stands and shops that have been serving this delicious treat for decades. One of the most famous is Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, which has been a St. Louis institution since 1929. Ted Drewes is known for its thick and creamy custard, as well as its “concrete” shakes, which are so thick that they can be served upside down without spilling.

Other popular spots for frozen custard in St. Louis include Fritz’s Frozen Custard and Crown Candy Kitchen, which also offers a variety of other sweet treats and old-fashioned soda fountain drinks.

6. Slinger: A Hearty and Unconventional Dish

For those looking for a hearty and unconventional meal, the slinger is a must-try dish in St. Louis. The slinger is a breakfast dish that typically consists of a base of hash browns or fries, topped with a hamburger patty or sausage, eggs, and chili. The dish is then finished with cheese, onions, and sometimes even more toppings like jalapeños or hot sauce.

The slinger is a beloved late-night or early-morning meal in St. Louis, often enjoyed after a night out or as a way to cure a hangover. It is a dish that is as much about its bold and hearty flavors as it is about its ability to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.

Some of the best places to try a slinger in St. Louis include Eat-Rite Diner, a classic 24-hour diner that has been serving up slingers for decades, and Courtesy Diner, another local favorite known for its no-frills atmosphere and delicious comfort food.

7. St. Paul Sandwich: A Unique Fusion Dish

The St. Paul sandwich is a unique and lesser-known dish that originated in St. Louis. This sandwich is a fusion of Chinese and American cuisines, featuring an egg foo young patty served between two slices of white bread. The sandwich is typically topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayonnaise, giving it a flavor profile that is both savory and slightly tangy.

The origins of the St. Paul sandwich are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have been created by Chinese immigrants in St. Louis as a way to adapt their traditional cuisine to American tastes. The sandwich has since become a local favorite, particularly in Chinese-American restaurants throughout the city.

Some of the best places to try a St. Paul sandwich in St. Louis include China King and Wonton King, both of which are known for their authentic Chinese cuisine and unique takes on this St. Louis classic.

8. Brain Sandwich: A Bold and Adventurous Choice

For the more adventurous eaters, the brain sandwich is a dish that is sure to pique your curiosity. This sandwich is made with deep-fried calf brains, typically served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. The brains are breaded and fried to a crispy golden brown, giving them a texture that is both crunchy and creamy.

The brain sandwich has a long history in St. Louis, dating back to the early 20th century when it was a popular dish in the city’s German immigrant community. While it may not be as widely available today, it can still be found in a few select restaurants and diners throughout the city.

One of the most famous places to try a brain sandwich in St. Louis is The Scottish Arms, a gastropub that offers a modern take on this classic dish. The restaurant serves its brain sandwich with a side of house-made pickles and a tangy remoulade sauce, adding a contemporary twist to this traditional dish.

9. St. Louis-Style Hot Dogs: A Local Twist on a Classic

St. Louis has its own unique take on the classic hot dog, known as the St. Louis-style hot dog. This hot dog is typically made with a natural casing Vienna beef hot dog, which is known for its snap and flavor. The hot dog is then topped with a variety of condiments, including mustard, onions, and a special St. Louis-style chili sauce.

The St. Louis-style chili sauce is a key component of this dish, offering a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that sets it apart from other chili sauces. The sauce is typically made with ground beef, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, giving it a rich and hearty flavor that pairs perfectly with the hot dog.

Some of the best places to try a St. Louis-style hot dog include Steve’s Hot Dogs, a local favorite known for its creative hot dog toppings and vibrant atmosphere, and The Dam, a popular spot for late-night eats and comfort food.

10. St. Louis-Style Ice Cream: A Cool and Creamy Tradition

St. Louis is also home to its own unique style of ice cream, known as St. Louis-style ice cream. This ice cream is characterized by its dense and creamy texture, which is achieved by using a higher proportion of butterfat and less air than traditional ice cream. The result is a rich and indulgent treat that is perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day.

One of the most famous purveyors of St. Louis-style ice cream is Crown Candy Kitchen, a historic ice cream parlor that has been serving up delicious treats since 1913. Crown Candy Kitchen is known for its old-fashioned soda fountain drinks, homemade candies, and of course, its creamy and delicious ice cream.

Another popular spot for St. Louis-style ice cream is Clementine’s Creamery, which offers a variety of unique and creative flavors, as well as dairy-free options for those with dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

St. Louis is a city with a rich and diverse culinary heritage, offering a wide range of dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. From the thin and crispy St. Louis-style pizza to the rich and decadent gooey butter cake, the city’s food scene is a reflection of its history, culture, and community. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, be sure to explore the unique and delicious foods that St. Louis has to offer.

Q: What is Provel cheese, and why is it used in St. Louis-style pizza?
A: Provel cheese is a processed cheese blend that originated in St. Louis. It is made from cheddar, Swiss, and provolone cheeses, giving it a smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor. It is used in St. Louis-style pizza because it melts beautifully on the thin crust, creating a gooey and delicious topping.

Q: Where can I find the best toasted ravioli in St. Louis?
A: Some of the best places to try toasted ravioli in St. Louis include Charlie Gitto’s on The Hill, Mama’s on The Hill, and Anthonino’s Taverna. These restaurants are known for their authentic Italian cuisine and delicious toasted ravioli.

Q: Is gooey butter cake only available in St. Louis?
A: While gooey butter cake is most closely associated with St. Louis, it has gained popularity in other parts of the country as well. However, the best and most authentic versions of the cake can still be found in St. Louis, particularly at local bakeries and cafes.

Q: What makes St. Louis-style BBQ different from other regional BBQ styles?
A: St. Louis-style BBQ is characterized by its use of pork spare ribs, which are trimmed to a specific shape known as the “St. Louis cut.” The ribs are typically seasoned with a dry rub and slow-cooked over indirect heat, then finished with a tangy, slightly sweet barbecue sauce that is unique to the region.

Q: Can I find frozen custard outside of St. Louis?
A: While frozen custard is most closely associated with St. Louis, it can also be found in other parts of the country, particularly in the Midwest. However, St. Louis is home to some of the most iconic and beloved frozen custard stands, such as Ted Drewes Frozen Custard.

Q: What is the origin of the St. Paul sandwich?
A: The St. Paul sandwich is believed to have been created by Chinese immigrants in St. Louis as a way to adapt their traditional cuisine to American tastes. It features an egg foo young patty served between two slices of white bread, topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayonnaise.

Q: Is the brain sandwich still popular in St. Louis today?
A: The brain sandwich is not as widely available as it once was, but it can still be found in a few select restaurants and diners in St. Louis. It is considered a bold and adventurous dish, often enjoyed by those looking to try something unique and unconventional.