St. Louis, Missouri, affectionately known as the “Gateway to the West,” isn’t just famous for its iconic arch. This vibrant city boasts a rich culinary heritage, shaped by its diverse immigrant communities and unique regional ingredients. Forget the usual Midwestern fare – St. Louis has a flavor all its own, a delicious blend of sweet, savory, and often unexpected. Let’s embark on a culinary adventure to discover the iconic foods that define St. Louis.
The Crown Jewel: St. Louis-Style Pizza
No discussion of St. Louis cuisine is complete without mentioning its signature pizza. St. Louis-style pizza is a thin-crust pizza characterized by its use of Provel cheese, a blend of provolone, Swiss, and cheddar cheeses, and its cracker-thin, unleavened crust. It’s typically cut into squares, or “party cut,” making it perfect for sharing (or not!).
The Provel Enigma
Provel cheese is arguably the most distinguishing feature of St. Louis pizza. Its creamy, slightly tangy flavor and low melting point give the pizza a unique texture and taste that you won’t find anywhere else. While its origins are debated, it’s undoubtedly a local invention. This processed cheese blend provides a characteristic gooeyness and slightly sweet, almost buttery flavor, that has become synonymous with St. Louis pizza. It divides opinions – you either love it or hate it – but there’s no denying its iconic status. Provel is unique to St. Louis and defines the region’s pizza.
The Crispy Cracker Crust
The ultra-thin, unleavened crust is another crucial element of St. Louis-style pizza. It’s baked until crispy and golden brown, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite. The thinness of the crust allows the Provel cheese to truly shine and prevents the pizza from becoming too heavy.
Where to Find the Best St. Louis-Style Pizza
Imo’s Pizza is perhaps the most well-known purveyor of St. Louis-style pizza, with locations throughout the city and surrounding areas. However, many other local pizzerias offer their own unique takes on this classic dish. Many local favorites such as Cecil Whitaker’s Pizza and Dogtown Pizza offer similar experiences. Exploring different pizzerias around town is a great way to find your personal favorite.
Beyond Pizza: Other St. Louis Staples
While St. Louis-style pizza reigns supreme, the city offers much more than just cheesy goodness. From gooey butter cake to toasted ravioli, there are plenty of other local specialties to discover.
Gooey Butter Cake: A Sweet Sensation
Gooey butter cake is a St. Louis institution. This rich, dense cake has a caramelized, buttery topping and a slightly gooey center. Legend has it that it was created by accident when a baker reversed the proportions of butter and flour in a traditional cake recipe. Regardless of its origin, gooey butter cake has become a beloved dessert in St. Louis. Gooey Butter Cake is a testament to baking ingenuity.
It’s typically made with a yeast-raised dough base topped with a mixture of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. The result is a sweet, sticky, and utterly irresistible treat. It’s a perfect accompaniment to coffee or tea and a delightful way to end any meal. Numerous bakeries and restaurants throughout St. Louis offer their own versions, each with slight variations in ingredients and preparation.
Toasted Ravioli: A Deep-Fried Delight
Toasted ravioli, or “t-ravs” as they are affectionately known, are another St. Louis specialty. These breaded and deep-fried ravioli are typically filled with meat or cheese and served with marinara sauce for dipping.
Toasted ravioli are believed to have originated in the Italian neighborhood of The Hill in St. Louis. Legend attributes their creation to a happy accident when a ravioli was accidentally dropped into a fryer. Regardless of the exact origin, toasted ravioli have become a beloved appetizer and a must-try for any visitor to St. Louis. The accidental birth of Toasted Ravioli is a culinary legend in St. Louis.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard: A Cool Classic
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is a St. Louis institution that has been serving up creamy, delicious frozen custard since 1930. Their signature “concrete” is a thick, blended concoction of frozen custard and various toppings, served upside down to prove its thickness.
Ted Drewes has multiple locations throughout the city, and it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike. Their frozen custard is made fresh daily, and the quality is evident in every spoonful. Trying a concrete is an essential St. Louis experience, especially on a hot summer day.
St. Paul Sandwich: A Chinese-American Creation
The St. Paul sandwich is a peculiar yet beloved St. Louis creation that you won’t find anywhere else. It consists of an egg foo young patty served on white bread with dill pickle slices, white onion, mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato.
The origins of the St. Paul sandwich are somewhat murky, but it’s believed to have been created in the early 20th century by Chinese-American restaurants in St. Louis. It is a testament to the unique blend of cultures that characterize the city. The combination of savory egg foo young, crunchy vegetables, and creamy mayonnaise creates a surprisingly satisfying and unforgettable sandwich.
Slinger: A Late-Night Staple
The slinger is a hearty and indulgent dish that is a favorite among late-night diners. It typically consists of two eggs, hash browns, and a hamburger patty, all smothered in chili and topped with cheese and onions.
The slinger is a testament to St. Louis’s blue-collar roots and its love of comfort food. It’s a messy, but delicious, meal that’s perfect for soaking up the excesses of a late night. Many diners and restaurants throughout the city serve their own versions of the slinger.
Beyond the Classics: Exploring St. Louis’s Diverse Culinary Scene
While the above-mentioned dishes are considered St. Louis staples, the city’s culinary scene is constantly evolving and expanding. St. Louis offers a diverse range of dining options, from upscale restaurants to casual eateries, reflecting the city’s diverse cultural influences.
The Hill: A Taste of Italy
The Hill is St. Louis’s historic Italian neighborhood, and it’s home to some of the city’s best Italian restaurants. From classic pasta dishes to regional specialties, The Hill offers a truly authentic Italian dining experience. The Hill is a must-visit for Italian food lovers in St. Louis.
Iconic restaurants like Charlie Gitto’s and Tony’s are institutions on The Hill, serving up generations of family recipes. Exploring the neighborhood’s many trattorias and delis is a delightful way to discover the rich culinary heritage of St. Louis’s Italian community.
Soulard: Historic Charm and Culinary Delights
Soulard is one of St. Louis’s oldest neighborhoods, and it’s known for its historic architecture, vibrant nightlife, and diverse culinary offerings. From Cajun and Creole cuisine to German fare, Soulard offers a variety of dining options to suit every taste.
Soulard Market, one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the United States, is a must-visit for food lovers. You can find fresh produce, local meats, and artisanal cheeses, as well as a variety of prepared foods. Soulard’s lively atmosphere and diverse culinary scene make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
International Flavors: A Global Gastronomic Journey
St. Louis’s diverse population has contributed to a vibrant and eclectic culinary scene. You can find restaurants serving cuisines from all over the world, including Vietnamese, Ethiopian, Korean, and Mexican. Exploring the city’s international restaurants is a great way to experience the diverse cultures that make St. Louis so unique.
St. Louis BBQ: A Regional Twist
While not as nationally renowned as Kansas City or Memphis barbecue, St. Louis has its own distinctive style. St. Louis barbecue is characterized by its use of pork steaks and a sweet, tangy sauce.
Pork steaks, cut from the shoulder of the pig, are a St. Louis specialty. They’re typically slow-cooked over indirect heat until tender and flavorful, then finished with a generous slathering of barbecue sauce. The sauce is often sweet and tangy, with a hint of spice.
Numerous barbecue joints throughout the city serve up delicious pork steaks and other smoked meats. Trying St. Louis-style barbecue is a must for any barbecue aficionado.
Craft Beer Scene: A Thriving Industry
While not technically a food, the craft beer scene in St. Louis is inextricably linked to its culinary landscape. The city has a long and storied history of beer brewing, dating back to the Anheuser-Busch brewery. In recent years, a thriving craft beer scene has emerged, with numerous local breweries producing a wide variety of innovative and delicious beers.
Many St. Louis restaurants and bars offer a wide selection of local craft beers, making it easy to pair your meal with the perfect brew. Exploring the city’s breweries and beer gardens is a great way to experience the vibrant craft beer culture of St. Louis.
The Impact of Local Ingredients
St. Louis’s location in the heart of the Midwest has a significant impact on its culinary scene. The city has access to a wide variety of fresh, local ingredients, including produce, meats, and dairy products. Many St. Louis restaurants prioritize using local ingredients in their dishes, supporting local farmers and producers while creating flavorful and sustainable cuisine.
Visiting local farmers’ markets and specialty food stores is a great way to experience the bounty of the region. You can find fresh, seasonal ingredients and support local businesses.
Conclusion: A Culinary Adventure Awaits
St. Louis’s culinary scene is a reflection of its rich history, diverse culture, and innovative spirit. From its iconic St. Louis-style pizza to its unique dishes like gooey butter cake and toasted ravioli, the city offers a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply looking for a delicious meal, St. Louis has something to offer everyone. So, come explore the Gateway to the West and discover the flavors that make St. Louis a culinary destination worth savoring.
What is St. Louis-style pizza and what makes it unique?
St. Louis-style pizza is a thin-crust pizza distinct for its use of Provel cheese, a processed cheese blend of provolone, Swiss, and cheddar. This cheese melts in a gooey, slightly tangy way and gives the pizza a distinct flavor profile unlike other regional pizza styles. The crust is cracker-thin and often cut into squares, or “party cut,” instead of the traditional triangular slices.
The thin crust makes it easy to eat many slices, and the flavor of Provel is a definitive St. Louis experience. The combination of the thin crust and Provel cheese offers a different textural experience than thicker crust pizzas, setting it apart in the world of regional pizza variations and making it a beloved local favorite.
What exactly is a St. Louis gooey butter cake?
St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake is a sweet and dense cake with a caramelized, buttery topping. It’s traditionally made with a yeast-leavened dough base, though many modern variations use a cake mix base. The defining characteristic is the rich, gooey topping made from butter, sugar, eggs, and sometimes cream cheese.
The topping is what gives the cake its signature texture, a combination of a slightly crisp exterior and a soft, almost underbaked, gooey interior. Often dusted with powdered sugar, Gooey Butter Cake is a sweet treat that embodies the comfort food aspect of St. Louis cuisine and a popular local indulgence.
How does St. Louis barbecue differ from other regional styles?
St. Louis barbecue, while less famous than Kansas City or Memphis barbecue, features a unique focus on pork spare ribs cut St. Louis-style. This cut involves removing the sternum, cartilage, and rib tips, resulting in a more rectangular rack of ribs that is easier to cook evenly. These ribs are often seasoned with a dry rub and slow-smoked.
While other meats like pork steaks and pulled pork are also popular, the St. Louis-style spare ribs remain a defining element. The barbecue sauce used tends to be sweeter and tangier than some other regional styles, complementing the smoky flavor of the pork. This unique combination contributes to St. Louis’s distinctive barbecue identity.
What is a pork steak and why is it so popular in St. Louis?
A pork steak is a cut of pork shoulder, typically blade steak or Boston butt, sliced into relatively thin portions and often cooked on a grill or in a smoker. They are a relatively inexpensive cut of meat, making them an accessible and popular choice for backyard barbecues and family meals in the St. Louis area.
The popularity of pork steaks stems from their affordability, flavor, and versatility. They can be marinated, seasoned with a dry rub, and cooked slowly to tender perfection. Pork steaks embody the Midwest’s love for pork and offer a hearty, flavorful meal that resonates with the local culinary scene.
What are toasted ravioli, and how did they originate in St. Louis?
Toasted ravioli, often called “t-ravs,” are breaded and deep-fried ravioli, typically filled with meat or cheese. They are a quintessential St. Louis appetizer, often served with marinara sauce for dipping. The creation of toasted ravioli is often credited to a mishap at a local Italian restaurant on The Hill, St. Louis’s Italian neighborhood.
The legend says that a chef accidentally dropped a ravioli into hot oil, and the resulting crispy, golden-brown creation was a hit. Whether the story is true or not, toasted ravioli quickly gained popularity and became a signature dish of St. Louis. It’s a staple on restaurant menus and a beloved snack throughout the city.
What kind of beer is St. Louis known for, and what role does Anheuser-Busch play?
St. Louis is synonymous with Budweiser and the Anheuser-Busch brewery, one of the largest and most well-known breweries in the world. The city has a rich brewing history and Anheuser-Busch has played a significant role in shaping that history and contributing to the city’s identity.
Beyond Budweiser, St. Louis boasts a vibrant craft beer scene with numerous local breweries producing a wide range of styles. However, the legacy of Anheuser-Busch and its presence in the city remains a significant part of St. Louis’s culinary landscape and a point of pride for many residents.
Where is The Hill, and why is it significant in St. Louis culinary culture?
The Hill is a historically Italian neighborhood in St. Louis, known for its concentration of Italian restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores. Located southwest of downtown St. Louis, The Hill has a strong cultural identity and is considered the heart of Italian-American culture in the city.
The Hill has been a hub for Italian immigrants since the late 19th century, and its culinary traditions have been passed down through generations. Many of St. Louis’s most famous dishes, like toasted ravioli, have roots in the restaurants and family kitchens of The Hill, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing authentic St. Louis food culture.