St. Louis, Missouri, is a city steeped in history, culture, and a unique culinary identity that reflects its Midwestern roots and European influences. The city’s food scene is a melting pot of traditional dishes, each with its own story and significance. When it comes to signature food in St. Louis, there are several dishes that stand out for their authenticity, taste, and the role they play in defining the city’s gastronomic landscape. This article delves into the world of St. Louis’s signature foods, exploring their origins, ingredients, and where to find them.
Introduction to St. Louis’s Culinary Scene
St. Louis’s culinary scene is as diverse as its population. The city has been shaped by German, Italian, and Eastern European immigrants, among others, each bringing their culinary traditions. Over time, these influences have blended with American favorites, creating a distinct St. Louis flavor. The city is perhaps best known for its BBQ, toasted ravioli, and gooey butter cake, but there’s much more to explore beyond these staples.
Historical Influences on St. Louis Cuisine
The historical influences on St. Louis cuisine are a significant factor in shaping its signature dishes. German immigrants, for example, introduced their love of meats, particularly pork, which is why you’ll find pork steaks and snoots (the crispy, flavorful outer layer of a pig’s nose) on many BBQ menus. Italian immigrants contributed to the popularity of pasta dishes, including toasted ravioli, a St. Louis specialty that consists of breaded and fried ravioli typically filled with meat, cheese, or a combination of both, and often served with marinara sauce and melted cheese.
Culinary Landmarks and Events
St. Louis hosts various culinary events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating its food culture. The Soulard Farmers Market, one of the oldest farmers’ markets west of the Mississippi, offers a glimpse into the city’s food traditions, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade pierogies. The market is not just a place to shop for groceries but also a destination for prepared foods, including many of the city’s signature dishes.
Signature Foods of St. Louis
St. Louis has a plethora of signature foods that locals love and visitors adore. Some of the most notable include:
- Toasted Ravioli: As mentioned, toasted ravioli is a unique twist on traditional ravioli. It’s typically filled with a blend of meats, cheese, or both, then breaded and deep-fried until crispy. This dish is often served as an appetizer and is a must-try when visiting St. Louis.
- Gooey Butter Cake: This flat, dense cake is made with a thick batter and has a distinctive “gooey” center. It’s a sweet treat that’s quintessentially St. Louis. The origins of gooey butter cake are somewhat disputed, but it’s generally agreed to have been invented by a local baker who accidentally made a cake with too much butter and not enough leavening, resulting in the cake’s characteristic texture.
- Pork Snoots: For the more adventurous eaters, pork snoots are a specialty in St. Louis. These are the crispy outer layers of a pig’s nose, often served as a BBQ appetizer. Snoots have a unique texture and flavor that’s both smoky and savory.
- Provel Cheese: While not a dish in itself, Provel cheese is a staple in St. Louis cuisine, often used on pizzas and in sauces. It’s a blend of cheddar, Swiss, and parmesan cheeses, offering a distinct flavor profile that’s both sharp and smooth.
BBQ in St. Louis
St. Louis-style BBQ is another defining aspect of the city’s culinary identity. Unlike the vinegar-based sauces of the Carolinas or the dry rubs of Memphis, St. Louis BBQ is characterized by its use of a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce. Pork steaks, ribs, and snoots are popular BBQ items, often served with sides like crispy fried okra, baked beans, and potato salad.
Local Favorites and Hidden Gems
Beyond the well-known signature dishes, St. Louis is home to numerous local favorites and hidden gems. Brain Sandwiches, for example, are a quirky specialty found in some eateries, consisting of sliced brains that are breaded and fried, often served on rye bread with mustard and pickles. For those looking to explore deeper into the city’s culinary underbelly, there are numerous family-owned restaurants and diners that serve traditional comfort food with a St. Louis twist.
Where to Find Signature St. Louis Foods
Finding these signature dishes is relatively easy, thanks to the city’s vibrant dining scene. From historic eateries in the Soulard neighborhood to modern establishments in the Loop and downtown areas, there’s no shortage of places to experience the authentic taste of St. Louis. Some notable destinations include:
| Restaurant | Signature Dish |
|---|---|
| Imo’s Pizza | Provel Cheese Pizza |
| Adriana’s | Toasted Ravioli |
| Pappy’s Smokehouse | St. Louis-Style BBQ Ribs and Snoots |
Culinary Tours and Experiences
For a more immersive culinary experience, consider taking a food tour of St. Louis. These tours offer a guided exploration of the city’s culinary landmarks, hidden gems, and the stories behind its signature dishes. Visitors can sample a variety of foods, from traditional BBQ and toasted ravioli to unique desserts like gooey butter cake. These tours provide a deeper understanding of the city’s food culture and its historical context, making them a must for any food enthusiast visiting St. Louis.
Conclusion
St. Louis’s culinary scene is a rich tapestry of traditions, influences, and innovations. The city’s signature foods, from toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake to pork snoots and Provel cheese, offer a unique gastronomic experience that reflects its history and cultural diversity. Whether you’re a local looking to explore more of what your city has to offer or a visitor seeking to understand the essence of St. Louis through its food, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant Midwestern city. So, come and discover the flavors of St. Louis – a city where tradition meets innovation and every meal tells a story.
What are the must-try dishes in St. Louis?
St. Louis is renowned for its unique culinary scene, which reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage. The city’s signature dishes are a fusion of traditional American, German, and Italian cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes in St. Louis include toasted ravioli, provel cheese pizza, and gooey butter cake. Toasted ravioli is a St. Louis staple that consists of breaded and fried ravioli filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, typically served with a side of marinara sauce. Provel cheese pizza is another local favorite, topped with a blend of cheddar, Swiss, and parmesan cheese that gives it a distinct flavor.
The city’s culinary delights don’t stop there. Gooey butter cake is a sweet treat that has gained a cult following in St. Louis. This flat, dense cake is made with a mixture of butter, sugar, and eggs, resulting in a rich, velvety texture. Other notable dishes in St. Louis include St. Louis-style pork steaks, which are thin cuts of pork that are grilled to perfection, and brain sandwiches, a nostalgic favorite that consists of sliced pork brains served on toasted bread with pickles and onions. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to try something new, St. Louis has a diverse range of culinary delights that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Where are the best places to try St. Louis-style BBQ?
St. Louis-style BBQ is a unique and delicious twist on traditional barbecue. The city is home to a number of renowned BBQ joints that serve up mouth-watering meats smoked to perfection. Some of the best places to try St. Louis-style BBQ include Pappy’s Smokehouse, Bogart’s Smokehouse, and Salt + Smoke. Pappy’s Smokehouse is a St. Louis institution that has gained a reputation for its tender, flavorful meats. Bogart’s Smokehouse is another popular spot that offers a wide range of BBQ favorites, including ribs, brisket, and burnt ends.
Each of these BBQ joints has its own unique flavor and atmosphere, making them must-visit destinations for anyone looking to try St. Louis-style BBQ. Salt + Smoke is a modern BBQ restaurant that offers a creative twist on traditional BBQ favorites, with dishes like BBQ tacos and burnt end nachos. Whether you’re in the mood for classic BBQ or something new and innovative, St. Louis has a BBQ scene that is sure to impress. From the tender, smoky meats to the rich, tangy sauces, St. Louis-style BBQ is a culinary experience that you won’t want to miss.
What is the history behind toasted ravioli?
Toasted ravioli is a St. Louis staple that has a rich and fascinating history. The dish is believed to have originated in the city’s Italian-American community, where it was served as a snack or appetizer. The story goes that toasted ravioli was created by accident when a chef at a local Italian restaurant dropped a ravioli in the fryer, resulting in a crispy, golden-brown treat. The dish quickly gained popularity, and soon toasted ravioli was being served in restaurants and bars throughout the city.
Today, toasted ravioli is a beloved St. Louis tradition that is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The dish is typically made with fresh ravioli that is breaded and fried to a crispy perfection, then served with a side of marinara sauce. Some restaurants and bars offer creative twists on the classic recipe, such as using different types of filling or adding unique toppings. Whether you’re a longtime fan of toasted ravioli or just trying it for the first time, the dish is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
How do I make a traditional St. Louis-style provel cheese pizza?
Making a traditional St. Louis-style provel cheese pizza is a bit of an art form, but with the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a delicious and authentic pie at home. The key to a great St. Louis-style provel cheese pizza is the provel cheese itself, which is a blend of cheddar, Swiss, and parmesan cheese. You can find provel cheese at most specialty cheese shops or online. To make the pizza, start by rolling out a thin crust and topping it with a layer of provel cheese, followed by your favorite toppings, such as sausage, pepperoni, or mushrooms.
The pizza is then baked in a hot oven until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. One of the unique characteristics of St. Louis-style provel cheese pizza is its thin crust, which is crispy on the bottom and chewy on the inside. To achieve this texture, make sure to roll out the crust thin and bake the pizza in a hot oven. You can also add some St. Louis-style flair to your pizza by using a square pan or adding some local toppings, such as toasted ravioli or gooey butter cake crumbs. With a little practice and patience, you can create a delicious and authentic St. Louis-style provel cheese pizza that will transport your taste buds to the heart of the city.
What are some popular food festivals in St. Louis?
St. Louis is a city that loves its food, and there are a number of popular food festivals throughout the year that celebrate the city’s culinary delights. One of the most popular food festivals in St. Louis is the Taste of St. Louis, which takes place every September in downtown St. Louis. The festival features a wide range of local restaurants and food vendors, offering everything from toasted ravioli to provel cheese pizza. Another popular festival is the St. Louis BBQ Festival, which takes place every June and features some of the city’s best BBQ joints.
Other popular food festivals in St. Louis include the Soulard Farmers Market Oktoberfest, which celebrates the city’s German heritage with traditional German food and drink, and the St. Louis Food Truck Festival, which features a wide range of local food trucks serving up everything from tacos to gourmet grilled cheese. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a fun and delicious way to spend the day, St. Louis has a food festival that is sure to satisfy your cravings. From the city’s signature dishes to its unique culinary scene, St. Louis is a city that is proud of its food heritage, and its food festivals are a great way to experience it.
Can I find vegetarian and vegan options in St. Louis?
While St. Louis is known for its meat-centric dishes like toasted ravioli and provel cheese pizza, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options to be found in the city. Many of St. Louis’s restaurants and cafes now offer vegetarian and vegan options, ranging from creative twists on classic dishes to entirely plant-based menus. Some popular vegetarian and vegan spots in St. Louis include Lulu’s Local Eatery, which offers a wide range of vegan and gluten-free options, and The Good You, which serves up creative, farm-to-table cuisine.
In addition to these specialized restaurants, many of St. Louis’s traditional eateries now offer vegetarian and vegan options, such as veggie burgers, salads, and pasta dishes. Some popular vegetarian and vegan dishes in St. Louis include toasted ravioli filled with roasted vegetables, vegan provel cheese pizza, and gooey butter cake made with plant-based ingredients. Whether you’re a longtime vegetarian or vegan or just looking for some meatless options, St. Louis has a thriving food scene that is sure to have something for everyone. With its vibrant restaurants, cafes, and food festivals, St. Louis is a city that is proud to offer a wide range of culinary delights to suit every taste and dietary preference.