The Philly cheesesteak, a mouth-watering culinary delight, has been a staple of American cuisine for decades. This iconic sandwich, consisting of thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions, has captured the hearts and taste buds of people worldwide. But have you ever wondered why it’s called a Philly cheesesteak? In this article, we’ll delve into the rich history and cultural significance of this beloved dish, exploring its origins, evolution, and the reasons behind its name.
A Brief History of the Philly Cheesesteak
To understand why the Philly cheesesteak is called as such, we need to take a step back in time and explore its humble beginnings. The story of the Philly cheesesteak dates back to the 1930s, when South Philadelphia was a hub of Italian immigrant activity. The neighborhood was home to many street vendors, who sold various food items, including hot dogs, sandwiches, and other snacks.
The Birth of the Philly Cheesesteak
According to legend, the Philly cheesesteak was born when a hot dog vendor named Pat Olivieri began serving thinly sliced steak on a hoagie roll to hungry taxi cab drivers and construction workers. Olivieri’s hot dog stand, located at the intersection of 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue, quickly gained popularity, and his steak sandwiches became a hit among locals.
One day, a taxi cab driver asked Olivieri to add some cheese to his steak sandwich, and the Philly cheesesteak was born. The original Philly cheesesteak consisted of thinly sliced ribeye steak, melted cheese, and sautéed onions, all served on a crusty hoagie roll.
The Role of Pat’s King of Steaks
Pat Olivieri’s hot dog stand eventually evolved into Pat’s King of Steaks, a restaurant that still stands today as a testament to the Philly cheesesteak’s enduring popularity. Pat’s King of Steaks, located at 900 Passyunk Avenue, has been serving Philly cheesesteaks since 1930 and is widely credited as the birthplace of this iconic dish.
Geno’s Steaks: A Rivalry is Born
In 1966, a rival restaurant, Geno’s Steaks, opened directly across the street from Pat’s King of Steaks. Geno’s Steaks, founded by Joey Vento, quickly gained a loyal following, and a rivalry between the two restaurants was born. Today, both Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks remain two of the most popular destinations for Philly cheesesteak enthusiasts.
The Name: Why is it Called a Philly Cheesesteak?
So, why is it called a Philly cheesesteak? The answer lies in the dish’s origins and cultural significance. The term “Philly” refers to Philadelphia, the city where the dish was born. The “cheesesteak” part of the name is self-explanatory, consisting of thinly sliced steak and melted cheese.
A Symbol of Philadelphia’s Cultural Heritage
The Philly cheesesteak is more than just a sandwich; it’s a symbol of Philadelphia’s cultural heritage. The dish represents the city’s rich history, its immigrant roots, and its vibrant culinary scene. The Philly cheesesteak has become an iconic representation of Philadelphia, much like the Liberty Bell or Independence Hall.
The Evolution of the Philly Cheesesteak
Over the years, the Philly cheesesteak has undergone significant changes, with various restaurants and chefs putting their own spin on the classic recipe. Some popular variations include:
- Whiz Wit: A classic Philly cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz and onions.
- Provolone Without: A variation featuring provolone cheese and no onions.
- Chicken Cheesesteak: A chicken-based version of the classic Philly cheesesteak.
Despite these variations, the core ingredients of the Philly cheesesteak remain the same: thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and sautéed onions, all served on a crusty hoagie roll.
Conclusion
The Philly cheesesteak is a culinary icon, a dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people worldwide. Its rich history, cultural significance, and enduring popularity have cemented its place in American cuisine. Whether you’re a native Philadelphian or just visiting the city, a trip to Pat’s King of Steaks or Geno’s Steaks is a must, if only to experience the authentic taste of a classic Philly cheesesteak.
So, the next time you bite into a juicy Philly cheesesteak, remember the rich history and cultural significance behind this beloved dish. The Philly cheesesteak is more than just a sandwich; it’s a symbol of Philadelphia’s cultural heritage, a testament to the city’s enduring spirit and culinary prowess.
What is a Philly cheesesteak, and how did it originate?
A Philly cheesesteak is a popular American sandwich that consists of thinly sliced beefsteak, typically ribeye or top round, and melted cheese, usually Cheez Whiz or provolone, served on a crusty Amoroso roll. The dish originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the 1930s. According to legend, a hot dog vendor named Pat Olivieri began serving thinly sliced steak on a hoagie roll to hungry taxi cab drivers and construction workers.
The story goes that one day, a customer asked Olivieri to add some cheese to his steak sandwich, and the Philly cheesesteak was born. Olivieri’s hot dog stand eventually became Pat’s King of Steaks, a restaurant that still operates today and is often credited as the birthplace of the Philly cheesesteak. Over time, the dish gained popularity throughout Philadelphia and eventually spread to other parts of the country, becoming a beloved American classic.
Who is credited with inventing the Philly cheesesteak?
Pat Olivieri, an Italian immigrant and hot dog vendor, is often credited with inventing the Philly cheesesteak. Olivieri’s hot dog stand, which he opened in 1930, was a popular spot for taxi cab drivers and construction workers looking for a quick and affordable meal. According to Olivieri’s family, he began serving thinly sliced steak on a hoagie roll to his customers, who loved the convenience and flavor of the dish.
However, some sources also credit Olivieri’s rival, Geno Vento, with inventing the Philly cheesesteak. Vento, who opened his own restaurant, Geno’s Steaks, across the street from Pat’s King of Steaks, claims that he was the first to add cheese to the steak sandwich. Regardless of who actually invented the dish, both Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks remain iconic destinations for Philly cheesesteak enthusiasts.
What type of cheese is traditionally used on a Philly cheesesteak?
Cheez Whiz, a processed cheese spread, is the most traditional and iconic cheese used on a Philly cheesesteak. Cheez Whiz was introduced in the 1950s and quickly became a staple in Philadelphia, where it was used as a convenient and affordable way to add cheese to the steak sandwich. To this day, many Philadelphians swear by Cheez Whiz as the only authentic cheese for a Philly cheesesteak.
However, other types of cheese, such as provolone, mozzarella, and white American, are also commonly used on Philly cheesesteaks. Some restaurants and chefs may even offer more gourmet cheese options, such as gouda or cheddar. Ultimately, the type of cheese used is a matter of personal preference, but Cheez Whiz remains the most iconic and traditional choice.
What is the difference between a Philly cheesesteak and a steak sandwich?
A Philly cheesesteak is a specific type of steak sandwich that originated in Philadelphia and is characterized by thinly sliced beefsteak, melted cheese, and a crusty Amoroso roll. A steak sandwich, on the other hand, is a more general term that can refer to any type of sandwich that features steak as the main ingredient.
The key differences between a Philly cheesesteak and a steak sandwich are the type of steak used, the way it is sliced, and the addition of cheese. A Philly cheesesteak typically uses thinly sliced ribeye or top round, while a steak sandwich may use a thicker cut of steak. Additionally, a Philly cheesesteak always includes cheese, while a steak sandwich may or may not.
Can you get a Philly cheesesteak without cheese?
While cheese is a fundamental component of a traditional Philly cheesesteak, it is possible to order one without cheese. In fact, many Philadelphians prefer their cheesesteaks without cheese, and some restaurants may even offer a “whiz witout” option, which features the steak and sautéed onions without cheese.
However, it’s worth noting that ordering a Philly cheesesteak without cheese may be seen as unconventional by some locals. If you’re looking to try an authentic Philly cheesesteak, it’s worth trying it with cheese at least once. But if you’re not a fan of cheese or have dietary restrictions, most restaurants will be happy to accommodate your request.
What is the best way to order a Philly cheesesteak?
When ordering a Philly cheesesteak, it’s customary to use a specific lingo that is unique to Philadelphia. To order a traditional Philly cheesesteak, you would say “Whiz wit,” which means “with Cheez Whiz and onions.” If you want to order a cheesesteak with provolone cheese instead of Cheez Whiz, you would say “Provolone wit.”
If you don’t want onions, you would say “without” or “witout.” For example, “Whiz witout” means “with Cheez Whiz and no onions.” It’s also worth noting that some restaurants may have their own unique ordering system, so it’s always a good idea to ask your server for clarification.
Can you find authentic Philly cheesesteaks outside of Philadelphia?
While Philadelphia is the birthplace of the Philly cheesesteak, it is possible to find authentic and delicious cheesesteaks outside of the city. Many restaurants throughout the United States and even around the world offer their own versions of the Philly cheesesteak, using traditional ingredients and cooking methods.
However, it’s worth noting that some restaurants may not use authentic Amoroso rolls or Cheez Whiz, which can affect the overall flavor and texture of the dish. If you’re looking for an authentic Philly cheesesteak outside of Philadelphia, it’s worth doing some research to find a reputable restaurant that uses traditional ingredients and cooking methods.