St. Louis, Missouri, the Gateway to the West, isn’t just a city of historical landmarks and blues music; it’s a culinary melting pot with a unique and surprisingly delicious food scene. While perhaps not as widely recognized as New Orleans or Chicago for its food, St. Louis boasts a collection of dishes and culinary traditions that are distinctly its own. From gooey butter cake to toasted ravioli, this city has carved out a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of food lovers. Let’s embark on a delicious journey to explore the iconic foods that define St. Louis’s culinary identity.
Gooey Butter Cake: A Sweet Symphony
Perhaps the most famous food associated with St. Louis, gooey butter cake is a rich, dense, and undeniably sweet confection. Its origin story is shrouded in a bit of mystery, with most tales attributing it to a baking mistake in the 1930s or 40s. Regardless of its exact genesis, the resulting creation has become a beloved St. Louis staple.
The Gooey Goodness
Gooey butter cake typically consists of two layers: a yeasty cake base and a gooey, buttery topping made with sugar, butter, eggs, and sometimes cream cheese. The magic happens in the baking process, where the topping transforms into a sticky, caramelized delight. The best gooey butter cakes boast a balance of textures: a slightly crispy edge, a soft, chewy interior, and an intensely gooey center.
Variations and Modern Twists
While the classic version is a simple, unadorned delight, variations abound. Some bakeries incorporate flavors like chocolate, vanilla, lemon, or even pumpkin spice. You can find gooey butter cake in coffee shops, bakeries, and even grocery stores throughout the St. Louis area. Many home cooks have also put their spin on this iconic treat, adapting recipes to suit their own tastes and preferences. It’s a testament to the enduring popularity of this undeniably delicious dessert.
Toasted Ravioli: From Accident to Appetizer Staple
Another quintessential St. Louis food is toasted ravioli, often referred to as “t-ravs.” These breaded and deep-fried pasta pockets are a popular appetizer at Italian restaurants and bars throughout the city. Like gooey butter cake, toasted ravioli has a disputed but fascinating origin story.
The Tale of the T-Rav
The most common legend attributes the accidental creation of toasted ravioli to a mishap at either Charlie Gitto’s on the Hill or Mama Campisi’s Restaurant, two well-known Italian establishments in St. Louis’s historic Italian neighborhood. The story goes that a ravioli was accidentally dropped into a fryer, and the result was surprisingly delicious. The crispy exterior and warm, cheesy filling proved to be a winning combination.
A Beloved Appetizer
Toasted ravioli are typically filled with a mixture of meat (often beef and pork) and cheese. They are breaded, deep-fried until golden brown, and then served with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a side of marinara sauce for dipping. The contrasting textures and flavors – crispy, savory, cheesy, and tangy – make them incredibly addictive. You can find toasted ravioli on almost every menu in the Hill neighborhood and beyond, solidifying its place as a St. Louis staple.
St. Louis-Style Pizza: A Crispy, Cracker-Thin Delight
St. Louis-style pizza is a unique and often debated regional variation of pizza. What sets it apart is its ultra-thin, cracker-like crust, its use of Provel cheese, and its distinctive square cuts. While it may not be for everyone, it’s a pizza style that St. Louisans are fiercely proud of.
The Provel Puzzle
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of St. Louis-style pizza is its cheese: Provel. This processed cheese is a blend of provolone, Swiss, and cheddar cheeses. It has a low melting point, giving it a smooth and creamy texture when cooked. While some pizza purists may scoff at the idea of using Provel, it’s an integral part of the St. Louis-style pizza experience. Provel’s distinct flavor and meltability contribute to the pizza’s unique character.
Thin Crust and Square Cuts
The ultra-thin, unleavened crust is another defining characteristic. It’s so thin that it often has a cracker-like texture. The pizza is typically cut into squares or rectangles, rather than traditional triangular slices. This makes it easy to share and snack on, perfect for gatherings and parties. St. Louis-style pizza is often topped with a sweet tomato sauce and a variety of toppings, from traditional pepperoni and sausage to more adventurous options.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard: A Sweet, Iconic Treat
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is more than just a dessert; it’s a St. Louis institution. This family-owned business has been serving up creamy, delicious frozen custard since 1930. Known for its “concrete” – a thick, blended concoction of frozen custard and toppings – Ted Drewes is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
The Concrete Jungle
What sets Ted Drewes apart is the density and richness of its frozen custard. The concretes are so thick that they are served upside down to demonstrate their solidity. Popular concrete combinations include the “Hawaiian Delight” (frozen custard with pineapple, macadamia nuts, and coconut) and the “Danny O’s Dream” (frozen custard with chocolate chips, pecans, and caramel). The quality of the ingredients and the unique blending process contribute to the unparalleled texture and flavor of Ted Drewes frozen custard.
A St. Louis Tradition
Visiting Ted Drewes is a St. Louis tradition. Located on Chippewa Street along historic Route 66, the original location is a popular gathering spot, especially during the warmer months. The lines can be long, but the wait is always worth it. Ted Drewes is a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, high-quality treats. It’s a sweet taste of St. Louis history and a reminder of the city’s rich culinary heritage.
Slinger: A Late-Night Staple
The Slinger is a unique and undeniably indulgent St. Louis creation. This open-faced diner dish is designed to satisfy late-night cravings. While it may not be the most visually appealing dish, it’s a beloved staple among St. Louisans seeking a hearty and satisfying meal.
The Anatomy of a Slinger
A typical slinger consists of a hamburger patty (or two), hash browns, eggs (usually fried), chili, and cheese. It’s a layered concoction of comfort food, all piled on a plate. Variations exist, with some versions including onions, peppers, or even jalapenos. The combination of textures and flavors – savory, spicy, cheesy, and filling – makes it a popular choice after a night out.
A Diner Delight
Slingers are primarily found in diners and late-night restaurants throughout the St. Louis area. They are often considered a hangover cure or a quick and easy way to fuel up after a long day. While the Slinger may not be a refined culinary masterpiece, it’s a testament to the city’s love for hearty, unpretentious food. It’s a uniquely St. Louis experience that is worth trying at least once.
Pork Steaks: A Barbecue Staple
While barbecue is popular throughout the United States, St. Louis has its own distinct barbecue traditions. Pork steaks, cut from the shoulder of the pig, are a particularly beloved barbecue staple.
The Art of the Pork Steak
Pork steaks are typically thick-cut and marinated in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. They are then grilled or smoked until tender and flavorful. The key to a great pork steak is low and slow cooking, allowing the meat to become incredibly tender and infused with smoky flavor.
A Backyard Barbecue Tradition
Pork steaks are a staple at backyard barbecues and family gatherings in St. Louis. They are often served with sides like potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans. The combination of tender pork, smoky flavor, and tangy barbecue sauce makes them a crowd-pleasing favorite. Pork steaks are a testament to St. Louis’s love for simple, flavorful barbecue.
Beyond the Icons: Exploring the St. Louis Food Scene
While gooey butter cake, toasted ravioli, St. Louis-style pizza, Ted Drewes, slingers, and pork steaks are the most iconic foods associated with St. Louis, the city’s culinary scene is much more diverse and vibrant. St. Louis boasts a thriving restaurant scene with a wide range of cuisines, from Italian and Vietnamese to Ethiopian and Mexican.
The Hill: A Culinary Cornerstone
The Hill, St. Louis’s historic Italian neighborhood, is a must-visit for food lovers. This charming neighborhood is home to a variety of family-owned restaurants serving up traditional Italian dishes. From pasta and pizza to cannoli and gelato, the Hill offers a taste of Italy in the heart of St. Louis.
International Flavors and Culinary Innovation
Beyond the Hill, St. Louis offers a diverse range of culinary experiences. You can find excellent Vietnamese pho on South Grand Boulevard, authentic Mexican tacos in Cherokee Street, and delicious Ethiopian stews in the Delmar Loop. The city also has a growing number of innovative restaurants pushing the boundaries of culinary creativity. St. Louis is a city where you can find both classic comfort food and cutting-edge cuisine.
St. Louis’s food scene is more than just the sum of its iconic dishes. It’s a reflection of the city’s history, its diverse communities, and its passionate food lovers. From the sweet indulgence of gooey butter cake to the savory satisfaction of toasted ravioli, St. Louis offers a culinary experience that is uniquely its own. Exploring the food of St. Louis is an adventure for the palate, a journey through the heart of the Gateway to the West.
What exactly is St. Louis-style pizza, and what makes it unique?
St. Louis-style pizza is characterized by its thin, cracker-like crust, its use of Provel cheese (a processed cheese blend of provolone, Swiss, and cheddar), and its sweet tomato sauce. The pizza is traditionally cut into squares or rectangles rather than wedges, a style known as “party cut” or “tavern cut.” The thin crust allows for a crispier texture compared to other styles like New York or Chicago deep-dish, making it a lighter and often more snackable pizza.
Provel cheese is the defining flavor element, contributing a gooey, creamy, and slightly tangy taste that’s unlike any other pizza cheese. The sweet tomato sauce, often containing a touch of sugar or other sweeteners, balances the sharpness of the Provel. The square cut makes it easy to share and enjoy without needing plates, perfect for casual gatherings and a distinctive part of St. Louis’s culinary identity.
What is a St. Paul sandwich, and what are its main ingredients?
A St. Paul sandwich is a regional specialty of St. Louis’s Chinese-American restaurants, particularly popular in the South City area. It consists of an egg foo young patty (typically made with bean sprouts, onions, and sometimes other vegetables) served on white bread with dill pickles, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
The key ingredient is the egg foo young patty, which provides a savory and slightly greasy base for the sandwich. The crisp dill pickles offer a contrasting tangy and crunchy element, while the lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise add freshness and moisture. The sandwich is a unique blend of American and Chinese flavors, representing a fascinating example of culinary fusion within the St. Louis food scene.
Beyond pizza and sandwiches, what are some other iconic St. Louis foods?
Beyond pizza and sandwiches, St. Louis is also known for its toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, and concrete desserts. Toasted ravioli, often served as an appetizer, are breaded and deep-fried ravioli typically filled with meat and served with marinara sauce for dipping.
Gooey butter cake is a dense, sweet cake with a gooey, buttery topping, a true St. Louis original dessert. Finally, concrete desserts, popular at frozen custard shops, are incredibly thick milkshakes blended with various toppings, so thick they are served upside down. These distinct culinary creations contribute to the diverse and flavorful landscape of St. Louis cuisine.
What is the origin of gooey butter cake, and how did it become so popular in St. Louis?
The exact origin of gooey butter cake is debated, but the most common story attributes its creation to a baker in St. Louis who accidentally inverted the proportions of ingredients in a coffee cake recipe, using too much butter and not enough flour. Instead of discarding the mistake, the baker decided to bake it anyway, resulting in the characteristic gooey texture.
Regardless of its precise origin, gooey butter cake quickly gained popularity due to its irresistibly sweet and buttery flavor, unique texture, and relatively simple recipe. It became a staple at local bakeries and family gatherings, solidifying its place as a beloved St. Louis dessert and a symbol of the city’s culinary identity.
What is the historical connection between frozen custard and St. Louis?
While frozen custard originated in Coney Island, New York, in the early 20th century, St. Louis embraced it and has become strongly associated with the dessert. Several iconic frozen custard stands have operated in the city for decades, contributing to a deeply rooted local appreciation.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, for example, has been a St. Louis institution since 1930, known for its thick and creamy custard and its “concrete” desserts. The long-standing tradition of enjoying frozen custard, particularly concretes, has cemented its place as a significant part of the St. Louis food culture and a favorite treat for locals and visitors alike.
Where can visitors find authentic St. Louis-style cuisine when visiting the city?
Visitors seeking authentic St. Louis-style pizza can find it at iconic pizzerias like Imo’s Pizza, known for its Provel cheese and thin crust. For toasted ravioli, many Italian-American restaurants in the historic Italian neighborhood of The Hill offer excellent versions.
To experience gooey butter cake, local bakeries and cafes throughout the city, such as Park Avenue Coffee or Gooey Louie, are great options. Finally, for frozen custard, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is a must-visit, offering both traditional custard and their famous concretes. Exploring these local establishments provides a genuine taste of St. Louis’s unique culinary offerings.
How has St. Louis’s food scene evolved and adapted over the years?
St. Louis’s food scene has evolved from its traditional comfort food roots, incorporating influences from various immigrant communities and embracing modern culinary trends. While maintaining its signature dishes like pizza, toasted ravioli, and gooey butter cake, the city has seen a surge in diverse restaurants, innovative chefs, and farm-to-table initiatives.
This evolution includes a growing emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, craft beer and spirits, and global cuisines. The culinary landscape now features a blend of classic St. Louis flavors alongside sophisticated dining experiences, reflecting a dynamic and evolving food culture that caters to both tradition and innovation.