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The people have spoken. Earlier this year, as part of our annual Time Out Index survey, we asked Chicagoans to pinpoint the city's most iconic dish. After tabulating hundreds of votes, the winner is clear: deep dish pizza.
RECOMMENDED: Explore more of the world's most iconic eats
Now, before you raise your pitchforks in defense of the Chicago-style hot dog or Italian beef (both runners-up), hear us out. Deep dish won by a long shot, with 47 percent of local respondents identifying it as the city's most noteworthy dish. In comparison, the Chicago-style dog nabbed just 11 percent of the vote, followed by the Italian beef with a measly 7 percent.
And while it's easy for some locals to regard deep dish 'za as a tourist trap, we'd argue that the stacked and saucy delicacy really is one of Chicago's most unique eats. Where else can you find a pizza that's built like a casserole and requires both a fork and a knife to eat? What other city finishes off its pies with a ladleful of bright red sauce? Who else is making sausage discs to ensure every bite is perfectly meaty?
If you haven't dug into a deep dish pie since your extended family was in town in 2018, there are a few newbies to explore, including Milly's Pizza in the Pan and Ruth's Panmade Pizza. If you're looking to revisit a classic, we recommend supporting local restaurants through delivery. You can't go wrong with fan-favorites Pequod's or Burt's, both of which boast that iconic burnt cheese "halo." Living alone at the moment? The Art of Pizza has you covered with deep dish by the slice (because you really only need one or two).
Take a spin around the globe from your living room with the full list of the world's most iconic eats. Then, revisit Chicago's most iconic dish by ordering a deep dish pizza for delivery.
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