If you think deep-dish pizza and ketchup-free hot dogs are all there is to understanding Chicago food, you've got another thing -- or 26 -- coming.
Chicago is a city of many, many neighborhoods, all of which come with their own culinary traditions. It leaves the city's residents with an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the diverse dishes that are often only a hop on the 'L' away. And no, they don't eat deep dish every day -- or even every month.
These are the food truths only a Chicago local can truly grasp.
2
Cheese and caramel, the perfect flavor marriage.
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No one really goes to the Taste for the food anymore either.
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Stephanie Izard can do no wrong.
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Rick Bayless does not make Chicago's best Mexican food.
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7
For Chicago's best Mexican food, you go to Pilsen or Little Village. The end.
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Fried plantains beat bread pretty much every time.
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The only way to make a tamale better is putting it on a bun and smothering it with chili.
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If there were any justice in this world, this is the pizza Chicago would be known for.
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And when you do see us satisfying a rare deep dish craving, you won't see us at Uno's.
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It makes total sense to wait in line for an hour or more for a hot dog.
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You go to Devon ready to eat a day's worth of food in one sitting.
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Lentil soup can, actually, be so good it inspires tears of joy.
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Poutine. It's not just a thing in Canada.
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Ordering breakfast can be more stressful than taking the SAT.
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Some of the best milkshakes in the world contain no milk whatsoever.
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The only real reason to get up early on a weekend is for a doughnut.
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23
No trip to Greektown is complete without saganaki.
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The phrase "smoked chubs" means something to you.
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Just admit it, you want to move to Chicago now. Totally understandable and warranted, but please promise us you'll never eat at the Hancock Building Cheesecake Factory or order in from Pizza Hut. Deal?