The Philly cheesesteak, a culinary icon of Philadelphia, has been a topic of discussion among food enthusiasts for decades. While some argue that the original Philly cheesesteak should include peppers, others claim that this addition is a sacrilegious departure from the classic recipe. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Philly cheesesteak, explore the role of peppers in its evolution, and examine the arguments for and against the inclusion of peppers in this beloved dish.
A Brief History of the Philly Cheesesteak
The Philly cheesesteak has its roots in the 1930s, when a hot dog vendor named Pat Olivieri began serving thinly sliced steak on a hoagie roll in South Philadelphia. According to legend, a taxi cab driver asked Olivieri to add some cheese to the sandwich, and the Philly cheesesteak was born. Olivieri’s restaurant, Pat’s King of Steaks, remains a popular destination for cheesesteak enthusiasts to this day.
Over time, the Philly cheesesteak gained popularity throughout the city, with various restaurants and street vendors offering their own versions of the dish. One of these vendors was a man named Harry “Hershel” Savitz, who opened a restaurant called Steve’s Prince of Steaks in 1980. Savitz’s restaurant became known for its high-quality cheesesteaks, and it remains a beloved institution in Philadelphia.
The Role of Peppers in the Philly Cheesesteak
So, where do peppers fit into the history of the Philly cheesesteak? The answer is not a simple one. While some restaurants and vendors have always included peppers in their cheesesteaks, others have traditionally omitted them.
At Pat’s King of Steaks, the original Philly cheesesteak restaurant, peppers are not a standard topping. In fact, the restaurant’s website explicitly states that their cheesesteaks do not include peppers. However, customers can request peppers as an additional topping if they desire.
On the other hand, Steve’s Prince of Steaks, another well-known Philly cheesesteak joint, has always included peppers in their cheesesteaks. According to the restaurant’s owner, Steve Savitz, peppers have been a part of their recipe since the beginning.
Arguments For and Against Peppers
So, why do some people insist that peppers are an essential component of the Philly cheesesteak, while others claim that they are a unnecessary addition? Here are some arguments for and against the inclusion of peppers:
Arguments For Peppers:
- Peppers add a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor to the cheesesteak.
- They help to balance out the richness of the cheese and the savory flavor of the steak.
- Peppers are a traditional topping in many Philly cheesesteak restaurants, and their inclusion is a nod to the dish’s cultural heritage.
Arguments Against Peppers:
- Peppers can overpower the other flavors in the cheesesteak, overwhelming the delicate taste of the steak and the cheese.
- They can make the cheesesteak feel cluttered and overwhelming, rather than streamlined and elegant.
- Omitting peppers allows the other ingredients in the cheesesteak to shine, rather than being overpowered by the peppers.
The Verdict: Do Peppers Belong in a Philly Cheesesteak?
Ultimately, whether or not peppers belong in a Philly cheesesteak is a matter of personal preference. While some people swear by the inclusion of peppers, others prefer their cheesesteaks pepper-free.
If you’re a traditionalist who wants to experience the Philly cheesesteak in its purest form, you may want to omit the peppers. However, if you’re looking to add some extra flavor and texture to your cheesesteak, peppers can be a great addition.
Conclusion
The Philly cheesesteak is a beloved dish that has been enjoyed by people for generations. While the inclusion of peppers is a topic of debate, it’s clear that both pepper-inclusive and pepper-free cheesesteaks have their own merits.
Whether you’re a native Philadelphian or just visiting the city, trying a Philly cheesesteak is a must-do experience. And who knows – you may just find yourself joining the pepper debate.
Philly Cheesesteak Variations
While the traditional Philly cheesesteak is a timeless classic, there are many variations of the dish that are worth trying. Here are a few:
- Whiz Wit: A classic Philly cheesesteak topped with Cheez Whiz and sautéed onions.
- Provolone Without: A cheesesteak topped with provolone cheese, but no peppers or onions.
- Chicken Cheesesteak: A variation of the classic cheesesteak made with grilled chicken instead of steak.
Philly Cheesesteak Restaurants to Try
If you’re looking to try an authentic Philly cheesesteak, here are some restaurants to check out:
- Pat’s King of Steaks: The original Philly cheesesteak restaurant, located in South Philadelphia.
- Steve’s Prince of Steaks: A beloved institution in Philadelphia, known for their high-quality cheesesteaks.
- Jim’s Steaks: A popular spot for cheesesteaks in South Philadelphia, known for their tender steak and gooey cheese.
Final Thoughts
The Philly cheesesteak is a dish that is steeped in history and tradition. While the inclusion of peppers is a topic of debate, it’s clear that both pepper-inclusive and pepper-free cheesesteaks have their own merits.
Whether you’re a native Philadelphian or just visiting the city, trying a Philly cheesesteak is a must-do experience. And who knows – you may just find yourself joining the pepper debate.
What is the Philly cheesesteak conundrum?
The Philly cheesesteak conundrum refers to the ongoing debate among locals and visitors alike about the proper way to order a Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia. At the center of this debate is the question of whether or not to include peppers in the cheesesteak. The issue has sparked heated discussions and disagreements, with some arguing that peppers are an essential component of the classic dish, while others claim that they are an unnecessary addition.
The debate surrounding peppers on a Philly cheesesteak has become a cultural phenomenon, with many restaurants and vendors weighing in on the issue. Some establishments proudly declare their stance on peppers, while others leave it up to the customer to decide. The conundrum has also led to the creation of various cheesesteak styles, each with its own unique twist on the classic recipe.
What is the traditional way to order a Philly cheesesteak?
The traditional way to order a Philly cheesesteak is a topic of much debate, with some arguing that it should be ordered “wit” (with onions) and others claiming that it should be ordered “without” (without onions). However, when it comes to peppers, the traditional approach is to exclude them from the order. This is because peppers were not a part of the original Philly cheesesteak recipe, which consisted of thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and sautéed onions on a hoagie roll.
Despite the traditional approach, many modern Philly cheesesteak joints now offer peppers as an optional topping. This has led to a proliferation of different cheesesteak styles, each with its own unique flavor profile. Some popular variations include the “hot pepper cheesesteak,” which features spicy peppers, and the “sweet pepper cheesesteak,” which features bell peppers.
Why do some people insist on including peppers in their Philly cheesesteak?
Some people insist on including peppers in their Philly cheesesteak because they believe that it adds a necessary burst of flavor and texture to the dish. Peppers can add a sweet, crunchy element to the cheesesteak, which complements the savory flavors of the steak and cheese. Additionally, some people may have grown up eating cheesesteaks with peppers and therefore associate them with the classic dish.
However, others argue that peppers are an unnecessary addition to the cheesesteak, and that they can overpower the other flavors in the dish. They claim that the traditional recipe is perfect just the way it is, and that peppers only serve to detract from the overall experience. This debate highlights the subjective nature of food preferences and the importance of personal taste.
Can I customize my Philly cheesesteak to include peppers?
Yes, most Philly cheesesteak joints will allow you to customize your order to include peppers. In fact, many restaurants now offer peppers as a standard topping option, alongside other ingredients like mushrooms and bacon. If you’re unsure about whether or not a particular restaurant offers peppers, it’s always best to ask your server or the chef.
When customizing your cheesesteak, be sure to specify the type of peppers you prefer. Some popular options include bell peppers, jalapeños, and hot peppers. You can also ask for peppers to be added in a specific way, such as sliced or diced. This will ensure that your cheesesteak is prepared to your exact specifications.
Are peppers a necessary component of a Philly cheesesteak?
No, peppers are not a necessary component of a Philly cheesesteak. In fact, the traditional recipe does not include peppers at all. The classic Philly cheesesteak consists of thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and sautéed onions on a hoagie roll. While peppers can be a tasty addition to the dish, they are not essential to its composition.
That being said, the inclusion of peppers has become a popular variation on the classic recipe. Many modern Philly cheesesteak joints now offer peppers as a standard topping option, and some even feature them prominently in their marketing materials. However, if you’re looking for a traditional Philly cheesesteak experience, you can safely omit the peppers.
How do I know if a Philly cheesesteak joint is authentic?
There are several ways to determine whether or not a Philly cheesesteak joint is authentic. One way is to look for restaurants that use high-quality ingredients, such as thinly sliced steak and fresh cheese. You should also pay attention to the cooking method, as authentic Philly cheesesteaks are typically cooked on a griddle or flat top.
Another way to gauge authenticity is to observe the ordering process. At an authentic Philly cheesesteak joint, you should be able to order your cheesesteak using the traditional lingo, such as “wit” or “without.” If the restaurant seems unfamiliar with these terms, it may not be an authentic Philly cheesesteak joint. Finally, be wary of restaurants that claim to serve “gourmet” or ” artisanal” cheesesteaks, as these may be attempts to disguise a lack of authenticity.
Can I put peppers on a Philly cheesesteak if I’m ordering from a traditional joint?
While it’s technically possible to ask for peppers on a Philly cheesesteak from a traditional joint, it’s not always recommended. Some traditional Philly cheesesteak joints may view peppers as an unnecessary addition to the classic recipe, and may even refuse to add them to your order.
If you do decide to ask for peppers, be prepared for a potentially skeptical response from the chef or server. They may ask you why you want peppers on your cheesesteak, or may even try to persuade you to order it the traditional way. However, if you’re insistent on having peppers, most restaurants will ultimately accommodate your request. Just be respectful of the traditional recipe and the chef’s expertise.