The Philly cheesesteak, a culinary icon of Philadelphia, has been a topic of discussion for food enthusiasts and locals alike. While the traditional recipe consists of thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions on a hoagie roll, one question remains: do you put mustard on a Philly cheesesteak? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the Philly cheesesteak, explore the role of mustard in the dish, and examine the opinions of locals and chefs to settle the debate once and for all.
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 to hungry taxi cab drivers in South Philadelphia. According to legend, a customer asked Olivieri to add some cheese to the sandwich, and the Philly cheesesteak was born. Olivieri’s restaurant, Pat’s King of Steaks, still stands today and is widely regarded as the birthplace of the Philly cheesesteak.
Over the years, the Philly cheesesteak has evolved, with various restaurants and chefs putting their own spin on the classic recipe. However, the core ingredients have remained the same: thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions on a hoagie roll.
The Role of Mustard in the Philly Cheesesteak
Mustard is a condiment that has been associated with the Philly cheesesteak for decades. In fact, many locals will tell you that a Philly cheesesteak isn’t complete without a dollop of mustard. But what type of mustard is traditionally used on a Philly cheesesteak?
Yellow Mustard vs. Hot Mustard
There are two types of mustard commonly used on Philly cheesesteaks: yellow mustard and hot mustard. Yellow mustard, also known as American mustard, is a mild, creamy condiment made from a mixture of white vinegar, water, salt, and turmeric. Hot mustard, on the other hand, is a spicy condiment made from a mixture of brown mustard seeds, vinegar, and spices.
According to locals, yellow mustard is the traditional choice for Philly cheesesteaks. It adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the sandwich without overpowering the other ingredients. Hot mustard, while popular among some enthusiasts, is not as widely accepted as a traditional topping.
Opinions from Locals and Chefs
So, do you put mustard on a Philly cheesesteak? We asked locals and chefs for their opinions on the matter.
“I’m a traditionalist,” says Rick Olivieri, owner of Pat’s King of Steaks. “I think a Philly cheesesteak should have yellow mustard, but it’s up to personal preference. Some people like it, some people don’t.”
“I’m a hot mustard guy,” says Steve Voudakis, owner of Steve’s Prince of Steaks. “I think it adds a nice kick to the sandwich. But hey, if you don’t like it, you can always ask for no mustard.”
A Survey of Philly Cheesesteak Joints
We surveyed several Philly cheesesteak joints in Philadelphia to see how they feel about mustard on their sandwiches. Here are the results:
| Restaurant | Mustard Policy |
|---|---|
| Pat’s King of Steaks | Yellow mustard is traditional, but customers can ask for no mustard or hot mustard |
| Steve’s Prince of Steaks | Hot mustard is the default, but customers can ask for yellow mustard or no mustard |
| Jim’s Steaks | No mustard is the default, but customers can ask for yellow mustard or hot mustard |
The Verdict
So, do you put mustard on a Philly cheesesteak? The answer is a resounding “it’s up to you.” While traditionalists may argue that yellow mustard is the only way to go, others may prefer hot mustard or no mustard at all.
Ultimately, the decision to put mustard on a Philly cheesesteak comes down to personal preference. If you’re a traditionalist, go for the yellow mustard. If you like a little heat, try the hot mustard. And if you’re a rebel, go for no mustard at all.
Tips for Ordering a Philly Cheesesteak
If you’re new to the world of Philly cheesesteaks, here are a few tips for ordering like a local:
- Order with confidence: Don’t be afraid to tell the cashier exactly how you want your cheesesteak. If you want mustard, say so. If you don’t want mustard, say that too.
- Use the lingo: Philly cheesesteak joints have their own lingo. If you want your cheesesteak with onions, say “wit.” If you don’t want onions, say “without.”
- Be prepared for a wait: Philly cheesesteak joints can get busy, especially during peak hours. Be prepared to wait in line and don’t get discouraged if the cashier seems a little gruff.
Conclusion
The Philly cheesesteak is a culinary icon that has been debated by food enthusiasts and locals for decades. While the traditional recipe consists of thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions on a hoagie roll, the question of whether to put mustard on a Philly cheesesteak remains a topic of discussion.
Ultimately, the decision to put mustard on a Philly cheesesteak comes down to personal preference. Whether you’re a traditionalist who swears by yellow mustard or a rebel who prefers no mustard at all, there’s a Philly cheesesteak out there for you. So go ahead, order with confidence, and enjoy one of the greatest sandwiches in the world.
What is the traditional way to order a Philly cheesesteak?
The traditional way to order a Philly cheesesteak is by specifying the type of cheese and the type of meat. For example, you can order a “Whiz wit” which means a cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz and onions, or a “Provolone without” which means a cheesesteak with provolone cheese and no onions.
When ordering a traditional Philly cheesesteak, it’s also important to know that ketchup is not typically used as a topping, and mustard is not always included. The focus is on the quality of the steak, the cheese, and the bread, rather than on a lot of toppings.
What is the role of mustard in a Philly cheesesteak?
Mustard is a divisive topic when it comes to Philly cheesesteaks. Some people swear by adding a layer of mustard to their cheesesteak, while others claim it’s not traditional. In reality, mustard was a common topping for cheesesteaks in the early days of the dish, particularly at Pat’s King of Steaks, one of the most famous cheesesteak joints in Philadelphia.
However, over time, the use of mustard has fallen out of favor with many cheesesteak enthusiasts. Today, it’s more common to see ketchup or hot peppers as toppings, rather than mustard. Despite this, some people still enjoy adding a layer of mustard to their cheesesteak, and it’s not uncommon to see it offered as an option at some cheesesteak joints.
What type of mustard is typically used on a Philly cheesesteak?
When it comes to mustard on a Philly cheesesteak, the type of mustard used is often a matter of personal preference. However, the most traditional type of mustard used is a spicy brown mustard, similar to Dijon mustard. This type of mustard adds a tangy, slightly spicy flavor to the cheesesteak that complements the richness of the cheese and the steak.
Some cheesesteak joints may also offer other types of mustard, such as yellow mustard or whole-grain mustard. However, spicy brown mustard is the most traditional and widely accepted type of mustard to use on a Philly cheesesteak.
Is it acceptable to put ketchup on a Philly cheesesteak?
While some people may put ketchup on their Philly cheesesteak, it’s generally considered to be a faux pas. In Philadelphia, where the cheesesteak originated, ketchup is not typically used as a topping for cheesesteaks. In fact, some cheesesteak joints may even look at you funny if you ask for ketchup.
However, it’s worth noting that there’s no one “right” way to top a cheesesteak, and ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If you like ketchup on your cheesesteak, go for it! Just don’t expect to win any points with the cheesesteak purists.
Can I customize my Philly cheesesteak with other toppings?
While traditional Philly cheesesteaks are typically made with just a few ingredients – steak, cheese, and bread – many modern cheesesteak joints offer a wide range of toppings and customizations. From hot peppers to mushrooms to bacon, the options are endless.
However, it’s worth noting that some cheesesteak purists may look down on heavily customized cheesesteaks. If you’re looking for a traditional experience, it’s best to stick with the basics. But if you’re feeling adventurous, go ahead and add your favorite toppings – just don’t say we didn’t warn you!
What’s the best type of cheese to use on a Philly cheesesteak?
The type of cheese to use on a Philly cheesesteak is a matter of personal preference, but some types of cheese are more traditional than others. Cheez Whiz is a classic choice, and is often considered to be the most authentic option. However, other types of cheese, such as provolone or mozzarella, are also popular.
Ultimately, the best type of cheese to use on a Philly cheesesteak is the one that you enjoy the most. If you’re looking for a traditional experience, Cheez Whiz is the way to go. But if you’re feeling fancy, you can’t go wrong with a high-quality provolone or mozzarella.
Can I make a Philly cheesesteak at home?
While it’s impossible to exactly replicate the experience of eating a Philly cheesesteak at a legendary joint like Pat’s or Geno’s, you can definitely make a delicious Philly cheesesteak at home. The key is to use high-quality ingredients, including thinly sliced steak, fresh bread, and melted cheese.
To make a Philly cheesesteak at home, start by slicing a ribeye or top round steak into thin strips. Then, heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Add the steak and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, then add sliced cheese and cook until it’s melted and bubbly. Serve on a hoagie roll and enjoy!