Buffalo, New York. The name conjures images of snow-covered landscapes, passionate sports fans, and perhaps, a certain type of spicy chicken. But beyond the Bills and the blizzards, lies a vibrant and often overlooked culinary scene. Forget the notion that Buffalo is just about wings; this city’s unique food landscape is a delicious melting pot of history, culture, and location, resulting in an array of iconic dishes that deserve far more recognition. So, pack your appetite and prepare for Buffalo Bites, a deep dive into the most famous food the city has to offer.
The Undisputed King: Buffalo Wings
No culinary exploration of Buffalo is complete without paying homage to the legendary Buffalo wing. This globally recognized appetizer has humble beginnings rooted firmly in the city’s past. The story begins at the Anchor Bar, a family-owned establishment that became the birthplace of this now ubiquitous dish. It all started in nineteen sixty-four when Teressa Bellissimo, co-owner of the Anchor Bar, decided to whip up a late-night snack for her son and his friends. Using chicken wings, a previously underutilized part of the bird, Teressa deep-fried them, tossed them in a homemade sauce of cayenne pepper, vinegar-based hot sauce, and melted butter, and served them with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
The rest, as they say, is history. Buffalo wings quickly gained popularity with locals and tourists alike, eventually becoming a symbol of Buffalo’s culinary identity. But what exactly makes a Buffalo wing a Buffalo wing? It’s a meticulous process that requires attention to detail. First, the wings are traditionally deep-fried until golden brown and crispy, ensuring the skin is rendered and the meat is cooked to perfection. The secret, however, lies in the sauce. The classic Buffalo wing sauce is a harmonious blend of Franks RedHot cayenne pepper sauce, melted butter (or margarine), vinegar, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce. The proportion of each ingredient is crucial, creating the perfect balance of heat, tang, and richness.
Equally important is the accompaniment: crisp celery sticks and creamy blue cheese dressing. The celery provides a refreshing contrast to the heat of the wings, while the blue cheese offers a cooling and tangy counterpoint. Together, they complete the iconic Buffalo wing experience.
Where can one find the best Buffalo wings? While the Anchor Bar remains a popular destination, countless other establishments across the city offer their own take on this classic. Duff’s Famous Wings is another widely recognized contender, known for their fiery sauces and generous portions. Gabriel’s Gate, a charming pub in Allentown, is celebrated for its crispy wings and cozy atmosphere. La Nova Pizzeria also serves award-winning wings with distinct flavor. Each establishment boasts its own unique recipe and preparation style, making the quest for the “best” wing a delicious and ongoing debate among Buffalonians.
While the classic Buffalo wing remains a beloved staple, many variations have emerged over the years. From honey garlic wings to barbecue wings to lemon pepper wings, the possibilities are endless. Some restaurants even offer a range of heat levels, from mild to extra hot, catering to a variety of palates. Regardless of the variation, the spirit of the original Buffalo wing remains: a flavorful, satisfying, and utterly addictive treat.
Beef on Weck: A Buffalo Staple
Beyond the world-famous wings, Buffalo boasts another culinary treasure: the Beef on Weck. This hearty sandwich is a testament to the city’s working-class roots and its love for simple, flavorful food. The Beef on Weck consists of thinly sliced roast beef, piled high on a kummelweck roll, a unique type of roll topped with caraway seeds and kosher salt. The sandwich is typically served with a side of au jus, a flavorful beef broth, for dipping.
The history of the Beef on Weck is intertwined with Buffalo’s German heritage. The kummelweck roll, which is crucial to the sandwich’s identity, is believed to have originated in Germany. German immigrants brought the recipe to Buffalo, where it eventually found its way into local bakeries and restaurants. The combination of the salty, flavorful roll with succulent roast beef proved to be a winning combination, and the Beef on Weck quickly became a Buffalo staple.
The key to a truly exceptional Beef on Weck lies in the quality of the ingredients and the attention to detail in preparation. The roast beef should be tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. The kummelweck roll must be fresh, with a generous sprinkling of caraway seeds and kosher salt. The au jus should be rich, flavorful, and not too salty.
Charlie the Butcher is perhaps the most famous name associated with Beef on Weck in Buffalo. Their dedication to quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods has earned them a loyal following. Schwabl’s, a historic German restaurant, is another excellent choice for experiencing an authentic Beef on Weck. Many local delis and pubs throughout the city also offer their own versions of this classic sandwich.
The Beef on Weck is more than just a sandwich; it’s a symbol of Buffalo’s culinary heritage and a testament to the city’s love for hearty, flavorful food. It’s a sandwich that Buffalonians take pride in, and it’s a must-try for anyone visiting the city.
Sponge Candy: A Sweet Buffalo Treat
For those with a sweet tooth, Buffalo offers another unique culinary delight: sponge candy. This airy, crunchy confection is a local favorite, often enjoyed as a snack or a dessert. Sponge candy is made from a simple mixture of sugar, corn syrup, and baking soda. The baking soda reacts with the other ingredients, creating a honeycomb-like structure that is light, airy, and incredibly brittle. The candy is typically coated in chocolate, adding a layer of richness and sweetness.
The exact origins of sponge candy in Buffalo are somewhat shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have been popularized by local candy makers in the early twentieth century. Over time, it has become a beloved treat, synonymous with Buffalo’s culinary identity.
What makes sponge candy so unique? Its texture is unlike any other candy. It’s both crunchy and delicate, dissolving almost instantly in your mouth. The combination of the airy honeycomb structure and the coating of chocolate creates a truly addictive experience.
Parkside Candy is perhaps the most well-known name associated with sponge candy in Buffalo. Their commitment to traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients has made them a local institution. Fowler’s Chocolates is another popular choice, offering a variety of sponge candy flavors and sizes. Many smaller candy shops and bakeries throughout the city also offer their own versions of this unique treat.
Sponge candy is more than just a candy; it’s a symbol of Buffalo’s sweet side and a reminder of the city’s rich culinary heritage. It’s a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth visiting Buffalo.
Pizza: A Culinary Melting Pot
While perhaps not as singularly iconic as wings or Beef on Weck, pizza holds a significant place in Buffalo’s food culture. The city boasts a vibrant and diverse pizza scene, influenced by a variety of regional styles and culinary traditions.
Buffalo-style pizza often features a slightly sweet sauce and is topped with cup-and-char pepperoni, a type of pepperoni that curls into a cup shape as it cooks, creating a crispy and flavorful topping. However, Buffalo’s pizza scene is far from limited to this specific style. The city’s large Italian-American population has contributed to a strong tradition of New York-style and Sicilian-style pizza. You’ll find everything from thin-crust pies to deep-dish squares, each with its own unique flavor profile.
Mighty Taco is a popular local chain serving unique taco creations that are unique to the area. Imperial Pizza is another local favorite. Picasso’s Pizza is a Buffalo staple that offers a variety of toppings and crusts. These shops exemplify the range of choices and pizza flavors.
Other Honorable Mentions
Buffalo’s culinary landscape extends beyond the dishes already mentioned. Several other local favorites deserve recognition. Chicken Souvlaki is a popular street food, consisting of marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection and served in a pita with tzatziki sauce and other toppings. Loganberry, a unique berry hybrid, is another Buffalo specialty, often enjoyed as a refreshing beverage or used to flavor syrups and jams. The city’s strong Polish heritage has also contributed to its culinary scene, with many restaurants and delis offering traditional Polish dishes such as pierogi, kielbasa, and golabki. Friday fish fries are also a Buffalo tradition, with many restaurants and pubs offering fried fish with sides of coleslaw and potato salad.
Conclusion
Buffalo’s culinary scene is a delicious surprise, offering far more than just wings. From the iconic Buffalo wings and the hearty Beef on Weck to the sweet sponge candy and the diverse pizza scene, Buffalo’s food is a reflection of its history, culture, and people. It’s a culinary landscape that is both familiar and unique, offering something for everyone.
Buffalo is a city that takes its food seriously, and for good reason. Each of these iconic dishes tells a story, reflecting the city’s past and its present. So, if you’re looking for a culinary adventure, look no further than Buffalo. Come explore the city’s food scene, try these iconic dishes for yourself, and discover the delicious charm that Buffalo has to offer. You might just find yourself saying, “These are the best chicken wings I ever had!”
