Introduction
Imagine this: you’re standing on a street corner in Buffalo, New York, the crisp air carrying the tantalizing aroma of spices and roasting meat. The city, often overshadowed by its larger, more cosmopolitan neighbors, holds a delicious secret: a culinary identity fiercely its own. Sure, the world knows Buffalo for its famous buffalo wings, a spicy, buttery masterpiece born within the city limits. But to truly experience Buffalo, you need to venture beyond the wings and delve into the heart of its diverse and comforting cuisine. Buffalo boasts a range of unique and delicious foods that reflect its history, culture, and the unwavering spirit of its people. So, prepare your appetite, because we’re about to embark on a culinary journey through Buffalo’s must-try dishes.
Buffalo Wings: The King of Buffalo Cuisine
No exploration of Buffalo food would be complete without paying homage to its reigning monarch: the buffalo wing. The story of the buffalo wing is the stuff of culinary legend, originating at the Anchor Bar in nineteen sixty-four. As the story goes, Teressa Bellissimo, co-owner of the Anchor Bar, needed a quick and easy snack for her son and his friends who arrived late at night. She deep-fried chicken wings (usually discarded or used for stock), tossed them in a cayenne pepper-based hot sauce and butter mixture, and served them with celery and blue cheese dressing. And just like that, a culinary sensation was born.
But what elevates a buffalo wing from a simple fried chicken snack to a symbol of a city? It’s the meticulous attention to detail. The perfect wing cut, for starters. You’ll find heated debates over whether drumettes (the “drumstick” part of the wing) or flats (the flatter, two-bone section) reign supreme. Then comes the frying: crispy skin is non-negotiable, achieved through a precise frying technique that renders the fat and creates a satisfying crunch.
The sauce, of course, is the heart and soul of the buffalo wing. The classic recipe is a harmonious blend of cayenne pepper-based hot sauce, vinegar, and melted butter. The vinegar adds a tangy kick, the hot sauce provides the heat, and the butter creates a smooth, rich coating that clings perfectly to the crispy skin. This sauce should be hot, but not so hot it overpowers the flavor.
Finally, the holy trinity is complete with celery and blue cheese. The cool, crisp celery provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy wings, while the creamy, pungent blue cheese offers a counterpoint of flavor that many find addictive. The blue cheese *must* be creamy with a slightly tangy bite.
While the Anchor Bar may be the birthplace of buffalo wings, the search for the *best* wings in Buffalo is a quest undertaken by locals and tourists alike. There are many great spots to get your wings. Duff’s Famous Wings is known for its fiery heat. Gabriel’s Gate is known for its cozy atmosphere and classic wings. Bar Bill Tavern, a bit outside the city in East Aurora, is known for its unique flavors and creative wing sauces. Each establishment offers its own take on the classic buffalo wing, making the pursuit of the perfect wing a never-ending adventure.
Buffalo isn’t just known for eating wings but for the culture that is built around them. Wing festivals draw crowds every year. Wing challenges test the limits of even the most seasoned wing enthusiasts. It’s safe to say that buffalo wings are an integral part of Buffalo’s identity, representing the city’s culinary spirit and its passion for bold, unapologetic flavor.
Beef on Weck: A Buffalo Staple
Beyond the beloved wings, another iconic Buffalo dish stakes its claim on the city’s culinary landscape: the Beef on Weck. This hearty sandwich is a testament to Buffalo’s blue-collar roots, a flavorful and satisfying creation that embodies the city’s no-nonsense approach to food.
Let’s deconstruct this culinary masterpiece. The Beef on Weck starts with the kimmelweck roll, a distinctive roll topped with coarse salt and caraway seeds. This salty, flavorful roll is essential to the sandwich’s character, providing a textural contrast to the tender beef and a savory counterpoint to the horseradish.
Next comes the star of the show: slow-roasted, thinly sliced beef. The beef is typically cooked until tender and juicy, allowing its natural flavors to shine. The thin slicing is crucial, creating a delicate texture that melts in your mouth.
The final flourish is a generous dollop of freshly grated horseradish. The horseradish adds a powerful kick of heat that cuts through the richness of the beef and the saltiness of the roll. Be warned: fresh horseradish packs a serious punch, so approach with caution!
Many restaurants offer au jus, a savory beef broth, for dipping. The broth allows the flavor to soak in while adding depth to the flavor.
The kimmelweck roll itself has a fascinating history, originating in Germany. Legend says that a baker in Buffalo added the salt and caraway seeds to mimic a roll that had been dropped during the baking process. Regardless of the validity of the legend, the roll quickly became a staple of the area.
Mister Goodbar is a classic dive bar known for its Beef on Weck. Schwabl’s, a family-owned restaurant, serves Beef on Weck the traditional way. Charlie the Butcher’s is a local favorite known for its quality cuts of meat.
Beef on Weck is more than just a sandwich; it’s a symbol of Buffalo’s working-class heritage and its enduring culinary traditions. The beef is part of the city’s culinary identity.
Sponge Candy: A Sweet Buffalo Treat
For those with a sweet tooth, no trip to Buffalo is complete without indulging in sponge candy, a unique and addictive confection that’s as light as air and as sweet as can be. Sponge candy is a brittle candy with an aerated interior.
Sponge candy’s unique texture is thanks to a chemical reaction caused by the addition of baking soda during the candy-making process. This results in tiny air pockets, creating a light, airy, and surprisingly brittle treat. The outside is coated in chocolate to help retain its structure.
Watson’s Chocolates is a local favorite. Parkside Candy, another beloved chocolatier, offers sponge candy in both milk and dark chocolate variations. Antoinette’s Sweets offers seasonal variations.
The history of sponge candy in Buffalo is somewhat murky, with several local confectioners claiming to have perfected the recipe. Regardless of its exact origins, sponge candy has become a beloved Buffalo staple, a sweet reminder of the city’s unique culinary landscape.
Beyond the Big Three: Other Buffalo Food Experiences
While buffalo wings, Beef on Weck, and sponge candy may be the best-known Buffalo foods, the city’s culinary scene extends far beyond these iconic dishes. Let’s explore some other Buffalo food experiences that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Buffalo-style pizza is a unique variety that distinguishes itself from other types of pizza with its sweeter sauce, cup and char pepperoni, and unique cheese blends. Cup and char pepperoni refers to the pepperoni that forms a cup shape while baking and is a local favorite. Some of the recommended pizzerias include Bocce Club Pizza.
Another Buffalo favorite is Loganberry, a dark red fruit similar to a raspberry. You can find Loganberry in many local restaurants and diners in the form of juice. Crystal Beach Loganberry is the main brand.
The Chicken Finger Sub is a unique Buffalo favorite. Chicken fingers are deep fried, tossed in hot sauce, and placed in a sub roll with lettuce, tomato, and blue cheese or ranch.
Conclusion
Buffalo’s culinary scene is a vibrant and diverse tapestry, woven together by a rich history, a strong sense of community, and a passion for bold, comforting flavors. While the world may know Buffalo for its famous buffalo wings, the city offers so much more to explore. From the hearty Beef on Weck to the airy sweetness of sponge candy, Buffalo’s must-try dishes are a testament to the city’s unique culinary identity.
So, the next time you find yourself in Western New York, venture beyond the tourist traps and immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of Buffalo. Support local businesses, explore the diverse neighborhoods, and savor the culinary traditions that have made Buffalo a true food lover’s paradise. You won’t be disappointed. You’ll experience why Buffalo is more than just wings, it’s a culinary destination.
