Cincinnati chili is a unique type of chili that originated in Cincinnati, Ohio in the 1920s. Unlike other chilis, Cincinnati chili has a very thin, sauce-like consistency and is typically served over spaghetti or hot dogs, topped with cheese, onions, and beans. So what makes Cincinnati chili so special and different from other chilis?
The History of Cincinnati Chili
Cincinnati chili originated in the 1920s when Macedonian immigrant Tom (Athanas) Kiradjieff created a recipe inspired by Mediterranean spiced meat sauces. Kiradjieff opened the first Cincinnati chili parlor, Empress Chili, in 1922. The chili was served as a sauce spooned over spaghetti, rather than as a thick meaty stew. This was a cost-cutting measure during the Great Depression, allowing restaurants to stretch the chili further. Other Greek and Macedonian immigrant families in Cincinnati began opening their own chili parlors, tweaking and developing Kiradjieff’s original recipe over time. By the 1960s, Cincinnati chili had become a local staple and cultural icon, with chains like Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili growing rapidly. Today there are over 250 chili parlors in the Greater Cincinnati area!
The Unique Taste and Texture
So what makes the taste and texture of Cincinnati chili so unique? Here are some of its defining characteristics:
- Very finely ground beef or a meat sauce-like consistency – Unlike chunky beef chili, Cincinnati chili is ground into a very fine minced meat, giving it an ultra smooth texture.
- Layered spices – Cincinnati chili gets its distinctive flavor from a complex blend of spices like cinnamon, allspice, cloves, cumin, and cocoa powder. The spices are layered in a specific order during cooking.
- No tomatoes – Unlike most beef chilis, Cincinnati chili omits tomatoes, making the color and flavor dependent entirely on the spices.
- Served as a sauce – The thin, smooth consistency makes Cincinnati chili ideal for spooning as a sauce over spaghetti or hot dogs.
- Sweetness – Spices like cinnamon give Cincinnati chili a touch of sweetness not found in other chilis.
This unique combination of finely ground meat, Mediterranean-inspired spices, sweetness, and thin sauce-like texture really make Cincinnati chili stand apart!
The “Ways” of Eating Cincinnati Chili
Cincinnati chili is never eaten on its own like a beef bowl or stew. Instead, it is always ordered in specific “ways”, with an established system of toppings:
| Way | Description |
|---|---|
| Two-way | Spaghetti topped with chili |
| Three-way | Spaghetti, chili, and cheddar cheese |
| Four-way | Spaghetti, chili, cheese, and onions |
| Five-way | Spaghetti, chili, cheese, onions, and beans |
Some other common ways include:
- Cheese coney – Hot dog topped with chili, cheese, onions
- Chili cheese fries – French fries with chili, cheese, and onions
- Six-way – Five-way with mustard
- Seven-way – Six-way with oyster crackers
- Eight-way – Seven-way with hot sauce
This tradition of ordering Cincinnati chili in customized “ways” with an established topping framework is a quintessential part of enjoying it like a true Cincinnati local!
Where to Get Authentic Cincinnati Chili
To get an authentic taste of Cincinnati chili, there are some classic chili parlors you have to visit in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky:
- Skyline Chili – The largest and most well-known chain, with over 130 locations. Famous for their chili served over spaghetti.
- Gold Star Chili – Another famous chain and Skyline’s biggest rival, with 89 locations. Known for their secret family recipe.
- Camp Washington Chili – A historic Cincinnati diner opened in 1940, serving their trademark “Five Way Chili” family recipe.
- Pleasant Ridge Chili – Opened in 1954, a classic parlor known for chili cheese fries and butter burgers.
- Blue Ash Chili – Featured on Food Network, their chili has a distinct cinnamon flavor.
For an authentic experience, visit one of these classic parlors in Cincinnati and order a delicious three-way, four-way, or cheese coney!
Signature Dining Events Featuring Cincinnati Chili
Cincinnati chili is so iconic to local culture that it’s featured at many signature dining events in the city:
- Taste of Cincinnati – A huge annual food festival where thousands sample chili from parlor booths.
- Big Chili Cook Off – An annual competition in September for amateur cooks to show off their chili recipes.
- National Chili Month – Cincinnati celebrates every October with special chili deals and new menu items.
- Opening Day Chili – On Cincinnati Reds opening day, the whole city feasts on chili as they attend or watch the first baseball game.
- Cincinnati Chili Festival – A weekend street fair in September dedicated to celebrating Cincinnati’s love for chili!
From special events to deals at local parlors, Cincinnati embraces its chili fully. Chili is not only a signature local dish, but a core part of the city’s identity!
Cincinnati Chili Outside Ohio
While it originated in Cincinnati, you can now find Cincinnati chili chains spreading to other states too:
- Skyline Chili has over 130 locations, with restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Florida, and Michigan.
- Gold Star Chili has 89 locations across Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois.
- Camp Washington Chili opened an additional location in the Cincinnati airport so visitors can try it.
- Cincinnati chili starter kits and canned chili are sold online nationwide.
The spread of Cincinnati chili across the US shows its growing popularity beyond just the Ohio region! While still most iconic in Cincinnati, more people are getting a taste of this unique type of chili.
Variations and Innovations in Cincinnati Chili
While traditional Cincinnati chili parlors aim to preserve the classic flavors and “ways”, many new variations and innovations have emerged:
- Vegan and vegetarian chilis use substitutes like soy, mushrooms or jackfruit.
- Turkey or chicken chili provides a lighter alternative.
- Chili pizzas and chili burgers/wraps combine it with other foods.
- Chili over Fritos or tater tots for new vessels other than spaghetti.
- Flavored mayos and aiolis complement the chili in creative ways.
- Special event/festival chilis feature unique ingredients like bacon or fried eggs.
Despite tradition, Cincinnati chili continues to evolve with creative chefs and restaurants putting their own spin on this iconic dish!
How to Make Authentic Cincinnati Chili at Home
Want to get a taste of Cincinnati chili without traveling to Ohio? Here is an authentic recipe and guideline for making it at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (28 ounce) can tomato puree
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Add onion and garlic and cook 2 minutes more.
- Stir in spices, Worcestershire sauce, tomato puree, water, vinegar, bay leaf and brown sugar. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.
- Simmer chili uncovered for 1 1/2 – 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The chili should reduce down and thicken.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Remove bay leaf before serving.
- Serve Cincinnati chili over spaghetti with your choice of toppings like cheese, onions and beans. Enjoy!
With the right ratio of spices and long simmering time, you can create an authentic bowl of Cincinnati chili at home. Top it over spaghetti in true Cincinnati style.
Ordering Cincinnati Chili When Visiting
Ready to get an authentic taste of Cincinnati chili for yourself? Here are some tips if you visit Cincinnati and order it at a classic parlor:
- Know the “ways” – study the numbering system for ways so you can order like a local.
- Pair it with spaghetti or hot dogs – for the true Cincy experience, eat it as a sauce over those vessels.
- Add hot sauce or pepper – many locals like to add extra spice and heat.
- Get a cheese coney – the classic hot dog variation smothered in chili.
- Order a bowl on the side – try the chili by itself so you appreciate the unique consistency.
- Top with oyster crackers – this finishing touch adds important texture and crunch.
- Don’t forget the sides – order a coney and bag of spiced Cincinnati chili cheese fries.
By knowing the chili lingo and typical pairings, you can order and appreciate Cincinnati chili like someone born and raised there!
The Best Thing to Pair with Cincinnati Chili
What’s the best thing to eat alongside a hot, steaming bowl of Cincinnati chili? Here are some top picks:
- Cinnamon rolls – Oddly, cinnamon rolls paired with chili is a Cincinnati tradition. The sweetness balances the spice.
- Cornbread – Warm, buttery cornbread is a perfect match for soaking up that thin, saucy chili.
- Fried chicken – Crispy, greasy chicken takes this meal over the top. A local favorite combo!
- Diner burgers – For lunch, piling chili on a simple greasy burger patty is highly recommended.
- Roasted vegetables – Fresh veggies like Brussels sprouts or cauliflower roasted in the oven complement the chili.
- Cincinnati microbrew – Pair Skyline Chili with local beers from Taft’s or Rhinegeist Brewery.
Keep it traditional with cinnamon rolls, or give it a twist by pairing with fried chicken or roast veggies! Chili goes with just about anything.
Why Locals Love Cincinnati Chili So Much
For the people of Cincinnati, chili is more than just a signature food – it’s a badge of local pride and identity. Here are some of the reasons Cincinnati locals love their hometown chili so much:
- Tradition – For almost 100 years, Cincinnati chili has been a staple of the culture.
- Nostalgia – Locals have fond memories of enjoying chili as kids.
- Local business – The chili parlors are community gathering places.
- Uniqueflavor – The spices make the taste totally distinct.
- Customizable – Chili “ways” allow you to make it your own.
- Late night go-to – Many parlors are open 24 hours.
- Street food – Coneys are the ultimate street food and snack.
- Connects generations – Grandparents, parents, and kids bonding over chili is a tradition.
With deep roots in the city’s culture and history, Cincinnati chili inspires passion and pride in locals as a food that truly represents home.
The Future of Cincinnati Chili
While staying true to its traditional roots, Cincinnati chili also continues to evolve for the future:
- New fusion styles emerge as chefs experiment with the iconic dish.
- Restaurant chains expand nationally and globally to share it beyond Cincinnati.
- Ingredients improve for health, using leaner meats, less sodium, fresher spices.
- New generations put their own spin on recipes while honoring tradition.
- Major chains diversify their menu beyond just chili dishes.
- Small batch craft chili companies innovate the spices, meat and toppings.
- Technology makes ordering, customizing and delivering chili easier and more accessible.
Cincinnati chili has come a long way from a small 1920s chili parlor. Its past traditions and future evolution will ensure Cincinnati chili remains an iconic dish for generations to come!
Conclusion
With its unique thin consistency, Mediterranean-inspired spice blend, creative serving traditions, and deep ties to Cincinnati identity, Cincinnati chili truly stands in a category of its own. This local favorite has developed over nearly a century into an iconic regional dish that draws tourists and passionately loyal locals alike. Whether you are enjoying a cheese coney at an all-night diner or topping your five-way with extra hot sauce, Cincinnati chili is a taste and experience not to be missed.