St. Louis is a city that represents the American Midwest, famous for its unique food culture and local specialties.

Located along the Mississippi River, this city served as a gateway during the westward expansion of the 19th century, and its historical background is reflected in today's food culture. Here, we introduce the culinary world of St. Louis, set against the backdrop of the Gateway Arch.

The first food that comes to mind when thinking of St. Louis is St. Louis-Style Pizza. Unlike typical pizza, it features a cracker-thin, crispy crust made without yeast, and is uniquely cut into squares. Topped with Provel cheese, a local cheese blend of provolone, cheddar, and Swiss, it is a distinctive offering.

Provel cheese is a regional specialty used commonly in St. Louis, making it a key element that sets St. Louis pizza apart from pizzas in other areas. Imo's Pizza is the original purveyor of this style, operating dozens of locations throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Another food icon of St. Louis is Toasted Ravioli. This dish, which originated in The Hill neighborhood, where many Italian immigrants settled, consists of meat-filled ravioli that are breaded and fried. It is enjoyed as an appetizer or snack, and is a staple on the menus of various Italian restaurants in St. Louis. You can especially taste the original toasted ravioli at traditional restaurants in The Hill, such as Charlie Gitto's.

The Hill neighborhood itself is a treasure trove of food culture. Established in the late 1800s by Italian immigrants, this area is home to authentic Italian restaurants, handmade pasta shops, salumerias (Italian delicatessens), and Italian bakeries.

Many small shops run by local residents for generations allow you to experience a strong European atmosphere in St. Louis. Local butcher shops like Joe Broan's Sausage boast decades of history.

Beer culture is also an important part of St. Louis's food identity. St. Louis is famous as the home of Budweiser, with the Anheuser-Busch brewery headquartered here. Brewery tours are available for visitors to see the Budweiser brewing process firsthand.

Recently, the craft beer culture has been rapidly growing, with dozens of local craft breweries like 4 Hands Brewing Co., Odenwaelder Brewing, and Tradewinds Brewing operating throughout St. Louis.

St. Louis-Style Barbecue is another local food that cannot be overlooked. St. Louis-style ribs are characterized by the removal of excess cartilage and the breastbone, shaped into a near-square form, and are recognized as one of the official barbecue cut types by the American Barbecue Association. The St. Louis-style barbecue sauce is known for its balance of sweetness and tanginess, made with a tomato base, vinegar, and sugar. You can taste authentic St. Louis barbecue ribs at local favorites like Smokehouse BBQ.

Among the food specialties of St. Louis, Gooey Butter Cake is a notable treat that can be easily found in local supermarkets like Kroger or Schnucks. Also known as Butter Cake, this dessert is a flat, sticky-textured cake that is said to have been accidentally created in St. Louis in the 1930s. The basic version is vanilla-flavored, but there are various variations including chocolate, strawberry, and cream cheese, available at bakeries throughout St. Louis.

Food-related attractions include the food hall at Union Station, which has been renovated from the historic St. Louis Central Terminal, and the Soulard Farmers Market, a direct-to-consumer market. The Soulard Farmers Market is the oldest market in St. Louis, dating back to 1779, where you can find a variety of fresh local produce, handmade cheeses, artisanal foods, and regional specialties. There are also restaurants in the riverfront area near Gateway Arch National Park where you can enjoy St. Louis local food while overlooking the Mississippi River, making it a great spot for both tourism and culinary experiences.

Living in St. Louis for a long time allows local brands and foods to naturally blend into daily life. Schnucks is a local supermarket chain operating in Missouri and Illinois, centered around St. Louis, responsible for the everyday shopping of local residents. Dierbergs is also known as a local supermarket with a luxurious food lineup. These local grocery stores prioritize local farmers' produce and St. Louis specialty foods, supporting the local economy.