Author: J H McIntosh

Introduction

Delicatessens, or “delis” for short, have long been a beloved part of culinary culture, especially in urban areas around the world. The word “delicatessen” comes from the German word “Delikatessen,” meaning “fine or delicious foods,” which itself was derived from the Latin word “delicatus,” meaning “delicate” or “delightful.” The term was first coined in the late 18th century by German immigrants in Europe who specialized in providing prepared foods that were considered a treat, like cured meats, cheeses, and specialty breads. When these immigrants began arriving in America, they brought with them this rich culinary tradition. The first known use of the term delicatessen in America dates back to the early 1800s in New York City, where it quickly became a mainstay of the immigrant dining scene.

The popularity of delis is rooted in their versatility, convenience, and focus on high-quality ingredients. Traditional delis offer an array of sandwiches, meats, salads, and snacks, catering to the needs of busy people who want to grab a quick meal without sacrificing quality. Whether it’s a classic pastrami on rye, a refreshing turkey club, or a hearty Italian sub, delis offer something for every palate. One of the key reasons delis are so cherished is their ability to craft sandwiches and meals that are fresh, flavorful, and personalized. Unlike fast food restaurants, delis often prepare ingredients on-site, and to-order, ensuring everything from the meats to the vegetables is at its peak of freshness.

Another reason for delis’ enduring popularity is the nostalgic connection many people have with them. Delis evoke memories of bustling, vibrant neighborhoods where locals gather not only to eat but to socialize. They serve as a cultural melting pot, particularly in cities like New York and Chicago, where Jewish, Italian, and German immigrants introduced their culinary traditions. For many, delis are a reminder of home-cooked comfort food, bridging the gap between homemade meals and quick, convenient dining.

In addition, delis are known for their affordability and portion sizes, offering hearty, filling meals at reasonable prices. The sandwiches are often stacked high with meats, cheeses, and other ingredients, making them both visually appealing and satisfying to the appetite. This combination of quality, quantity, and variety keeps customers coming back time and again. Delis remain a beloved institution where people can enjoy comfort food, crafted with care, in a friendly, welcoming environment. Whether it’s a quick lunch on the go or a leisurely meal with friends, delis continue to capture the hearts of food lovers everywhere. Here’s a brief description of each of the top ten deli sandwiches to inspire someone to try them. For a wider variety of deli foods please check out our Gallery.

Reuben

A Reuben is a hearty, flavorful sandwich made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, typically grilled between slices of rye bread. It originated in the early 1900s, with two competing origin stories, one from Omaha and one from New York City. The combination of salty corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy dressing, and melty cheese makes this sandwich rich, savory, and truly satisfying for deli lovers.

Turkey Club

The Turkey Club is a towering triple-decker sandwich featuring roasted turkey, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on toasted bread. Often served with a side of potato chips or pickles, this sandwich is light yet filling. Thought to have originated in New York’s Saratoga Club House in the late 1800s, its clean, fresh flavors and satisfying crunch make it a great go-to lunch choice.

Italian Sub

Loaded with Italian cold cuts like salami, ham, capicola, and provolone, along with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and zesty Italian dressing, the Italian sub is a deliciously bold sandwich. Served on a long hoagie roll, this classic traces its roots to Italian-American communities. It’s a perfect mix of salty, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite, making it a top pick for those who love robust sandwiches.

Pastrami on Rye

A quintessential New York deli favorite, the Pastrami on Rye sandwich consists of hot pastrami, Swiss cheese, mustard, and rye bread. Jewish immigrants introduced pastrami to the U.S., and it became a staple in delis across the country. The smoky, peppery pastrami combined with tangy mustard and earthy rye creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.

BLT

The BLT is a simple yet iconic sandwich made with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and mayonnaise, all tucked between slices of toasted bread. Its origins are traced back to early 20th-century America, where it became a favorite for its light, crisp texture and refreshing flavors. The BLT is beloved for its perfect balance of salty, crunchy, and creamy goodness.

Philly Cheesesteak

The Philly cheesesteak is a mouthwatering combination of thinly sliced beef, melted cheese (provolone, American, or Cheese Whiz), and sautéed onions and peppers, all stuffed into a hoagie roll. Born in Philadelphia in the 1930s, this sandwich has become synonymous with the city itself. Its warm, gooey cheese and savory steak make it an irresistible indulgence for sandwich lovers everywhere.

Tuna Melt

The Tuna Melt is a comforting blend of tuna salad (made with tuna, mayo, and celery) and melted cheese, often served on rye or sourdough bread. Grilled to perfection, the sandwich combines creamy and crispy textures with savory, mild flavors. The Tuna Melt gained popularity in the mid-20th century and remains a go-to for a satisfying, easy lunch.

French Dip

The French Dip sandwich features tender roast beef served on a French roll, traditionally accompanied by a side of beef broth or au jus for dipping. The sandwich was invented in Los Angeles in the early 1900s and has since become a hit for its juicy, savory flavor and fun dipping experience. The French Dip is ideal for those who enjoy hearty, flavorful sandwiches.

Chicken Salad Sandwich

The Chicken Salad Sandwich is typically made with a mix of shredded chicken, mayonnaise, celery, and sometimes grapes or nuts for added texture and sweetness. Served on soft bread, this sandwich offers a light yet filling meal. Its roots go back to early 20th-century America, and it’s a favorite for its creamy, tangy, and refreshing taste.

Cuban Sandwich

The Cuban Sandwich, or Cubano, consists of roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard pressed together on Cuban bread. It originated in Cuban communities in Florida in the early 1900s and has become a fan favorite for its contrasting textures and bold flavors. The crunch of the bread and the salty, savory ingredients create a perfect, flavorful bite every time.

These sandwiches showcase a diverse range of flavors and textures, each with a rich history and loyal following. Trying any of them is a tasty adventure!

Delicatessens have made memorable appearances in a number of books, often symbolizing community, culture, and tradition.

One of the most iconic delis in literature is Katz’s Deli, which features prominently in “The World According to Garp” by John Irving. This New York City institution serves as the backdrop for a key scene that captures the novel’s blend of comedy and tragedy.

Another famous deli appears in “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay” by Michael Chabon, where the New York Jewish delicatessen is not just a place to eat but a symbol of cultural heritage and refuge during the characters’ journey through the Golden Age of comic books.

In “Brighton Beach Memoirs” by Neil Simon, delicatessens evoke a sense of family, nostalgia, and the immigrant experience, often acting as the meeting ground for both drama and humor in this semi-autobiographical play about growing up in a Jewish family.

Delancey Street by Maggie Anton also features deli culture, as it centers on the lives of Jewish immigrants navigating their new life in America. Each of these books uses the deli as more than just a setting—it becomes a character in itself, reflecting the warmth, complexity, and community that these establishments bring to urban life. Delis in literature are often where stories of resilience, family, and tradition unfold.