Menu
Origins Of The Hoagie Sandwich
Hoagie sandwiches are built-to-order sandwiches which have been topped off with cheese, meat, lettuce tomatoes, onion and a bit of Italian vinegar dressing, on an Italian roll.
Experts proclaim that a true hoagie sandwich has to be made with salami, provolone cheese, prosciutto and the ‘works’. In 1992, it was officially listed as being the “Official Sandwich of Philadelphia”.
The sandwich is so popular in Philadelphia that they celebrate it on the 4th of July.
Is it An In Italian Thing?
The use of tasty meats that have been cured is not necessarily unique to Italy, it was also widely consumed in Europe as well and became popularized in early 1900s America.
In fact, the hoagie sandwich has much of a tradition in Germany, France and Poland, similarly to how hamburgers have a tradition in the United States.
What Is A Hoagie Sandwich?
Historically speaking, cured meats such as the ones used in the Hoagie sandwiches were extremely important for countries that had long winters, but no access to refrigeration.
In Europe the sandwich is primarily eaten as a meal for breakfast. In the U.S. the sandwich grew to become a popular choice for lunch.
Many experts believe that one of the reasons why it became so popular in America is that during that industrial revolution construction workers were in need of a good sized meal that was also nutritious.
The popularity of the sandwich caught on with construction workers who turned to the Hoagie sandwich as a result.
Origins Of The Name Hoagie
Stories about the sandwich’s origins vary. As a result of this, many scholars are still debating the circumstances as to where and when the sandwich was popularized.
However, there are several different stories that have been widely accepted. These are the two most credible stories that may have led to the popularization of the Hoagie sandwich.
The Hokie
According to an article that was written in 1967, the word hoagie was initially used in the late 19th century in the Italian community that was located in South Philadelphia.
Back in those days, the term “on the hook” was a slang term that was used for poor people. Deli store owners would give away free cheese and meat scraps on a roll which they called a “Hokie”.
However, the Italian immigrants who were offered these scraps, pronounced the word “Hokie” as “Hoagie”.
The Hokey
Another story which has been widely accepted in regards to who popularized the term ‘hoagie sandwich’, stems from an article that was published by the Philadelphia Almanac and Citizens Manual.
The article spoke about 19th century vendors who went by the name of “hokey-pokey” men, who were selling cookies, meats and salsa.
The article proclaimed that when Sullivan and Gilbert’s opera was opened in 1879, the bakeries right next to them developed a reputation for providing long loaf breads that went by the name of ‘pinafore’.
The hokey-pokey men would buy this long loaf of bread, split it in half and fill it with antipasto before selling it to other people.
They would go on to sell this sandwich and give it the name “hokey”, which eventually evolved into the word “hoagie”.
Popular Sandwiches
