Yes, Chef, You Can Get Bear-Worthy Vegan Italian Beef Sandwiches in Chicago

The hit FX series The Bear has brought Italian beef sandwiches into the global spotlight, but in Chicago, the sandwich has been a beloved staple for decades. Before Chef Carmy made it TV-famous, Italian beef was already an iconic dish in the Windy City, with countless variations available in delis and sandwich shops across Chicago.

The Italian beef sandwich originated from Italian immigrants in America who faced challenges like xenophobia and limited resources. They slow-cooked tough cuts of meat in broth, sliced it thin, and served it on bread to create a flavorful and hearty meal. The best Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches are made with a Turano French bread roll, slow-cooked well-seasoned beef, and topped with sweet peppers and pickled vegetables. For those looking for a plant-based alternative, restaurant chains like Buona and Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat offer delicious vegan versions made with seitan or thinly sliced vegan beef, showing how even traditional Chicago dishes are evolving to meet changing tastes.