What Is a Pittsburgh Sandwich?
The Pittsburgh sandwich was created during the Great Depression by Joe Primanti in the city's Strip District. Legend has it, one winter night someone dropped off a truckload of potatoes, so Primanti fried them up and, after customers started asking for fries, he plopped them right on the sandwich—along with two slices of tomato, tangy slaw, provolone cheese, and grilled meat on Italian bread. That way, the truck drivers passing through could eat the hearty sandwich with one hand, while driving with the other.

Now, nearly 100 years later, Primanti Bros. and its sandwiches are loved by locals, visitors, and celebrities alike.



How To Make a Pittsburgh Sandwich
Any sandwich can be a Pittsburgh sandwich with the addition of two specific ingredients: french fries and coleslaw. While Primanti Bros. uses a standard cut for its fresh-cut fries, really any style, like shoestring or crinkle, will work.

However, the coleslaw is very specific. The Pittsburgh sandwich coleslaw is not creamy and sweet, but rather it has a tangy flavor from the vinegar dressing. It calls for shredded cabbage, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, adobo seasoning, and black pepper.

From there, you'll need your favorite meat and provolone cheese. Pastrami is good or whatever deli meat you choose, you grill it to warm, then add provolone and heat it until the cheese melts.

You use two thick, untoasted slices of Italian bread. You'll put the meat and cheese on the sandwich, then add the fries, slaw, and tomatoes. This is where white Italian bread comes in handy, since you can mash it down to keep all the ingredients in place.

There's nothing like it and, to me, it's the best damn sandwich in the world.