A deli, short for ‘delicatessen,’ is a place that serves ready-to-eat sandwiches. It’s a retail store with an exotic and fine selection of cold-cut meats, bread, cheese, salads, and more. A deli’s popularity depends on the skillful curation of deli meat. If the meat is delicious, juicy, and just what the customer wants, customers will line up daily.
The word “delicatessen” has a rich history. It is derived from the German word Delikatesse, which takes roots from an Italian word, delicatezza that goes back to the Latin word delicatus, meaning delightful, pleasing, or giving pleasure. Regulars at delis would undoubtedly agree with this indirect interpretation of the word.
A Brief History of Delis
In 1700, the first delicatessen was founded in Munich, Germany, when a food service company started importing coffee and foreign fruits. At the time, a delicatessen or deli was the food they served, not the place itself. When Jewish immigrants moved to the United States after the Civil War in the 1870s, they brought delis to Americans, where “deli” eventually became a place.
The first few American delis were nothing more than mom-and-pop shops. They served sausages and smoked and cured meat that people in various cities loved. Despite having Jewish roots, the delis offered more European offerings than German or Russian (where they immigrated from).
As most immigrants settled in New York and Philadelphia, this region became the central spot for delis. Some of the original places still serve their best offerings in New York.
By the 1930s, delis covered almost every corner of the streets in Brooklyn, Harlem, Washington D.C., and Baltimore. Eventually, they upgraded their menu from serving dried and jerky meat to soft and juicy meat in sandwiches. NYC’s Katz’s Delicatessen is one of the delis that established the irreplaceable status of delis in the American food service industry.
In America, delis are part of Jewish heritage and tradition. In fact, it’s been so long since the first deli opened in America that it has become an integral part of the community.
Buying at a Deli
Eating deli food is a cherished experience for people who love salty meat. However, buying at a deli requires you to have some knowledge of deli food before you order something.
First of all, the freshness of the deli meat at the counter is what makes the deli counter stand out compared to your usual grocery store. And the person working behind the deli counter can answer your questions, give you recommendations and even will let you try some samples of the meat options!
Not all deli meats are equal, and knowing the difference gives you a chance to try something more delicious. If you want to buy packaged deli meat, you can buy that at the grocery store.
Delis offer two options for meat: formed meat and whole-cut meat. Formed meat is a combined version of a variety of meat cuts. Whole-cut meat is cooked and then sliced in front of you when you order it. While the first option is cheaper, whole-cut meats are why deli sandwiches exist. They are also healthier and nutritious.
Avoid processed deli meat as much as possible. Processed meat has a high amount of sodium and added sugar, which increases the risks of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, always opt for low-sodium meat when it is available. You can pick from roast beef, chicken, or turkey—they are healthy options from a deli.
Best Delis in the United States
Katz’s Delicatessen in New York City
One of the oldest Jewish delis in the United States! Katz’s Deli has been around since 1888 when it first opened on the Lower East Side. There have been a few name changes, but the iconic flavor of pastrami sandwiches remains unchanged. Katz’s is known for curing its meat for up to 30 days to preserve the original flavor.
Slyman’s Restaurant in Cleveland
While New York delis are popular for their unique deli meats, the tradition has spread beyond state borders and thrives in other states and cities. Cleveland is one of them, with the family-owned Slyman’s Restaurant located on the corner of St. Clair Avenue. It started serving stacked corned beef sandwiches in 1964. Today, it can serve up to 3,000 sandwiches on St. Patrick’s Day only!
Gioia’s Deli in St. Louis
This deli serves hot, flavorful salami sandwiches with thick-cut salami made in-house. Italian immigrants opened Gioia’s Deli in 1918 and have been around for four generations. Making salami meat has not changed here for over 100 years!
Zaftigs Delicatessen in Massachusetts
Zaftigs is comparatively new to the field, as it opened in 1997. Unlike other popular delis in the US, Zaftigs is known for its Matzo ball soup. They also make turkey chili with a generations-old recipe. It’s flavored with Sam Adams beer. The chili has a spicy kick with cheddar cheese and scallions topping.
Meat Expert Guesses Cheap vs. Expensive Deli Meats
Cairo breaks down cuts of salami, ham, bologna, mortadella, hot dogs, sausages, and prosciutto. For each round of deli meats, Cairo visually scans, smells, and taste tests each meat before guessing which deli meat costs more. Once the prices were revealed, Cairo explains why a specific deli meat costs more.
Summary
A deli offers food service with ready-to-eat offerings such as pastrami sandwiches and matzo ball soup. Each deli has its unique flavor, as they all cure meat differently. Some delis have been around for over a century, serving deli meat cured to perfection over several weeks. Fans of salty meat must try a deli sandwich at least once from the best deli in their city!
What Is a Deli – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Does Deli Food Mean?
Cooked meat, prepared salad, and smoked meat are some examples of deli food. They are ready-to-eat products served at delis.
Why Is It Called a Deli?
Deli is short for delicatessen, a German word meaning ‘delicacies.’ It was first used, in 1700, for imported foreign fruit and coffee served by a food service company in Munich, Germany.
What Is the Difference between a Deli and a Restaurant?
A restaurant serves food to its customers with a limited menu. Deli is the combination of a restaurant and a grocery store with a broader menu. Not many fried items are offered at the delis, and sandwiches are prepared in front of the customers.
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My name is Jay and I started this website to share my love of Deli Food. I am Jewish with Italian ancestry and grandparents who emigrated to the US from Poland, Russia and Turkey. This website is my celebration of the delicious flavors of international deli culture. Please feel free to send me your suggestions and feedback through the contact form.
