Editing Hoagies

{{Infobox Food
| name = Hoagie
| image =
| image_caption = Classic Italian hoagie
| type = Submarine sandwich
| origin = Philadelphia
| main_ingredients = Italian cold cuts, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, oil, oregano, Italian roll
}}

The '''hoagie''' is Philadelphia's signature sandwich, a submarine-style sandwich traditionally made with '''Italian cold cuts''', '''provolone cheese''', '''lettuce''', '''tomato''', '''onion''', '''oil''', '''oregano''', and '''hot or sweet peppers''' on an Italian roll. While similar sandwiches exist elsewhere under names like "sub," "hero," "grinder," or "po'boy," Philadelphians insist the hoagie is distinct and superior. The name "hoagie" originated in Philadelphia, and the sandwich is so central to local identity that it was designated the '''official sandwich of Philadelphia''' in 1992. The hoagie is fundamental to understanding Philadelphia food culture.<ref name="hoagie-history">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com |title=The Philadelphia Hoagie |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 31, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Origins of the Name ===

Several theories explain the '''origin of "hoagie"''':

'''Hog Island theory (most common):'''
* '''Hog Island''' shipyard in South Philadelphia
* Workers brought sandwiches for lunch
* Called "Hoggies" after the island
* Evolved to "hoagies"

'''Jazz musician theory:'''
* Musicians were called "hoggies"
* Ate these sandwiches
* Name transferred to food

'''Other theories:'''
* Corruption of "hokey" (street vendor)
* Various folk etymologies
* True origin uncertain

The Hog Island explanation is most widely accepted.

=== Development ===

The hoagie developed in Philadelphia's '''Italian-American community''':

'''Timeline:'''
* '''1900s-1920s''': Italian immigrants brought sandwich traditions
* '''1930s-1940s''': "Hoagie" name established
* '''1950s-1960s''': Became citywide standard
* '''1992''': Named official sandwich of Philadelphia

=== Official Recognition ===

In '''1992''', then-Mayor '''Ed Rendell''' declared the hoagie Philadelphia's official sandwich:

* Formal recognition
* Codified Philadelphia identity
* Source of civic pride

== The Classic Italian Hoagie ==

=== Canonical Ingredients ===

The '''Italian hoagie''' is the standard:

'''Meats:'''
* '''Capicola''' (cappacuolo, "cappacol")
* '''Salami''' (Genoa style)
* '''Ham*** (or prosciuttini)

'''Cheese:'''
* '''Provolone''' - essential, not optional

'''Vegetables:'''
* '''Lettuce''' - shredded
* '''Tomato*** - sliced
* '''Onion*** - sliced thin

'''Dressing:'''
* '''Oil*** (olive oil preferred)
* ***Oregano***
* ***Salt and pepper***

'''Optional:'''
* Hot peppers or sweet peppers
* Vinegar (controversial)
* Mayonnaise (controversial, often "not authentic")

=== The Roll ===

'''The bread matters:'''
* Italian hoagie roll
* '''Seeded or seedless*** (regional preference)
* Crusty outside, soft inside
* Fresh, not stale

[[Sarcone's Bakery]] and other Italian Market bakeries supply proper rolls.

=== Assembly ===

'''Proper construction:'''
1. Roll sliced lengthwise
2. Meats layered
3. Cheese on meats
4. Vegetables on top
5. Oil and oregano drizzled
6. Closed and wrapped

== Variations ==

=== Common Types ===

'''Other hoagies:'''
* '''Turkey hoagie''' - Turkey breast
* '''Roast beef hoagie*** - Sliced roast beef
* ***Ham and cheese*** - Simple classic
* '''Tuna hoagie*** - Tuna salad
* '''Chicken cutlet*** - Breaded chicken
* '''Vegetarian*** - Cheese and vegetables

=== The Cheesesteak ===

The [[cheesesteak|Philadelphia cheesesteak]] is technically a hot hoagie:

* Uses hoagie roll (or similar)
* Served hot vs. cold Italian
* Separate category for many
* Related but distinct

=== Regional Terms ===

Philadelphia insists on "hoagie":

* '''Sub''' - Northeast/nationwide term
* '''Hero*** - New York term
* '''Grinder*** - New England term
* '''Po'boy*** - New Orleans term
* '''Hoagie*** - Philadelphia (correct) term

Using "sub" in Philadelphia reveals outsider status.

== Where to Get Hoagies ==

=== Delis and Sandwich Shops ===

'''Classic sources:'''
* Neighborhood delis
* Italian Market shops
* Corner stores
* Dedicated hoagie shops

=== Wawa ===

[[Wawa]] serves '''millions of hoagies''' annually:

* Touch-screen ordering
* Custom options
* 24-hour availability
* Ubiquitous locations

Wawa has become a major hoagie source, though purists prefer traditional delis.

=== Primos Hoagies ===

'''Primos Hoagies*** is a regional chain:

* Started in South Philadelphia
* Specialty hoagie chain
* Quality reputation
* Regional expansion

=== Restaurant Hoagies ===

Some restaurants serve notable hoagies:

* [[DiNic's]] at Reading Terminal (roast pork)
* Carmen's at Reading Terminal
* Local favorites throughout city

== The Hoagie Debate ==

=== Oil and/or Vinegar? ===

A contentious question:

* '''Oil only*** - Traditional purists
* '''Oil and vinegar*** - Common preference
* ***Just vinegar*** - Some prefer
* ***Neither*** - Heresy

=== Mayonnaise? ===

'''Controversial:'''
* Traditional hoagies: No mayo
* Modern preference: Sometimes added
* Purist view: Not authentic
* Practical view: Personal preference

=== Seeded or Seedless Rolls? ===

'''Regional variations:'''
* South Philadelphia: Often seeded
* Other areas: Often seedless
* Personal preference acceptable
* Quality of roll matters more

== Cultural Significance ==

=== Philadelphia Identity ===

The hoagie represents Philadelphia:

* Blue-collar food heritage
* Italian-American culture
* Neighborhood tradition
* Civic pride

=== Language ===

Calling it a "hoagie" matters:

* Marks Philadelphia identity
* Distinguishes from outsiders
* Regional language preservation
* Cultural marker

=== Official Status ===

'''Philadelphia's official sandwich:'''
* Declared 1992
* Mayor Ed Rendell
* Civic recognition
* Cultural codification

== Making Hoagies ==

=== Essential Elements ===

'''For authentic hoagies:'''
* Quality Italian cold cuts
* Real provolone (not American cheese)
* Fresh roll (seeded or seedless)
* Oil and oregano
* Proper proportions

=== Common Mistakes ===

'''What not to do:'''
* Poor quality deli meat
* Wrong cheese (American, Swiss)
* Stale bread
* Skipping oil/oregano
* Calling it a "sub"

== Hoagie Month ==

'''May is "Hoagie Month"*** in Philadelphia:

* Local celebration
* Promotions at hoagie shops
* Civic recognition
* Food events

== See Also ==
* [[Cheesesteaks]]
* [[Wawa]]
* [[Italian Market]]
* [[Philadelphia Food Culture]]
* [[Sarcone's Bakery]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==
* [https://www.visitphilly.com Visit Philadelphia - Hoagies]

{{#seo:
|title=Hoagie - Philadelphia's Official Sandwich, Italian Cold Cut Tradition
|description=The hoagie, Philadelphia's official sandwich since 1992. Italian cold cuts, provolone, oil, oregano on a fresh roll. The definitive guide to Philadelphia's signature sandwich.
|keywords=hoagie, Philadelphia hoagie, Italian hoagie, sub sandwich, Philadelphia food, official sandwich
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Food]]
[[Category:Philadelphia Culture]]
[[Category:Sandwiches]]