Delis: A Culinary Tradition
A delicatessen, shortened to deli, is a retail store selling ready-to-eat food items. Delis originated in Germany in the 18th century as stores selling fine, exotic foods. Jewish immigrants brought delis to America in the 1870s where the word came to refer to both the food and the stores. Delis sell cold cuts, cheeses, sandwiches, salads, and more. Many delis specialize in particular cultural foods like Jewish, German, or Greek. Deli meats like chorizo, pancetta, and prosciutto are popular. Delis bake their own breads and source high quality ingredients. Famous US delis include Canter’s in Los Angeles, founded in 1931 and still family-owned, or Carnegie Deli in New York City, opened in 1937 near Carnegie Hall. The classic delicatessen combines culinary richness with cultural heritage.
European Delicatessens
Are there delis in Europe?
A delicatessen, shortened to deli, sells ready-to-eat food items. Jewish immigrants brought delis to America in the 1870s where the word came to refer to both the food and the stores. Delis sell meats, cheeses, sandwiches and more. Many delis specialize. Famous US delis include Canter’s in Los Angeles started in 1931, or Carnegie Deli in New York City, opened in 1937. The classic delicatessen combines culinary richness with cultural heritage.
European Influence and Specialties
In Europe "delicatessen" means high-quality foods and stores. Department stores often have a Delikatessenabteilung. Although U.S.-style delicatessens are also found in Europe they appeal to the luxury market.
Note from a Deli in California
We are a full service European style deli located in Riverside, California. We are proud to bring you over 800 specialty items from all over Europe and locally produced items as well. We pride ourself on high quality ingredients from premium sources.
Deli Experience: Ben’s
Had a really nice lunch at Ben’s with my wife. Ben’s offers traditional New York kosher delicatessen dishes as well as specialties from Eastern Europe like burgers, sandwiches, soup, dessert and cold cuts.