The St. Paul sandwich, a regional culinary icon of St. Louis, Missouri, is a curious creation. It typically consists of an egg foo young patty, dill pickle slices, white onion, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, all nestled between two slices of white bread. Its name suggests a connection to St. Paul, Minnesota, but the sandwich’s origins are firmly rooted in Missouri. This geographical disconnect sparks the central question: why is it called a St. Paul sandwich? The answer involves culinary innovation, Chinese-American restaurants, and perhaps a dash of strategic marketing.
The St. Louis Connection: The Birthplace of the St. Paul Sandwich
To understand the name, we must first understand the sandwich’s origins. The St. Paul sandwich wasn’t born in Minnesota; it was conceived and perfected in the kitchens of Chinese-American restaurants in St. Louis. Specifically, many culinary historians and local St. Louisans attribute its creation to Steven Yuen, the owner of Park Chop Suey.
Yuen, seeking to create a dish that would appeal to the palates of local customers unfamiliar with traditional Chinese cuisine, devised the St. Paul sandwich sometime in the early to mid-20th century. The sandwich offered a familiar format – a sandwich – filled with a slightly exotic, yet still approachable, ingredient: the egg foo young patty. This patty, a fried omelet filled with bean sprouts, onions, and sometimes meats like shrimp or pork, provided a savory and satisfying filling.
This adaptation of Chinese flavors to local tastes was a common practice in Chinese-American restaurants across the country. However, Yuen’s creation stood out. Its unique combination of textures and flavors, coupled with its simplicity, quickly gained popularity within the St. Louis community. The combination of the crispy egg foo young, the crunchy vegetables, and the creamy mayonnaise created a delightful contrast that appealed to a wide range of palates.
Park Chop Suey: The Alleged Origin Point
Park Chop Suey, the restaurant most often credited with inventing the St. Paul sandwich, played a significant role in popularizing it. Located in St. Louis, the restaurant became a local institution, drawing customers from all over the city to sample its unique creation. While other restaurants eventually adopted the sandwich, Park Chop Suey remained synonymous with the St. Paul, solidifying its place in St. Louis culinary history.
The legacy of Park Chop Suey goes beyond simply inventing a sandwich. It represents the entrepreneurial spirit of Chinese immigrants who adapted their culinary traditions to appeal to a new audience. It’s a story of cultural fusion and culinary innovation that transformed a simple sandwich into a regional icon. The restaurant itself, though no longer in operation, continues to be remembered as the birthplace of the St. Paul sandwich.
Unraveling the Name: Theories and Speculations
The biggest mystery is that the sandwich is named after a completely different city. There are several theories, none definitively proven, attempting to explain why the St. Paul sandwich carries the name of a Minnesota city. These theories range from a simple naming contest to a more deliberate marketing strategy.
Theory 1: A Naming Contest or Lottery
One popular theory suggests that the name “St. Paul” was chosen randomly. According to this theory, Steven Yuen may have held a naming contest or picked a name out of a hat. “St. Paul” might have simply been a randomly selected name that happened to stick. This theory, while simple, is difficult to verify and lacks concrete evidence.
The rationale behind this theory lies in the notion that Yuen might not have had a specific reason for choosing the name. Perhaps he was looking for a catchy and memorable name, and “St. Paul” fit the bill. The lack of a clear connection to the sandwich could have been seen as a non-issue, especially if the focus was solely on creating a delicious and appealing dish.
Theory 2: Honoring a Hometown or Association
Another possibility is that someone involved in the sandwich’s creation, perhaps Steven Yuen himself or a member of his staff, had a connection to St. Paul, Minnesota. They might have been born or raised in St. Paul, or perhaps had fond memories of the city. Naming the sandwich after St. Paul could have been a way to honor their hometown or a place they held dear.
This theory suggests a more personal connection to the name. It implies that the name “St. Paul” wasn’t chosen randomly but rather out of a sense of nostalgia or affection. While this theory is plausible, it remains speculative without further evidence linking Yuen or his staff to St. Paul, Minnesota.
Theory 3: Marketing and Branding
A third theory posits that the name “St. Paul” was a deliberate marketing strategy. Perhaps Yuen believed that the name would lend the sandwich a certain air of sophistication or novelty. Or perhaps he simply liked the sound of it. In the early 20th century, associating a product with a well-known city could have been seen as a way to enhance its appeal.
This theory suggests that the name was chosen with a strategic purpose in mind. It highlights the importance of branding and marketing in the success of a culinary creation. While there’s no direct evidence to support this theory, it aligns with the common practice of businesses using names and imagery to attract customers. The name “St. Paul” might have been perceived as more appealing or memorable than other potential names.
Theory 4: Confusion and Misinterpretation
A fourth possibility, though perhaps less exciting, is that the connection to St. Paul is based on a misunderstanding or misinterpretation that has been perpetuated over time. Early accounts might have mistakenly attributed the sandwich to St. Paul, and the name simply stuck, regardless of its accuracy.
This theory suggests that the name is the result of a historical error that has become ingrained in the sandwich’s identity. It highlights the potential for inaccuracies to arise and persist in the retelling of culinary history. While this theory may seem less appealing than others, it’s a reminder that historical accounts are not always perfectly accurate.
The Enduring Appeal of the St. Paul Sandwich
Regardless of its name’s origin, the St. Paul sandwich has secured its place in St. Louis culinary history. Its unique combination of flavors and textures, its affordability, and its availability at local Chinese-American restaurants have all contributed to its enduring appeal. Even today, decades after its creation, the St. Paul sandwich remains a beloved and iconic dish in St. Louis.
The sandwich’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to satisfy a craving for something familiar yet slightly exotic. The egg foo young patty, while rooted in Chinese cuisine, is prepared in a way that appeals to American palates. The addition of classic sandwich toppings like lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise further enhances its accessibility. It’s this combination of the familiar and the slightly different that makes the St. Paul sandwich so appealing.
Furthermore, the St. Paul sandwich represents a piece of St. Louis history and culture. It’s a dish that locals have grown up with, associating it with fond memories and a sense of community. It’s a reminder of the city’s diverse culinary landscape and the contributions of Chinese-American immigrants.
Where to Find a St. Paul Sandwich Today
While Park Chop Suey is no longer around, numerous Chinese-American restaurants in St. Louis continue to serve the St. Paul sandwich. These restaurants carry on the tradition of serving this unique and beloved dish, ensuring that future generations can experience its distinct flavors and textures. Many of these restaurants have perfected their own versions of the sandwich, adding their own unique touches while remaining true to the original spirit of the dish.
Finding an authentic St. Paul sandwich is an experience in itself. Visiting these local restaurants and sampling their versions of the sandwich provides a glimpse into the city’s culinary heritage. It’s an opportunity to taste a piece of St. Louis history and appreciate the enduring appeal of this unique culinary creation. So, if you ever find yourself in St. Louis, be sure to seek out a St. Paul sandwich and experience this culinary icon for yourself. It’s a taste of St. Louis that you won’t soon forget.
What exactly is a St. Paul Sandwich?
The St. Paul Sandwich is a distinctly Midwestern creation, primarily found in Chinese-American restaurants in St. Louis, Missouri. It typically consists of an egg foo young patty (made with bean sprouts, eggs, and often chopped meat or seafood) served between two slices of white bread, along with dill pickle slices, white onion, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. While variations exist, this basic composition remains the core of the dish.
Often described as a guilty pleasure, the sandwich’s appeal lies in its combination of textures and flavors. The crispy, savory egg foo young contrasts with the soft bread, while the fresh vegetables and tangy pickle provide a refreshing counterpoint. It is a hearty and filling meal, representing a unique fusion of Chinese and American culinary influences.
Where did the St. Paul Sandwich originate?
The St. Paul Sandwich’s origins are generally attributed to Chinese-American restaurants in St. Louis, Missouri, during the early to mid-20th century. Although pinpointing the exact creator remains elusive, many believe Steven Yuen, the owner of Park Chop Suey, is the most likely candidate. He is often credited with popularizing the sandwich in the 1940s.
While the specific reasons for its creation are shrouded in local lore, it’s believed the sandwich was intended to cater to the local American palate, offering a familiar and accessible way to enjoy elements of Chinese cuisine. The name “St. Paul” itself is also a mystery, with no definitive connection to the city of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Why is it called a St. Paul Sandwich if it originated in St. Louis?
The precise reason for the name “St. Paul Sandwich” remains a subject of debate and speculation. There is no clear historical record or documented explanation to definitively explain its origin. Several theories exist, none of which have been conclusively proven.
One popular theory suggests that Steven Yuen, or another early creator, may have named the sandwich after his hometown or a place he admired, possibly to give it a more “American” sounding name and appeal to a broader audience. Another speculation is that it was simply a random name chosen for marketing purposes, lacking any specific significance.
What are the main ingredients in a St. Paul Sandwich?
The fundamental components of a St. Paul Sandwich center around the egg foo young patty. This patty is primarily composed of eggs and bean sprouts, usually mixed with chopped meat (often pork, chicken, or shrimp) or seafood. It’s then pan-fried until golden brown and crispy.
Beyond the egg foo young, the sandwich is built on two slices of white bread, slathered with mayonnaise, and layered with fresh toppings. These toppings commonly include dill pickle slices, shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and thinly sliced white onions. The combination of the warm patty and cool, crunchy toppings contributes to the sandwich’s signature texture and flavor.
Are there any variations of the St. Paul Sandwich?
While the core components of the St. Paul Sandwich remain relatively consistent, regional and individual variations do exist. The type of meat or seafood used in the egg foo young patty can differ, with some restaurants offering options like chicken, pork, shrimp, or a combination of ingredients.
Some variations might also include different types of bread, such as Texas toast or even hamburger buns, though white bread is the most traditional choice. The specific vegetables and condiments used can also vary slightly depending on the restaurant and personal preferences. However, the presence of egg foo young remains the defining characteristic.
Is the St. Paul Sandwich popular outside of St. Louis?
The St. Paul Sandwich is primarily a regional delicacy, strongly associated with St. Louis, Missouri, and the surrounding areas. While not as widely known or available nationally as other regional sandwiches, it does have a dedicated following among locals and those familiar with St. Louis cuisine.
Outside of the St. Louis area, finding a genuine St. Paul Sandwich can be challenging. Some Chinese-American restaurants in other Midwestern cities might offer a similar dish, but it is often not an exact replica of the St. Louis original. Its reputation as a unique and somewhat quirky culinary creation has contributed to its local appeal and enduring presence in St. Louis.
What makes the St. Paul Sandwich unique?
The St. Paul Sandwich stands out due to its unusual combination of Chinese-American cuisine elements within a distinctly American format. The use of an egg foo young patty, a staple in many Chinese-American restaurants, as the primary filling for a sandwich is a unique and unexpected culinary choice.
The sandwich’s appeal also lies in its textural contrast and blend of flavors. The crispy, savory egg foo young, paired with the soft white bread, cool vegetables, and tangy pickle, creates a satisfying and memorable eating experience. Its relatively humble ingredients and straightforward preparation belie its complex flavor profile, making it a truly unique Midwestern creation.