3-Way
Spaghetti topped with Skyline's famous chili, and a mound of shredded cheddar cheese.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Skyline Chili
Cincinnati chili, and therefore the 3-Way, is a unique regional dish influenced by Greek immigrants who were looking for ways to market their Mediterranean stew, 'saltsa kreas', in a way that appealed to American tastes. They combined it with spaghetti and cheese, elements familiar to the local palate.
Skyline Chili and its signature 3-Way are deeply ingrained in Cincinnati culture. It's more than just food; it's a symbol of home, comfort, and a shared regional identity.
Cincinnati Staple
Skyline Chili is a ubiquitous Cincinnati restaurant chain, and the 3-Way is its most popular item. It's a go-to meal for locals of all ages.
Sporting Events
Enjoying a 3-Way is a common tradition at Cincinnati sporting events, especially Reds baseball and Bengals football games.
Nostalgia and Comfort
For many Cincinnatians, the taste of a 3-Way evokes feelings of nostalgia, childhood memories, and comfort. It's a taste of home, even when they are far away.
The Skyline Chili 3-Way presents a complex and savory flavor profile that is both comforting and distinct. It's a combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spiced notes.
The chili itself is sweet from spices like cinnamon and allspice, savory from ground beef and tomato, and slightly spiced (though not usually very spicy) from chili powder. The spaghetti provides a neutral base. The cheddar cheese adds a sharp, creamy, and salty contrast that cuts through the richness of the chili.
Oyster Crackers
Skyline Chili is traditionally served with oyster crackers. Crumble them on top for added texture and a slightly salty flavor.
Fork Technique
The best way to eat a 3-Way is to mix the chili, spaghetti, and cheese thoroughly with your fork before each bite. This ensures that you get all the flavors in every spoonful.
Varying Degrees
While a 3-Way is spaghetti, chili, and cheese, you can also order a 4-Way (with onions or beans) or a 5-Way (with both onions and beans) for added flavor and texture. Some people also order it "inverted" with the cheese on the bottom.
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