5-Way
Spaghetti topped with Skyline's famous chili, onions, beans, 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's origins trace back to Greek immigrants, the Kiradjieff brothers, who opened Empress Chili in 1922. Seeking to offer familiar Mediterranean flavors to American palates, they adapted a spiced stew, serving it over spaghetti as a cost-effective and appealing meal.
Skyline Chili 5-Way is a quintessential Cincinnati food experience, deeply ingrained in the city's culinary identity. It's more than just a meal; it's a symbol of home, comfort, and local pride.
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The 5-Way is synonymous with Cincinnati. It is often the first food people think of when they hear the city's name and is a frequent topic of local conversation and pride.
Family Tradition
For many Cincinnatians, Skyline Chili is a family tradition. It's a common sight to see families gathering at Skyline restaurants for a casual and comforting meal.
Debates and Preferences
Discussions about the best way to eat a 5-Way (mixing all the ingredients or eating them separately) and even which local chili parlor is superior are common and passionate among Cincinnatians.
The 5-Way offers a unique combination of savory, slightly sweet, and rich flavors, with textural contrasts from the spaghetti, chili, beans, onions, and cheese.
The Skyline Chili is characterized by its savory, almost sweet flavor profile due to the inclusion of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice (the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret). The spaghetti provides a neutral base, while the onions add a sharp, pungent bite. The kidney beans contribute a soft, earthy element. Finally, the copious amount of shredded cheddar cheese lends a sharp, creamy, and salty richness that ties all the flavors together. The overall impression is a harmonious blend of contrasting tastes and textures.
Mixing vs. Separating
Whether to mix all the ingredients together or eat them in layers is a matter of personal preference. Try both and see which you prefer!
Oyster Crackers
Skyline Chili is traditionally served with oyster crackers. Crumble them over your 5-Way for added texture.
Hot Sauce
If you like a little extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce. Many Cincinnatians have their favorite brand to pair with their 5-Way.
Cheese Quantity
Don't be shy with the cheese! The generous mound of cheddar is an essential part of the 5-Way experience. Feel free to ask for extra.
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