When it comes to the beloved sandwich made with a long, crusty roll and various meats, cheeses, vegetables, and condiments, people from different regions of the United States have strong opinions about what to call it. While some call it a sub, others refer to it as a hero, grinder, or Italian sandwich. But in New Jersey, there’s a special name that sparks pride and loyalty among its residents: the hoagie.
The Origins of the Hoagie
The exact origin of the hoagie is unclear, but it’s widely believed to have started in the Philadelphia area, particularly in South Philadelphia’s Italian-American community, in the early 20th century. The story goes that Italian immigrant Al DePalma, who owned a sandwich shop called Al’s in the 1930s, began serving large, crusty rolls filled with various meats and cheeses to hungry workers at the nearby shipyards. These workers would ask for “hoggies,” a slang term for “lunch,” and DePalma’s shop eventually became known as the birthplace of the hoagie.
New Jersey’s Claim to Hoagie Fame
While Philadelphia may have sparked the hoagie movement, New Jersey has arguably become the sandwich’s spiritual home. With its strong Italian-American influence, proximity to Philadelphia, and rich culinary history, the Garden State has perfected the art of the hoagie. In fact, New Jersey is often referred to as the “Hoagie Capital of the World.”
But what makes New Jersey’s hoagies so special? For one, the state’s Italian delis and sandwich shops have honed their skills over the years, creating a distinctive style that’s both nostalgic and innovative. A classic New Jersey hoagie typically consists of thinly sliced meats (such as prosciutto, salami, and ham), melted mozzarella cheese, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil, all piled high on a crusty sub roll.
Regional Variations
Despite New Jersey’s reputation for hoagie excellence, the sandwich has taken on different forms across the state. In North Jersey, particularly in cities like Newark and Jersey City, the hoagie is often influenced by the strong Cuban and Puerto Rican communities. These hoagies might feature ham croquetas, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, giving them a distinct Latin flair.
In South Jersey, where the Philadelphia influence is stronger, hoagies tend to be more traditional, with a focus on thinly sliced meats and cheeses. The iconic White House Sub Shop in Atlantic City, for example, has been serving classic Italian-style hoagies since 1946.
The Shore Connection
New Jersey’s 130 miles of coastline have played a significant role in shaping the state’s hoagie culture. During the summer months, beach towns like Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights, and Cape May become hubs for hoagie enthusiasts. At popular beachside delis like Parkers Garage in Point Pleasant, visitors can enjoy beach-themed hoagies, such as the “Shore Thing” (featuring turkey, avocado, and sprouts) or the “Beachcomber” (with ham, Swiss, and honey mustard).
Beyond the Classics
While traditional hoagies remain a staple in New Jersey, modern sandwich shops and delis have begun to experiment with creative variations. In Montclair, the popular sandwich shop, The Habit, offers a Korean BBQ Pork hoagie, topped with spicy slaw and cilantro. Similarly, the Hoagie Haven in Princeton has gained a following for its out-of-the-box creations, such as the “Thanksgiving Hoagie” (with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce) and the “Elvis Hoagie” (featuring peanut butter, banana, and bacon).
The Hoagie as Cultural Icon
In New Jersey, the hoagie has transcended its status as a simple sandwich to become a cultural icon. It’s a symbol of community, nostalgia, and pride. In 2016, the New Jersey State Legislature even passed a resolution declaring March 14 as “Hoagie Day” in recognition of the sandwich’s significance to the state’s culinary heritage.
Hoagie-Related Traditions
New Jersey’s love for hoagies has inspired a range of traditions and events. The annual Hoagie Festival in West Berlin draws thousands of visitors each year, featuring live music, craft beer, and (of course) endless hoagie varieties. In Hoboken, the Hoagie Contest pits local delis against each other, with judges awarding prizes for the best classic and innovative hoagies.
Conclusion
The hoagie may be a universal term in some parts of the country, but in New Jersey, it’s a badge of honor, a symbol of community, and a staple of the state’s culinary identity. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just visiting, experiencing a authentic New Jersey hoagie is a must. So, the next time you’re in the Garden State, grab a hoagie (not a sub, not a hero, but a hoagie) and taste the difference for yourself.
What is a hoagie?
A hoagie is a type of sandwich that typically consists of a long, crusty roll filled with various meats, cheeses, vegetables, and condiments. It is often associated with Italian-American cuisine and is a staple in many delis and sandwich shops in the Northeastern United States.
In essence, a hoagie is a sandwich that is designed to be easy to eat on the go, with a sturdy roll that can hold a generous amount of filling. The fillings can vary greatly, but common ingredients include cured meats like salami and ham, cheeses like provolone and mozzarella, and vegetables like lettuce, tomato, and onion.
Where did the hoagie originate?
The origins of the hoagie are disputed, but it is widely believed to have originated in the Philadelphia area in the early 20th century. According to one legend, the sandwich was created by Italian immigrants who worked in the shipyards and needed a quick, filling meal that could be easily eaten on the job.
Some claim that the hoagie was invented by a deli owner in South Philadelphia named Salvatore Oliviero, who began making the sandwiches in the 1930s. Others argue that the hoagie has its roots in the Italian-American community in Camden, New Jersey. Regardless of its exact origin, it is clear that the hoagie has become a beloved sandwich throughout the region.
Why is there a debate about what to call it in New Jersey?
The debate about what to call the hoagie in New Jersey is rooted in regional pride and linguistic differences. While many people in New Jersey refer to the sandwich as a “sub,” others insist that it should be called a “hoagie,” just like in Philadelphia.
This debate is largely driven by a sense of identity and local culture. For some, using the term “sub” is a way to assert their Jersey roots and differentiate themselves from their Pennsylvania neighbors. For others, using the term “hoagie” is a way to connect with their shared regional heritage.
What do they call it in North Jersey?
In North Jersey, the debate is largely skewed towards calling the sandwich a “sub.” This is likely due to the region’s proximity to New York City, where the term “sub” is more commonly used. Additionally, many delis and sandwich shops in North Jersey have historically used the term “sub” to describe their long, crusty sandwiches.
It’s worth noting that many people in North Jersey are not even aware that there is a debate about what to call the sandwich. To them, it’s simply a “sub,” and they may not realize that people in other parts of the state are using a different term.
What do they call it in South Jersey?
In South Jersey, the debate is largely skewed towards calling the sandwich a “hoagie.” This is likely due to the region’s proximity to Philadelphia, where the hoagie is an integral part of the local cuisine. Many delis and sandwich shops in South Jersey use the term “hoagie” to describe their sandwiches, and locals are fiercely loyal to the term.
It’s worth noting that some people in South Jersey may use the term “sub” in certain contexts, but “hoagie” is generally the preferred term. This is likely due to the region’s cultural and economic ties to Philadelphia.
Does it really matter what you call it?
In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t really matter what you call a hoagie or a sub. At the end of the day, it’s just a sandwich, and people will continue to enjoy it regardless of what it’s called.
However, for many people, the debate about what to call the sandwich is about more than just linguistics. It’s about identity, community, and local culture. By using a particular term, people are signaling their allegiance to a particular region or cultural tradition.
Can I call it something else?
Technically, you can call a hoagie or sub whatever you want. However, if you’re in a deli or sandwich shop in the Northeast, it’s best to use the local terminology to avoid confusion.
That being said, there are some other terms that are sometimes used to describe similar types of sandwiches. For example, in some parts of New England, a long, crusty sandwich is called a “grinder.” In other parts of the country, it might be called a “hero” or a “footer.” Ultimately, the terminology is up to personal preference and regional tradition.