French dip facts for kids
Roast beef dip au jus, with french fries
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| Alternative names | Beef dip |
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| Type | Sandwich |
| Course | Main |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Region or state | Los Angeles, California |
| Created by | Multiple claims |
| Main ingredients | Baguette, roast beef, beef broth |
| Variations | With cheese |
A French dip sandwich, also called a beef dip, is a warm sandwich. It is made with thin slices of roast beef on a "French roll" or a baguette. Sometimes, other meats can be used instead of roast beef.
This sandwich often comes with a small cup of au jus on the side. Au jus is a French term meaning "with juice." It is a tasty beef broth made from the meat's cooking juices. You can dip your sandwich into this broth as you eat it. Sometimes, people add Swiss cheese or onions to their sandwich.
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What is a French Dip Sandwich?
The French dip sandwich is a popular American invention. Its name comes from the type of bread used, a "French roll" or baguette. It does not mean the sandwich was invented in France.
When the sandwich was first made, it was not served with a side cup of jus. Instead, the bread was dipped in the hot beef juices before the sandwich was put together. This made the sandwich "wet" from the start.
Who Invented the French Dip?
Two restaurants in Los Angeles, California, both claim to have invented the French dip sandwich. These are Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet and Philippe the Original. Both restaurants opened in 1908.
Philippe's website proudly calls the French dip a "specialty of the house." Their logo even says, "Home of the Original French Dip Sandwich." At Philippe's, the bread is dipped in the hot beef juices before the sandwich is made. This means it is served "wet."
At Cole's, the sandwich is served with a side of beef juices. This allows you to dip it yourself. At both places, you can ask for your sandwich to be "double dipped." This means both halves of the sandwich are dipped before it is served. Both restaurants also have their own special spicy mustard that many customers enjoy with their sandwich.
The Mystery of Its Creation
The question of who invented the French dip sandwich is still a mystery. Cole's says they created it shortly after opening in 1908. Philippe's claims their owner, Philippe Mathieu, invented it in 1918.
There are different stories about how Philippe's might have invented the sandwich:
- One story says a cook or server accidentally dropped a sandwich into a pan of meat drippings. The customer, who was a police officer or fireman, liked it very much.
- Another story suggests a customer asked for their sandwich to be dipped in the meat drippings. They did not want the drippings to go to waste.
- Some stories say a chef dipped a sandwich into the drippings because a customer complained the bread was stale.
Cole's has its own story. They say a kind chef named Jack Garlinghouse invented the sandwich for a customer with sore gums. The soft, dipped bread would have been easier to eat. Some stories even mix these accounts, saying Philippe's version happened at Cole's. Because there is not enough clear information, the true origin of the French dip sandwich remains a fun mystery!
Where to Find French Dip Sandwiches Today
Today, you can find the French dip sandwich in many places. It is served at fast food restaurants, diners, and regular restaurants across the country.
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A French dip
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French dip, with bowl of jus for dipping
See also
In Spanish: French dip sandwich para niños
