Is there any one particular food or cuisine that's associated with DC or is it an amalgamation of the surrounding areas. I usually like to sample food that's relevant to the area, but I'm not sure about DC.

When I think of DC, I think of Potbelly's Sandwiches, but that might just be me ;-p

Potbelly is a chain, but it's true they're all over DC.

Interesting question. One DC icon is Ben's Chili Bowl.

http://www.benschilibowl.com/

Another is Old Ebbitt grill.

I think both are more revered for their status as DC institutions versus the quality of their food.

I can't think of a food that is unique to DC - but there are some fantastic international influences. I really like Jaleo (Spanish tapas) and Zaytinya (more like Mediterranean tapas).

I'll be interested to see what people say.

DC is not really know for a particular food or cuisine. I agree that a visit to Ben's Chili for a Half-Smoke with chili is probably as good as it gets.

Ironically, if there is a food associated with DC uniquely, I'd argue it's Ethiopean cuisine or Salvadoran papusas or Peruvian roasted chicken.

Funny, Ethiopian came to my mind, too! And El Salvadoran, Thai... all these cuisines were very well represented in DC even back in the '80's. So I'd say the various ethnicities in DC are what is "relevant to the area," candygrrl.

You'll also find a southern influence, but the BBQ, for example, isn't stellar; and a coastal influence, but again, better crab cakes and crabs and the like can be found elsewhere.

Yes....PORK!

I think the Washington Post did a survey trying to identify what food people associate with DC not long ago and the half-smoke won, so Ben's Chili Bowl is a definite! You can also get Ben's half-smokes at the National's ballpark, although it's not quite the same.

I agree that I always think of Ethiopian when I think of very DC dining experiences...

Jaleo was delicious. I had heard about it and passed it. It was not expensive and the food was amazing. There was also a Texmex place, Austin's next door which was also good, but please go to Jaleo.

Nehla (sp) is Lebanese, in Georgetown, and was so good, we went back for a second night....the garlic whip was incredible, kind of a Morroccan vibe, great spices.