Mother-in-Law

Mother-in-law is a sandwich consisting of a tamale topped with chili, usually served in a hot dog bun. Although its origin is still unknown, it is a very popular food item in Chicago's south side. Popular chef Anthony Bourdain once called it "the evil stepbrother of the hot dog." People of Chicago tend to disagree about serving the dish, so some prefer it served on a bun, while others like it served in a cardboard French-fries boat.

Variations are abundant, so sometimes the sandwich is called a tamale boat or a tamale sundae, and then there is the humdinger, which consists of a mother-in-law sandwich that is additionally topped with melted cheese. Regardless of the mysterious origins of this sandwich, it is jokingly said throughout Chicago that it will give you heartburn, just like a real mother-in-law.