Chislic, a beloved South Dakota tradition, is experiencing a modern revival with a twist in Sioux Falls. This regional culinary delight, consisting of skewered cubes of deep-fried lamb or beef, has its roots tracing back to the pioneer days of South Dakota. Originally enjoyed with just salt or garlic salt and served with saltines and a cold beer, chislic has evolved over the years.
Urban Chislic, a popular spot in Sioux Falls, is at the forefront of this modern chislic renaissance. Co-owner Hong Phrommany, a South Dakotan with roots in Laos, has become an expert in chislic history and tradition. He explained that Russian-German immigrants introduced chislic to South Dakota in the 1870s by skewering and frying cubed mutton as a way to celebrate the harvest.
While mutton was the traditional meat used in chislic, beef has become a common alternative. Most eateries have stuck to the original recipe of salting the meat and serving it with saltines. However, Urban Chislic offers a unique twist by allowing guests to mix and match proteins like lamb, fish, pork, chicken, or bison with a variety of sauces.
The menu at Urban Chislic includes a dozen different dips, such as creamy white barbecue, spicy-sweet maple, and honey mustard sauces. One sauce, jaew bong, pays homage to Phrommany’s Laotian heritage. This sweet-hot Southeast Asian chili spice sauce adds a unique flavor to the traditional chislic experience.
Sioux Falls, the largest city in South Dakota, is known as the heart of “The Chislic Circle.” The city boasts several top spots where visitors can enjoy this South Dakota delicacy, including the Barrel House, Attic Bar & Grill, Gateway Lounge, Ode to Food & Drinks, and Tinner’s Public House. Urban Chislic stands out among these establishments for its innovative approach to chislic.
If you find yourself in Sioux Falls, be sure to stop by Urban Chislic to experience a modern twist on a classic South Dakota tradition. Whether you’re a chislic aficionado or trying it for the first time, the mix-and-match menu options and unique sauces are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more of this flavorful dish that has stood the test of time.
