Everyone loves parmigiana. Whether it’s chicken or eggplant, nothing beats the comfort of warm breaded chicken or eggplant covered in tasty marinara. It’s a comfort food icon for a reason, and it’s even better when it’s in a sub. Honestly, many foods get better when you put them in a sub. As much as we love pizza here at Alley Cat Pizzeria, we’re also a Manchester sub shop, so parmigiana is a pretty big deal to us.

Join your favorite Manchester sub shop as we explore the history of parmigiana and its savory Italian legacy.

Italian Roots and Unknown Origins

Although we know parmigiana definitely came from Italy, its precise origins are somewhat murky. Multiple regions claim to be the birthplace of parmigiana, but it most likely came from the south of Italy, specifically Naples or Sicily. Most people think the name “parmigiana” comes from parmesan cheese because it is a common ingredient in the dish. However, it actually refers to the Parma region of Italy, which is also famous for its cheese. This fact only serves to further confuse the origins of parmigiana because Parma is in the north of Italy.

Which Came First, the Chicken or the Egg(plant)?

Although chicken parm may be more popular here in the United States, eggplant parm is more common elsewhere. The eggplant first came to Italy in the 9th century thanks to the Arab conquests. Fried vegetables are a feature of Middle Eastern cuisine, which the Italians eventually adapted by layering slices of fried eggplant with tomato sauce (after the discovery of the New World), cheese, and herbs. Chicken parm developed in the 20th century with Italian immigrants to America, like so many other staple dishes of Italian-American cuisine. In the United States, chicken was easier to find than eggplant and made for a more protein-rich meal.

Take a Bite of History at Our Manchester Sub Shop

Today, parmigiana has transcended its humble origins, becoming a staple in Italian restaurants worldwide. When you want a comforting meal that’s packed with flavor, you can’t go wrong with a chicken or eggplant parmigiana sub from Alley Cat. Take a break from the holiday rush and relax with some takeout!

Call 603-669-4533 or order online, and don’t forget to enroll in our new rewards program!