DC's signature sausage — half pork, half beef, smoked and coarser than a hot dog. Ben's Chili Bowl made it legendary.
Ben's Chili Bowl on U Street has served the half-smoke since 1958. It survived the 1968 riots as one of the only businesses to stay open. Half-smokes at Ben's connect generations of DC's Black community.
A half-smoke delivers solid protein and B12 but carries 500–700mg sodium and 15–20g saturated fat in a single link. This is a cultural food, not a daily protein strategy.
Grilled or steamed, split down the middle, served in a steamed bun with chili, mustard, and onions. The coarser grind and smoke distinguish it sharply from a standard hot dog.
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