How to Make a Proper Hoagie A hoagie is more than just a sandwich – it's a cultural phenomenon that brings people together across the United States.
Its origins are rooted in Italian American cuisine, specifically the Philly style subs that emerged in the early 20th century as a cheap and filling meal for working class laborers.
The name "hoagie" itself is often attributed to South Philadelphia's Hog Island, where Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions and merged them with American tastes.