Pizza and deli comparison
Pie, slice, and hero: New York food words
These familiar English words take highly practical meanings at New York counters. The location and the rest of the order usually make the intended food obvious.
A pie is the whole pizza
Ordering a pie means the complete pizza, usually for sharing or takeout. The size and toppings still need to be stated when the shop offers options.
A slice is one portion
A plain slice commonly means the standard cheese-and-sauce slice without extra toppings. Specialty slices are usually named by topping or style.
A hero is a long sandwich
Hero is the New York regional name for a long roll filled with cold cuts, chicken cutlet, meatballs, vegetables, or another deli combination.
Frequently asked questions
Is a hero a kind of pizza?
No. A hero is a long sandwich, while pie and slice describe pizza orders.
Does plain slice mean pizza without cheese?
Usually not. In many New York pizzerias, plain means the standard cheese slice.
Evidence and further reading
These sources support the regional, historical, or internet-spread context used in this guide.
- Words That Make You Sound Like You’re From New YorkDictionary.com
Regional overview documenting hero, pie and slice, on line, the city, upstate, Jersey, thruway, and food shopping.
- hero sandwichMerriam-Webster
Dictionary definition of a hero as a long filled sandwich.