It takes a real cincinnati native to understand the wiles of the citys namesake chili. Luckily, cincinnati home-owner and real simple food guru grace elkus sits right across from me. According to grace, cincinnati chili must be served over spaghetti, topped with shredded cheddar cheese (a lot) and a smattering of chopped white onion (not red). A side of oyster crackers wouldnt be out of place and while these are the rules, it wouldnt be crazy to see cincinnati chili on top of a hot dog, either. Now you know.