What to eat in Puglia and where: a journey through its culinary delights
What to eat in Puglia and where? Puglia, land of sea and sun, is not only a tourist destination for its breathtaking beaches and picturesque villages, but also a gastronomic paradise that delights the palate with a myriad of authentic and traditional flavours. In this culinary guide, we will explore the most famous local delicacies and where to enjoy them in all their authenticity.
What to eat in Bari: panelle, a street delight
Among the most popular street foods in Bari, we find panelle, chickpea flour pancakes fried in olive oil. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, panelle are often served inside a sandwich, called a “panino con le panelle,” along with a sprinkling of black pepper for an extra touch of flavor. To enjoy the panelle in their authenticity, visitors should direct their steps towards the numerous kiosks and stalls present in the streets of Bari Vecchia.
What to eat in Lecce: pasticciotto leccese, king of Salento desserts
In the baroque city of Lecce, pasticciotto is an authentic delight that wins the heart of anyone who tastes it. This dessert consists of a shortcrust pastry shell filled with a delicious custard, usually flavored with lemon zest or vanilla. Perfect for a delicious breakfast or a dessert after a meal, pasticciotto can be found in every pastry shop in Salento, but the best experiences are lived in small artisan bakeries that still follow traditional recipes handed down from generation to generation.
Apulian specialties: irresistible first courses
Puglia offers a variety of unique culinary specialties that reflect its rich history and connection to the land. Among the most famous dishes we find tiella, a sort of baked rice, potato and mussel pie; Orecchiette with turnip tops, a delicious fresh pasta seasoned with a sauce of turnip tops, garlic and chilli pepper.
Typical Apulian products to taste and take home
Speaking of “what to eat in Puglia and where” we cannot avoid mentioning typical Apulian products that are easily found in the region, and which you can taste on site, but also take home. Typical Apulian products are perfect to enjoy on site and to take home. Let us mention, therefore, the caciocavallo podolico, a mature cheese typical of the area, the Capocollo of Martina Franca, but also the extra virgin olive oil, the Apulian taralli, the frise and friselle, the excellent Apulian and Salento wines, the burrata and the local cheeses.
Street gastronomy: savor Puglia with every bite
For an even more authentic culinary experience, there is nothing better than immersing yourself in the flavors of Apulian street gastronomy. Along the streets of cities and villages, it is possible to find stalls and kiosks offering a wide range of street foods, such as fried panzerotti filled with mozzarella and tomato, focaccia from Bari topped with fresh tomatoes and oregano, and sgagliozze, fried polenta fritters served hot and crunchy.
In conclusion, a trip to Puglia is an unforgettable culinary experience that will satisfy every palate. From fresh and tasty seafood dishes to traditional desserts that delight the palate, the region offers a true gastronomic journey through its authentic flavors and its recipes handed down over time. Enjoy your meal!
eat, typical Apulian products, Puglia, specialties
