Typical Apulian foods: 4 specialties you absolutely must try

Do you want to have a unique gastronomic experience? Typical Apulian foods are the answer you've been looking for.

Food culture in Apulia has ancient origins, recipes that families still hand down from generation to generation. Apulian culinary tradition is based on simple and good ingredients, products that come from the sea and the land, with an authentic and genuine taste.

Let yourself be carried away by the scents and aromas of our land, the journey to discover the gastronomic secrets and treasures of Puglia has just begun!

Here they are: four typical Apulian dishes not to be missed.

Orecchiette 

Water, flour and salt: these are the three ingredients of Puglia's iconic pasta. Orecchiette, take their name precisely from their shape reminiscent of a small ear, the result of the dexterity of our grandmothers and mothers.

Born in Bari, between the 12th and 13th centuries, they were known by the dialect term strascnat, an expression that indicated the technique with which they were made. In fact, their characteristic externally rough surface and smooth internally was due to the pressure of the fingers on the work surface. Even today among the alleys of old Bari it is possible to admire "the ladies" struggling with the creation of kilos and kilos of handmade orecchiette.  

Orecchiette go perfectly with all kinds of sauces, but we recommend you try them with turnip greens. Trust us, after just one forkful it will be impossible not to have an encore.

Panzerotti 

Panzerotti are a real institution, one of Puglia's tastiest and most popular typical dishes. The panzerotto is a half-moon of fried dough, filled with tomato and mozzarella cheese. Today, however, there are many versions of it: try it with cold cuts, cheese or vegetables. 

A specialty to be enjoyed around the alleys of some village in our wonderful Puglia or in the company of lifelong friends.

Broad beans and chicories 

One of the most representative typical Apulian foods of peasant tradition, this is a perfect mix of vegetables and legumes. It is a cream of fava beans that is served at the table with delicious sautéed chicory and a drizzle of oil to complete the dish.  

A dish that will take me back in time, a flavor that encapsulates all the culture of our roots.

Bombette

Bombette are pork rolls stuffed with caciocavallo cheese, bacon, pepper and salt. Tradition calls for them to be cooked over the embers so as to obtain the perfect stringy heart. 

Originating in the Itria Valley, bombette along with panzerotto are the most representative dishes of Apulian street food. If you happen to be in the areas of Cisternino, Martina Franca or Locorotondo, stopping at some good braceria is mandatory. You cannot come to Puglia without tasting such goodness, especially when served with a good glass of red wine.

Are you looking for an adventure in Puglia? Discover Itria so many unique experiences are waiting for you.