So What Did I Eat In Puglia (Italy)?
Eating in Italy is a joy. Although I knew I’d love the food in Italy, tasting it was a different high altogether. It is an experience to relish the smoothly textured Italian wines, freshly baked ‘straight out of a wood-fired oven’ pizzas and delectable seafood dishes.
Well, if you want to know what food is Italy famous for? I’m going to recommend Puglia – it’s one of the best food destinations of Italy.
Since I mostly explored Puglia (Southern Italy), I’m going to talk about the food and the restaurants in Puglia. And, I have to say that Puglia is one of the best food destinations that I have ever explored.
The food in Puglia is delicious, fresh and cheap. Yes, you heard it right! Eating in Puglia is not really an expensive affair like the way it is in Venice or any other big city in Italy. Besides, you can explore Italy on a budget if you follow my tips.
So here’s what I recommend on your Puglian platter –
My Food Guide to Puglia, Italy
Pizza
Whenever you think of Italian food names, it’s quite obvious to think of pizzas. And, when you are in Italy, you got to devour pizzas! There are pizzerias everywhere.
The pizzas in Italy are totally different from what we have in India. Italian pizzas are far healthier for the way they are prepared – they are coated with lots of fresh veggies and cheese. And since they are baked in a traditional wood-fired oven, the feeling of having a pizza is very warm and homey.
Alta Marea, Pizzeria
Address: Via Petrolla, 1, 72017 Ostuni BR, Italy
Phone:+39 0831 308787
Risotto
I’d say that if you want to dig deep into the Italy food traditions, Risotto is another dish that you must have while you are in Italy. It’s a staple dish of Italy.
I savoured it with red wine at Pescheria il delfino, a restaurant known for serving local cuisines with the most authentic flavours.
Pescheria il delfino
Address: C.ro Garibaldi 5, Ostuni
Phone: +39 0831 303037
Octopus and squids
Well, octopus and squids were never on my agenda, but they happened to be on my plate! Perhaps that was my first food adventure of sorts. I just sat down to enjoy some good seafood and that’s how my husband tricked me into having squids and octopus. So, if you like to get a bit adventurous with your food, it wouldn’t be a bad idea!
La Vecchia Terrazza
Address: Vico Benedetto Brin, 7, 72017 Ostuni BR, Italy
Phone:+39 389 799 5022/ +39 333 345 4460
Arancino and Faeottino
I found Puglia to be extremely delightful when it comes to street food and quick bites. One of such delights I had at Caffe Alvino – Arancino, scrumptious fried rice balls stuffed with mozzarella, ragù and peas and coated with breadcrumbs, and Faeottino – patties stuffed with chicken sausages.
Caffe Alvino
Address: Piazza Sant’Oronzo, 30, Lecce LE, Italy
Phone:+39 0832 246748
Trofiette con salsiccia (pasta)
Pasta is also an obvious dish to have in Italy. I had the Ligurian pasta – trofie, a kind of fresh pasta that just soaks in the flavour of any sauce. I enjoyed it with loads of cheese on it.
Largo Trevisani
Address: L.go Trevisani, 13, 70011 Alberobello BA, Italy
Phone:+39 080 432 5666
The Street Food – Burgers and Sandwiches
I simply can’t recover from the mouthwatering street food in Puglia. I have to mention Paninoteca Giardinetti, an outdoor joint at the Brindisi station that serves amazing burgers and sandwiches. Also, I enjoyed Kebabs at a joint near Lecce station.
So, if you ever visit Puglia, make sure you eat at small street-side food joints for absolutely delicious burgers and sandwiches.
Have you been to Italy? What has been your favourite food experience there?
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