One of the best parts about Italian cuisine is that you can't define it easily. Sure, it's easy to think that pastas, pizzas, and paninis are all that make up this country's cuisine but there's a lot more to it. The different regions within Italy all have their own unique contributions to why the food here is the best in the world. Not the least of which is the La Spezia province in the region of Liguria. Specifically, Cinque Terre! This dreamy destination offers a few dishes, delicacies, and desserts that define what it means to live the good life here in Cinque Terre!
Anchovies
Ahh,
acciughe! Or more commonly known to the outside non-Italian-speaking world as anchovies! Yes, these little fishes that you see atop pizzas, served in pasta, and mushed inside a panini are all the rage in Cinque Terre. It's no surprise considering that the place is made up of coastal cities. Of course, anchovies, which are some of the most common seafood delicacies in Italy, will be a main culinary attraction here. As already mentioned, you can taste them in various ways, be they as pizza toppings or submerged in pasta. Is your mouth watering already?
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Farinata di Ceci
As far as Italian street food in Cinque Terre is concerned, Farinata di Ceci is definitely a must-try! This savory pancake is all the rage among the many
cities in Cinque Terre, so much so that you'll probably find a stall that makes it around every corner. The best thing about them is that they're easy to eat, very similar to the famous
Puglia snack Focaccia or even the delicate crepes from France. Topped with various vegetables such as zucchini and onions, Farinata di Ceci makes for a great vegan delicacy to help you satisfy your hunger in a healthy way.
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Fritto Misto
At first glance, with how they're presented and packaged in paper cones, you could almost mistake Fritto Misto as something similar to the
fish & chips in London. However, upon closer inspection, you'll find that this delectable street food in Cinque Terre is all seafood! A mix of fried fish, squid, and shrimp, it's basically the snack version of a seafood platter. Every bit tastes like the Italian Riviera or the Mediterranean sea, further offering the flavors of the region. Some also come with vegetables too as a sort of taste equalizer so that your taste buds won't be overwhelmed by the salty goodness.
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Mussels
Speaking of shellfish, of course you'll also find mussels here in Cinque Terre too! They're everywhere here, literally! From notable restaurants to street stalls, you'll find that the locals in Cinque Terre love mussels. And why wouldn't they? Mussels are a fixture in Italian cuisine, after all. Just like anchovies, mussels are used as toppings on pizzas, submerged in sauce to give flavor to pasta, or plainly served on an ice-filled platter with some lemon zest. Whichever way you choose to indulge in them, know that they're a Cinque Terre delicacy that you simply must try!
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Pesto Pasta
It's not a complete list of Italian dishes without pasta! And out of the many
types of pasta out there, the one Cinque Terre has embraced is the pesto pasta! One of the most beloved kinds of pasta, not just in Italy, but in the entire world, pesto has proven itself as a truly delicious dish unlike any other. But why does Cinque Terre love it so much? It's possible it’s because it's easy to make. Remember that this place isn't as abundant when it comes to none-seafood produce. Out of all the flavors of pasta they can make without relying on seafood, pesto was probably the easiest to whip up!
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Polpo con Patate
When you go to Cinque Terre, you might hear the word '
polpo' one too many times. But what does it mean, exactly? In English, the word translates to 'octopus.' You know what that means, right? Expect to see a lot of octopus-ladened dishes in the various restaurants and other establishments throughout the many coastal cities. Particularly,
Polpo con Patate! This delicious dish, which combines grilled octopus with boiled potatoes, is one that will certainly leave you full after one serving. But it's also so good, you'll want a second helping no matter how full you feel!
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Italian food is delicious everywhere, but the very special dishes and delicacies you'll encounter in Cinque Terre are second to none. Try out what the locals indulge in here and enjoy the many favors that these coastal cities offer!
