Italian food is a lot more diverse than many realize. It's pretty easy to think that this country's cuisine can be summed up into a handful of dishes, but that's far from the truth. Italian food is as diverse as its country. In fact, there are many regions throughout the country that offer their own local dishes, delicacies, and desserts. A good example is the region of Venet and, to a certain extent, the city of Venice. Beyond its historic beauty and nostalgic romance, this world-famous destination actually has its own traditional dishes that offer the place's true flavor.
Fritto Misto
What would you expect from a city surrounded by water? Lots of seafood, of course! Don't worry! The food here doesn't come from the canals and is fished out by
gondolas if that's what you're thinking. Venice is near all sorts of bodies of water where you'll find the best ingredients for scrumptious delicacies. And speaking of scrumptious seafood delicacies, you can't go to Venice and not try its street food staple, Fritto Mitto. Translated into English as 'fried mix,' its name practically speak for itself. Often served in a
cartoccio (Venetian paper cone), a salty mix of fried fish, sardines, shrimp, calamari, and more will turn up your taste buds in more ways than one.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ SimonePascuzzi
Get The Recipe By Clicking
Here
Sarde in Saor
Speaking of seafood, or more specifically, sardines, Venice's most famous dish is arguably
Sarde in Saor! Having been served since the Middle Ages, it became a culinary staple not just for its taste, but also for the fact that it's one that can be made with fish (sardines) that take longer to expire. Unbeknownst to many, as long as they're stored properly, sardines can last around three to five years at best and because of this, Venetians have relied on the often-overlooked fish for their delicious. Made with onions, raisins, vinegar, and pine nuts, sarde in saor is fairly easy to make.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Get The Recipe By Clicking
Here
Baccala’ Mantecato
From one type of fish to another. While Sarde in saor is made with sardines,
Baccala’ Mantecato is made with cod. Once shredded, mixed with cream, and seasoned with olive oil, it becomes a smooth mousse and serves as a great topping for toasted bread, crackers, or even filling in sandwiches. Thanks to its versatility, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Baccala’ Mantecato hence, it's a commonly used appetizer in many
foodie hotspots in Venice. Before you know it, you've already downed a couple of Baccala’ Mantecato-topped bread even before the main course is served.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Benreis
Get The Recipe By Clicking
Here
Fegato Alla Veneziana
Calf liver and onions. On their own, this particular combination seems unappetizing, for some even downright disgusting. But trust the culinary geniuses of Venice to come with the main course dish that's sure to know anyone's socks off. And this, Fegato Alla Veneziana was born. Be caramelizing the onions, they help stabilize the strong taste of the calf liver, resulting in a harmonious mix of sweet and savory flavors. You can either eat them on their own, have rice on the side, or even mix them up in
different kinds of pasta. Whichever way you go, you're sure to have a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Get The Recipe By Clicking
Here
Bigoli in Salsa
Speaking of pasta, even the Venetians loved Bigoli just as much as the rest of Italy. In fact, they loved Bigoli so much that they'd mix it with all sorts of delicious delicacies. Not the least of which is salsa. Now, in other places around the world, salsa is more known as this spicy concoction that works well as a hot stew or even as a dip for cheese. But not for the Venetians. Mix in some salt-cured fish into the salsa and it'd make for a great sauce for Bigoli pasta! It's the perfect light yet spicy main course that'll
pair well with wine.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Get The Recipe By Clicking
Here
Risi e Bisi
Beyond pasta, Venice surprisingly has a fondness for rice as well. In fact, one of the city's staple dishes,
Risi e Bisi, is a vegetarian rice dish that's worth passing on the meat for. Made with rice and peas, it's a traditional dish with a lot of historic meaning. Back in the old days, when Venetian nobility still reigned supreme, Risi e Bisi was commonly used as an offering to the Doge of Venice (Duke of Venice) during St. Marks Day (April 25), one of the city's
more unique holidays. Today, it's become a classic favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Solde
Get The Recipe By Clicking
Here
Risotto al nero di seppia
Still up for some rice? Why not for
Risotto al nero di seppia this time around? Although it's more common among the more rural areas of the Veneto region, it's still a major staple in Venice's culinary scene. At first glance, this black-hued risotto dish looks straight out of a fairytale—one that the witch would probably concoct to poison the princess. But beyond its dubious appearance, the squid inked-risotto actually tastes pretty good. It's the type of salty and savory seafood that you'd expect in a place like the Veneto region. And don't worry! Your teeth won't blacken with every spoonful.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Ceeseven
Get The Recipe By Clicking
Here
Fritole
Up for some dessert! Do away with the common gelato and the cold tiramisu! If you want a warm yet traditional Venetian sweet, order up a plate of
Fritole! Made with eggs, flour, sugar, and more, they're little rolled-up pastries that are commonly served around
Carnevale in late winter. In fact, if you go to Venice during this time, it's not unlikely that you'll get offered a cartoccio filled with Fritole by a marked stranger. Won't that be quite the experience? And withe very bit, your mouth and your tummy get warmer and warmer. What's not to love?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Get The Recipe By Clicking
Here
Want to get a taste of Venice? Try these traditional Venetian dishes. They're rich, flavorful, and offer the true culinary excellence that this city, and the region of Veneto as a whole, have.
One of the best places to enjoy these Venetian dishes is in the comforts of your own
luxury home here.
