Trieste, a city located in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northern Italy, is known for its unique blend of Mediterranean, Central European, and Slavic influences. The traditional cuisine of Trieste has been shaped by the exchange and contamination with different populations, mostly from the Balkans. This diversity is reflected in the many local dishes that are based on meat, legumes, and other products from the land.
In this article, we will explore 10 must-try dishes in Trieste, each with its own unique flavors and ingredients. From traditional minestrone soup to seafood dishes, we will take you on a culinary journey through the city’s culinary landscape.
What Makes Triestine Cuisine Unique?
Triestine cuisine is shaped by the city’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia. The exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures has resulted in a unique blend of flavors that reflects the city’s history as a melting pot. Many local dishes are based on meat, legumes, and other products from the land, which is reflected in the use of ingredients such as pork, beef, lamb, garlic, onion, paprika, and kümmel seeds.
1. Jota: A Hearty Minestrone Soup
Start your culinary journey in Trieste with this traditional minestrone soup. The triestine version is made with cabbage, beans, and potatoes, and is flavored with pork or beef bones, sausage, or other meats. It’s also seasoned with kümmel seeds.
Recommended for lunch or dinner
Cost: €8.00 per serving
Ingredients: cabbage, beans, potatoes, meat, kümmel seeds
2. Triestine Gnocchi: A Traditional Italian Dish
Don’t miss the chance to try these delicious gnocchi! They’re always on the menu and can be found in various shapes and sizes. The traditional triestine version is made with potato dough and is often served with a meat sauce.
Recommended for lunch or dinner
Cost: €8.00 per serving (depending on the type of gnocchi)
Ingredients: potatoes, flour, eggs, cheese, ham or sausage
3. Risi e Bisi: A Venetian Risotto with a Triestine Twist
This traditional Venetian risotto has been adopted by Trieste and can be found in many restaurants. It’s made with rice vialone nano, peas, and prosciutto.
Recommended for lunch or dinner
Cost: €8.00 per serving
Ingredients: rice vialone nano, peas, prosciutto
4. Sardoni in Savòr alla Triestina: A Coastal Speciality
As a coastal city, Trieste offers excellent seafood dishes. This traditional dish is made with sardines “barcolani” (small sardines caught within their first year of life), which are then fried and served with onions, allor, and black pepper.
Recommended for lunch or dinner
Cost: €13.00 per serving
Ingredients: sardines barcolani, onion, allor, olive oil, black pepper
5. Canocie in Busara: A Seafood Delight
This seafood dish is a favorite among locals. Scampi are cooked with busera (a condiment made from pepe, grated bread, salt, and white wine) and served with toasted bread.
Recommended for lunch or dinner
Cost: €15.00 per serving
Ingredients: scampi, pepe, bread, salt, white wine
6. Cevapcici: A Triestine Sausage
These sausages are a staple of Triestine cuisine. Made from a mixture of pork, beef, and lamb, they’re flavored with garlic, onion, and paprika.
Recommended for lunch or dinner
Cost: €13.00 per serving
Ingredients: pork, beef, lamb, garlic, onion, paprika
7. Gulash: A Hungarian Influence
This traditional Hungarian dish has been adopted by Trieste and is often served in osterias and restaurants. It’s made with meat (usually beef), paprika, and onions.
Recommended for lunch or dinner
Cost: €15.00 per serving
Ingredients: meat, paprika, onion
8. Granseole alla Triestina: A Seafood Delight
This seafood dish is a classic of Triestine cuisine. Fresh granseoles are cooked with olive oil, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Recommended for lunch or dinner
Cost: €15.00 per serving
Ingredients: granseoles, olive oil, parsley, salt, pepper
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9. Fave di Trieste: A Traditional Pastry
These small pastries made from almond flour are a specialty of Trieste’s October-November festivals. They come in three flavors: vanilla, rosewater, and chocolate.
Recommended for any time
Cost: €5.00 per 100g serving
Ingredients: almonds, flour, egg white, sugar
10. Presnitz alla Triestina: A Traditional Pastry
This pastry is a traditional specialty of Trieste, made with a filling of nuts, hazelnuts, pinoli, dried currants, chocolate, and spices.
Recommended for any time
Cost: €10.00 per serving
Ingredients: almonds, hazelnuts, pinoli, currants, chocolate, spices
Where to Eat in Trieste
Trieste is a city with a rich culinary history, and there are many restaurants and cafes where you can try traditional dishes. Here are some recommendations:
- Buffets:
- Buffet Clai (via Ugo Foscolo, 4)
- Hostaria “Ai 3 Magnoni” (via dell’Eremo, 243)
- Buffet Birreria Rudy (via Valdirivo, 32)
- Osmiza Gabrovec Ivan (Località Prepotto, 15)
- Restaurants:
- Caffè degli Specchi (piazza Unità d’Italia, 7)
- Trattoria Mara (via Vittoria Colonna, 5)
- Osteria Salvagente (via dei Burlo, 1c)
- Excalibur (via Fianona, 9)
Tips for Foodies
- Be sure to try the local specialties, such as sardines “barcolani” and granseoles.
- Don’t miss the opportunity to try some of the traditional pastries, such as fave di Trieste and presnitz alla Triestina.
- If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, be sure to try one of the many seafood restaurants in Trieste.
- Be adventurous and try new dishes and flavors. Triestine cuisine is known for its diversity and creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best way to get around Trieste?
A: The best way to get around Trieste is by foot or bike, as many of the city’s attractions are within walking distance. There are also buses and trains that connect the city to nearby towns and cities.
Q: Can I try traditional Triestine cuisine without eating at a restaurant?
A: Yes, you can try traditional Triestine cuisine without eating at a restaurant by buying ingredients from local markets or stores and cooking them yourself.
Q: What is kümmel seeds used for in Triestine cuisine?
A: Kümmel seeds are used to flavor many dishes in Triestine cuisine, including minestrone soup and sausages.
Q: Can I find international restaurants in Trieste?
A: Yes, there are several international restaurants in Trieste that serve a variety of cuisines, including Italian, French, and Asian food.
Q: What is the best time to visit Trieste for foodies?
A: The best time to visit Trieste for foodies is during the peak tourist season, which typically runs from June to September. During this time, many restaurants are open late, and there are many festivals and events celebrating local cuisine.
Q: Can I buy ingredients and cook traditional Triestine dishes at home?
A: Yes, you can buy ingredients and cook traditional Triestine dishes at home. Many markets and grocery stores in Trieste carry a variety of ingredients that are used in traditional dishes.
Conclusion
Trieste is a city with a rich culinary history, and its cuisine reflects the diversity and creativity of its people. From traditional minestrone soup to seafood dishes, there’s something for every foodie to enjoy in this beautiful Italian city. Whether you’re looking for a unique dining experience or just want to try some local specialties, Trieste is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves food.