The city of Perugia is located in the Umbria region of central Italy and is well known for its delicious food. If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful city, be sure to try some of these traditional dishes! From truffles and prosciutto to gnocchi and porchetta, here are 12 mouth-watering foods that you need to eat when you’re in Perugia.
1. Truffles
Perugia, Italy is home to some of the best truffles in the world. Black truffles, also known as “tuber melanosporum”, are a type of fungi that grow underground. They are highly prized for their intense flavor and aroma and are used in a variety of dishes.
Perugia is one of the major producers of black truffles, and the city hosts a truffle festival every year. During the festival, locals and visitors can sample a variety of truffle-based dishes, including pasta, risotto, and even ice cream.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable culinary experience, make sure to visit Perugia during the truffle season. Bon appétit!
2. Prosciutto di Norcia
If you’re a fan of dry-cured ham, then you’ll definitely want to check out Prosciutto di Norcia from Perugia, Italy. This delicious smoked ham is made from the hind leg of a pig that has been raised and fed on a diet of chestnuts in the Umbrian mountains.
The result is ham that is lean and packed with flavor. The prosciutto is then dry-cured for at least 12 months, resulting in a final product that is perfect for slicing thin and enjoying on its own or as part of a flavorful charcuterie board.
If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Perugia, be sure to try some Prosciutto di Norcia – it’s an experience you won’t soon forget!
3. Gnocchi
Italy is renowned for its delicious cuisine, and Gnocchi is one of the country’s most popular dishes. This traditional pasta dish originates from the city of Perugia, located in the Umbria region of Italy.
Gnocchi is made from a variety of ingredients, including potato, flour, egg, and cheese. The dough is then formed into small balls and boiled in water. Once cooked, the Gnocchi is typically served with a tomato or cream-based sauce.
In recent years, Gnocchi has become increasingly popular outside of Italy, with many restaurants now offering their own version of the dish. Whether you’re in Perugia or elsewhere, be sure to try this delicious Italian treat!
4. Porchetta
There’s nothing quite like a Porchetta sandwich. Thick slices of roasted pork, slathered in a special seasoning blend and stacked high on a freshly baked roll. It’s a sandwich that has its roots in the city of Perugia, Italy, and one that has become hugely popular in recent years.
The key to a good Porchetta sandwich is the quality of the pork. It needs to be slow-roasted for hours until it’s incredibly tender and infused with the flavor of the seasoning blend.
And while there are many different ways to make a Porchetta sandwich, the best ones always seem to come from Perugia. If you’re ever in the city, be sure to stop by one of the many roadside stands and try one for yourself.
5. Torta al Testo
Perugia is a city in central Italy with a long history dating back to the Etruscan civilization. Today, it is best known for its medieval architecture, cuisine, and lively university-town atmosphere.
One of the most popular dishes in Perugia is torta al testo, a type of flatbread made with water, flour, salt, and olive oil. The dough is traditionally cooked on a special griddle called a testo.
The torta al testo is typically served with salumi (cured meats), cheese, and vegetables. It makes for a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for chilly weather. If you find yourself in Perugia, be sure to try this local specialty!
6. Focaccia
If you’re looking for the perfect focaccia, you’ll want to head to Perugia, Italy. This city is home to some of the best focaccia in the world.
The focaccia here is made with a unique combination of ingredients that makes it incredibly delicious. The dough is made with olive oil, which gives it a light and fluffy texture.
The toppings are also very flavorful and can include anything from tomatoes to onions to olives. The result is a mouth-watering focaccia that will leave you wanting more. So if you’re ever in Perugia, be sure to try the focaccia – you won’t be disappointed!
7. Salsiccia Secca
Salsiccia Secca is a dry-cured sausage from Perugia, Italy. The sausage is made with pork, salt, pepper, and fennel seeds. It is then dry-cured for a minimum of 60 days.
The result is a flavorful and slightly spicy sausage that is perfect for enjoying on its own or using in recipes. Visitors to Perugia will find Salsiccia Secca for sale at many local markets and shops.
It is also common to find sausage served in restaurants as an appetizer or main course. Whether you are enjoying Salsiccia Secca on your own or sharing with others, it is sure to be a memorable culinary experience.
8. Strangozzi
Strangozzi is a type of pasta that originates from the Umbrian city of Perugia in Italy. The pasta is made from a simple dough of flour and water and is typically served with a sauce made from tomatoes, garlic, and onion.
Strangozzi can also be served with a variety of other sauces, such as pesto or carbonara. The pasta is traditionally boiled in salted water and then tossed with the sauce of your choice.
Strangozzi is a simple but versatile pasta that makes a delicious and hearty meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a memorable dish for entertaining guests, strangozzi is sure to please.
9. Pecorino Cheese
Pecorino cheese is a delicious, nutty-tasting cheese that is made from sheep’s milk. It originates from the city of Perugia in Italy and has a long, rich history.
The cheese was originally made by shepherds who would take their sheep’s milk with them on their long journeys across the countryside. Over time, the cheese developed a distinctively strong flavor due to the unique methods used to produce it.
Today, Pecorino cheese is still made using traditional methods and is prized for its unique flavor. If you’re ever in Perugia, be sure to try some of this delicious cheese!
10. Umbrian Stew
Umbrian Stew, or Stufato Umbro, is a traditional dish from the Umbria region of Italy. The stew is typically made with beef, pork, lamb, or chicken, and is cooked slowly over low heat until the meat is very tender.
Vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes are often added to the stew, and it is typically served with a side of bread. Umbrian Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a winter meal. If you find yourself in Perugia, be sure to try this traditional Umbrian dish!
11. Wild Boar Ragù
Perugia is a city in central Italy that is known for its stunning medieval architecture and delicious cuisine. One of the city’s most popular dishes is Wild Boar Ragù.
The ragù is made with wild boar meat that is slow-cooked in red wine and olive oil. The resulting dish is rich and flavorful, and it pairs well with Umbrian wines. Wild Boar Ragù is a popular dish in Perugia, Italy.
It is made with wild boar meat that is slow-cooked in red wine and olive oil. The resulting dish is rich and flavorful, and it pairs well with Umbrian wines. If you’re ever in Perugia, be sure to try this delicious dish!
12. Cantucci Biscuits
Cantucci biscuits, also known as cantuccini, are a type of Tuscan biscuit that originated in the city of Prato. They are typically made with almonds, flour, sugar, and eggs, and they are often served with Vin Santo, a type of dessert wine.
Cantucci are crispy and crunchy, and they are typically eaten as a snack or after a meal. In recent years, cantucci have become popular beyond Italy, and they can now be found in specialty shops and bakeries around the world.
In Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a memorable dish for entertaining guests, the food in Perugia is sure to please. From traditional dishes like Umbrian Stew to delicious snacks like cantucci biscuits, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So next time you find yourself in Italy, be sure to check out the amazing food in Perugia!
