During your Venice Island Tour you’ll dive into the Venetian cuisine, a rich tapestry woven with diverse influences over the centuries, stands as one of the most varied and captivating culinary traditions globally. The flavours of the sea and the land converge to create dishes with a unique taste that can impress even the most refined palates. Exploring all the typical dishes during a weekend in Venice may be a challenge, but there are ten Venetian specialities that stand out and should not be missed.
Venice Island Tour and its 10 Culinary Treasures
1. Sarde in Saor
A delightful starting point in the exploration of Venetian cuisine is the “Sarde in Saor.” These sardines offer a sweet and sour taste, owing to the presence of vinegar, onions, raisins, and pine nuts. Widely available in many city restaurants, these sardines provide a perfect introduction to the authentic flavours of the Serenissima.
2. Baccalà Mantecato
Baccalà, a staple in Venetian cuisine, takes centre stage in dishes like “Baccalà Mantecato.” Prepared with oil, salt, pepper, garlic, laurel, and lemon, this dish involves soaking cod for at least 24 hours, boiling it in milk and water, and then blending the tender flesh into a creamy mixture. Typically served on warm bread crostini, it’s a common offering in bacari, traditional Venetian wine bars.
3. Risi e Bisi
A typical Venetian first course not to be missed is “Risi e Bisi.” A dish born from the region’s peasant cuisine, it combines rice, peas, pancetta, and parsley. Best enjoyed in spring when peas are in season, this dish, featuring Vialone Nano rice, falls somewhere between a soup and a risotto, creating a unique culinary experience.
4. Bigoli in Salsa
“Bigoli in Salsa” is a humble dish showcasing the simplicity of Venetian cuisine. These thick, rough-textured pasta, similar to spaghetti but with an egg-based composition, are paired with a sauce made from caramelised onions and fresh sardines. The resulting dish is both flavourful and satisfying.
5. Pasta al Nero di Seppia
Originating from the waters of the Venetian Lagoon, “Pasta al Nero di Seppia” features black cuttlefish ink. Prepared with white wine, shallots, parsley, and oil, this dish offers a taste of the sea while presenting a visually striking black colour.
6. Risotto di Gò
Among the ancient and beloved Venetian dishes, “Risotto di Gò” stands out. Prepared with Gò, a flavourful fish from the Venetian Lagoon, and Vialone Nano rice, the result is a creamy and savoury risotto that is a true delight for the taste buds.
7. Moleche Fritte
Moving on to second courses, “Moleche Fritte” or “moeche” is a typical Venetian dish featuring soft-shell crabs. These green crabs are washed and fried until crispy and golden, offering a unique and delectable seafood experience.
8. Fegato alla Veneziana
Arguably the most famous Venetian dish, “Fegato alla Veneziana” consists of thinly sliced veal liver cooked with onions, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, and butter. This widely appreciated dish is a staple in Venetian restaurants.
9. Polenta e Schie
“Schie,” small shrimp from the Venetian Lagoon, are served alongside yellow polenta. Boiled with lemon, salt, garlic, and pepper, this simple and quick dish, once a staple for the city’s poor families, has found its way into refined restaurant menus with modern twists.
10. Sweet Endings: Typical Venetian Desserts
The desserts also play a crucial role. A Venetian meal is incomplete without savouring one of the following:
- Bussolai or Buranelli: Butter-based cookies well-known beyond Venice.
- Fritole: Carnival specialties, small and tasty fritters made with sultanas.
- Zaeti: Yellow cookies with raisins and chocolate chips.
- Dolce di San Martino: November’s festive treat, a knight-shaped pastry covered in icing and candies.
- Baìcoli: Thin and crisp oval-shaped biscuits.
- Fugassa di Pasqua: A typical Easter dessert resembling panettone or colomba, but without candied fruits.
For those eager to savour the authentic dishes of Venetian cuisine, exploring the city on a Venice Island Tour highly recommended, so you will have a hidden glimpse of the food scene in Venice!
| Keep reading: 5 Reasons Why You Should Explore The Venetian Lagoon |
