Foods to try in Florence

Italian cuisine consists of traditional meals and ingredients that people consume in Italy. Italian cuisine is a Mediterranean cuisine consisting of the ingredients, recipes, and cooking techniques developed across the Italian Peninsula. Italian is the most loved cuisine in my house. If I ever go out with my family to eat, surely it would be an Italian meal. So these are a few food items that you have to try when you are in Florence.

 

Bistecca alla Fiorentina- One of the most famous dish from Florence is the Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Bistecca Alla Fiorentina basically means a type of steak that originated from Florence. This dish calls for 5 major ingredients – rosemary, sage, olive oil, kosher, and a pork house steak. Don’t get fooled by the number of ingredients, this steak is an actual flavor bomb.

One tip- Don’t ask the chef to cook the steak to your liking. You wouldn’t want to offend the chef or the Florentine tradition. The steak is made in one way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cantuccini with vin santo- A classic desert of Italy is the Cantuccini with vin santo. Cantuccini which is popularly known as biscotti around the world and vin Sato is a thick amber dessert wine. You take a perfect glass of vin santo and dip the biscotti for a count of 5 for the best note. This delicacy is the most delicious and simple dessert to ever be found. The best place to get Cantuccini with vin santo is Casa del Vin Santo.

 

 

 

 

 

Schiacciata Fiorentina- So Schiacciata Fiorentina is basically a sponge cake. It is traditionally eaten around the time of Carnivale. Schiacciata means ‘squashed’ or ‘flattened’ Schiacciata Fiorentina is flat, powdered sugar-dusted cakes which is also known as schiacciata alla fiorentina. It is usually served plain, but sometimes it is filled with a lightly sweetened, freshly whipped cream or pastry. This has become one of the staple desserts in Florence.

 

Pasta- If you are in Italy then you have to try their traditional pasta. Pici alla ragu di Cinta Senese is a traditional Tuscan hand-rolled pasta that’s dense and a bit chewy, which is why portions are small. It is made with the most delicious sauce.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tagliere- Taligere is basically a cheese and meat platter. It is great as an appetizer and a light meal. Prosciutto, salami, and Finnochiona are some of the meat found in this platter. Different types of percino cheese are also found in this platter.

 

Lampredotto- Lampredotto is a very controversial sandwich. Some people love it, some hate it. It is a sandwich made with thinly sliced tripe that has been boiled in broth and served. This is Tuscan street food at its finest and a favorite amongst all the Italian comfort foods

Gelato – Fun Fact- Gelato was originated in Florence and it is home to one of the finest gelato in the world. Traditional flavors of gelato consist of vanilla, chocolate, hazelnut, almond, and pistachio. Personally, my favorite one is the pistachio.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crostini – also known as antipasto Toscano is a type of bread topped with different sauces, purees, or vegetable salsas. One of the most traditional antipasto Toscano is a chicken liver paté on top of a crunchy Tuscan bread. Crostinis are the best type of appetizers to order at a restaurant in Florence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pane Toscano – The bread found in Florence is a bit bland and has a crunchy crust, well this is quite normal. The reason is that it’s traditionally made without salt. During the Medici period, there was a feud between Pisa and a port in Tuscany and due to this fight, Pisa cut of the salt supply to the port and forced the common population to go without it. That’s the reason if now the bread is saltless, it’s a tradition.

So these are a few of the foods that you have to try during your time in Florence.