Italy is a world-famous destination for foodies. Undoubtedly, you will find a wide range of mouth-watering pizzas and pasta everywhere in the country. However, each region has its own specialities to offer.
Friuli-Venezia-Giulia is no exception. Thanks to its unique geographic location, at the crossroads of different cultures, the local food is a unique blend of Central European, Eastern European, and Mediterranean cuisine with some must-try dishes that can be found only there.
While exploring this beautiful region, you should try the best dishes it has to offer.
Prosciutto Crudo di San Daniele
Probably the best Prosciutto in the world! The unique climate of San Daniele village multiplied by centuries-old traditions and scrupulous control of the production creates what we call Prosciutto crudo di San Daniele, an experience of goodness and delicacy in every bite. The village of San Daniele is where the warm breezes from the Adriatic Sea meet the cold winds that descend from the Alps. This phenomenon contributes significantly to the unrepeatable taste of prosciutto.
Cjarsons
It is a ravioli-like dish that originated in the mountain town of Carnia. Making Cjarsons is as hard as pronouncing its name. That is a kind of filled pasta stuffed with either sweet or savoury filling. You will find this dish either among primi piatti or the deserts.
Frico
Frico Friulano is a great example of Italian cucina povera that combines on-hand ingredients in a genius way. The two main components of this hearty dish are potatoes and the famous Montasio cheese. Montasio is an aged cheese that boasts an aromatic bouquet and fruity, grassy notes. Frico can also be enriched with mushrooms, pancetta or tomatoes. It is maybe the most iconic dish of Friuli’s cuisine and definitely, the one you have to try at least once during your journey to northeastern Italy.
Frico is often served with polenta either mashed or sliced and grilled.
Pitina
Pitina is an Italian cold-cut from the Dolomites region. It is not a sausage but a meatball made of smoked meats. This delicious Friulian speciality dates to the 19th century when its main aim was to preserve meat throughout winter. At some point, Pitina was close to “extinction”, which is why two main local producers decided to combine forces to preserve and promote this delicious local salume.
Gubana
This traditional sweet comes from the picturesque town of Cividale del Friuli, located not far away from the border with Slovenia. The locals mostly associate this dessert with Christmas holidays even though in Friulian bakeries and coffee shops you can find it all year around. Gubana is a dense sponge filled with nuts, spices and dried figs. Yammy!
Tiramisù
The origins of Tiramisù – one of Italy’s flagship desserts – are often debated between Friuli Venezia Giulia and the adjacent region of Veneto. Either way, this dessert is so delicious that it will be a perfect final note for dinner or lunch during your trip.
Grappa
The world-famous alcohol grappa has been produced in Friuli Venezia Giulia for well over a millennium. Grappa is produced with the leftovers of what was used for wine production. The alcohol strength of Grappa is at least 40% and it is aged in wood.
Grappa can only be made in Italy. Apart from Friuli Venezia Giulia, it can also be produced in the neighbouring region of Veneto.
Friulian wine
Friuli Venezia Giulia may be far from the first region that comes to your mind when you think of wine production. However, both amateurs and connoisseurs will be pleasantly surprised! The region is divided into 10 DOC (denominazione di origine controllata) and 4 DOCGs (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) areas that grow about thirty wine varieties. To name just a few, one of the finest wines is Schioppettino (also known as Ribolla nera), it is one of indigenous black grape varieties. Another famous wine that you may have already heard about is Collio, a wine coming from the location of the same name at the border with Slovenia. And do not miss effective and tasty Friulano white wines!
If you are a wine-lover you should try at least a couple of them. Or why not go further and visit a vineyard with a wine-tasting tour?
Coffee
Trieste, the capital of the region, is the biggest Mediterranean coffee port. That is a city built of caffeine. Coffee plays such an important role in the cultural code of Trieste that the locals even invented special “coffee slang”, that can be found only there. For instance, a “capo in b” is a mini cappuccino served in a glass highly appreciated among Trieste inhabitants.