Apulian traditional dishes – our gourmet list

Whoever is wondering what to eat in Apulia will be lost for words about the variety of flavours and traditional recipes. Unmissable classics are the famous orecchiette with broccoli rabe, fresh handmade pasta stir-fried with seasonal broccoli for a unique mix of flavours. Equally famous are the taralli, crunchy pasta rings flavoured with fennel seeds, perfect for an aperitif.
Among the most loved Apulian specialities is the focaccia Barese, soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside, topped with cherry tomatoes, olives, and oregano; perfect to be enjoyed hot when just taken out of the oven. One more typical dish is tiella di riso, patate e cozze, a rice-based main dish with potato and mussels that impressively combine the earth and sea produce, enhancing taste with a touch of parsley. The stars of the summer evenings are the Apulian bombette, meat rolls stuffed with cheese and spices often cooked on the grill at village festivals and accompanied by a good glass of local wine. Yet, the list of ‘Apulian super food’ boasts many other recipes: orecchiette with braciole sauce, stuffed aubergines, fried panzerotti, broad beans, chicory puree, and cavatelli with seafood. A humble dish, an icon of peasant foods, is beans and chicory, while pittule, tasty savoury fritters often stuffed with seasonal vegetables make for excellent starters. Every dish tells a story of peasant and maritime traditions, offering a unique culinary experience.

The Apulian traditional dishes are essential features of local celebrations and festivities. During the Holy Week, for example, every home-cooked meal includes the scarcella, a shortcrust pastry dessert decorated with hard-boiled eggs, a symbol of rebirth and prosperity. Joining village festivals is another excellent way to try the best typical Apulian recipes, such as potato pitta, a rich and tasty savoury pie, and friselle, toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and oregano. During these celebrations, cooking and eating together is a way to connect history and identity in a convivial atmosphere.

The VOIhotels resorts are the ideal home away from home for those wishing to embark on a formidable wine and food tour of Apulia. Set on the splendid Adriatic coast, the VOI Alimini Resort is not just a hotel by the sea in Apulia but also a place where a tantalizing array of local dishes is carefully prepared according to the authentic culinary tradition. Right in the heart of Salento, the VOI Daniela Essentia pampers its guests with a fascinating immersion into the flavours of savoury Apulian specialities, exploring typical recipes in a refined and relaxing ambiance. In both hotels, foodies can indulge in unique gastronomic experiences to discover the best Apulian dishes. Conveniently located, these resorts allow guests to easily reach many culinary hotspots, turning a simple stay into a journey through the most authentic flavours of the region.