Local Foods to Eat in Palermo

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Italy is more than a neighboring island to Sicily. Earlier, it was occupied by Greeks, Normans, Phonecians, and Arabs. They helped create some of the unique Sicilian cultures that are now shown in its cuisine. All its dishes are full of surprises.

Herbs and spices like oregano and rosemary can thrive year-round due to its mild climate. The fresh ingredients are used in many local dishes. Fertile soils produce an abundance of oranges and lemons every year, giving Sicily the name of Land of Oranges and Lemons.

Among the narrow streets in Palermo and noisy market stalls, the street vendors make amazing traditional dishes that have lasted for centuries. The food in Palermo is a whole different chapter you need to explore. It is an experience for a lifetime. Here are some of the local foods to eat in Palermo you don’t want to miss.

5 Local foods to eat in Palermo

1. Pasta Alla Norma

Pasta Alla Norma consists of local vegetables and herbs, including basil, eggplant, and tomatoes. This pasta dish is very popular in Sicilian cuisine and is topped with salted ricotta that gives the pasta a creamy texture.

2. Cannoli

If you are visiting Sicily, you must try Cannoli. This dish was invented as a Carnival treat, while the largest cannolo weighed 119.069 kg in 2014. They are tube-shaped shells of fried pastry dough filled with sweet, creamy ricotta topped with dried fruit and chocolate chips.

3. Busiate al pesto Trapanese

This is another popular pasta dish you keep on the list of must-try foods in Palermo. It is made with garlic, tomatoes, basil, almonds, and cheese. You can try it with corkscrew-shaped pasta. At Caupona Taverna di Sicilia in Trapani, it was topped with grilled eggplant and breadcrumbs.

4. Granita

Another top local food to try in Palermo is Granita. Flavored with fruit juice, sugar, and iced water makes it perfect on a hot day while exploring the historic streets and beaches in Palermo. It is available in different flavors like lemon, coffee, pistachio, almond, mulberry, and many more.

5. Cassata

This sweet dessert consists of a sponge cake soaked in liquor and mixed with ricotta cheese, leaving you speechless. The outer layer is covered with candied fruits and green marzipan often arranged in an Arabian pattern.

Attractions and best things to do in Palermo

To help you stay and enjoy in Palermo, here’s a list of things you can do:

1. Palace of the Normans
2. St. John of the Hermits
3. Palermo Cathedral
4. Ballaro Market
5. Quattro Canti
6. The Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele
7. Palermo Regional Archaeological Museum
8. Sicilian Regional Art Gallery, in Abatellis Palace
9. Foro Italico
10. The Botanical Garden and Villa Giulia
11. Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo
12. Palermo palaces
13. Visit Churches in Palermo
14. The Cathedral of Monreale
15. Mondello Beach
16. Zingaro Nature Reserve
17. Trapani and Segesta
18. Cefalù
19. Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples
20. Taormina and Etna

Other culinary staples include almonds, pistachios, prickly pears, and olives. You can also get some delicious meats and fresh fish from the markets. From greasy street food to delectable confectionery, there are different options you can choose from.

If you want to taste Palermo's best street food, participate in Palermo Street Food Tour with a local guide. You can taste some of the best traditional dishes and also have an opportunity to admire the whole city and its places. While exploring, you can taste sandwiches with panelle and crocche with meuse, arancina, and sfincione. Enjoy!

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