In my humble opinion, there is no better way to learn about another culture than by trying their traditional food. Even better at a local’s favorite spot. Obviously in Puglia this is no different. So in this seafood haven and a paradise for lovers of unique pasta and pizza flavors, knowing your must eats in Puglia and where to eat them will be keen for a perfect vacation in the ‘heel of Italy”.

That is way, in my 8 days there, from breakfast to dinner, I tried all the typical must have foods and drinks I could and although I loved everything, these 5 traditional Puglia dishes had me wishing I never had to leave.

5 Must Eats in Puglia – Pesto Orecchiette

Orecchiette

It’s no surprise I begin my list of must eats in Puglia with the Orecchiette, the ear-shaped and most famous pasta from Puglia.

Although I had this cute little pasta in multiple towns of the region, and I tried it with different sauces, the Pesto Orecchiette, (or Orecchiette Pomodoro Basium) at La Cantina dello Zio in Bari, had me kissing the tips of my finger just like an authentic Italian. “Delizioso”!

Even though this popular trattoria and orecchietteria is not your fancy restaurant, it is on the spot for those who enjoy trying the best of the regional cuisine in a place with a traditional local atmosphere. Besides, it sits on a beautiful street, which makes the perfect cozy setting for its simple outside tables.

• TIP: When visiting the old town of Bari, be sure to pass by Via dell’Arco Basso where Italian Nonnas maintain the tradition of preparing Orecchiettes on the streets. And for an even more interesting experience, join them on a cooking class and learn how to make this cute past directly from the best. In my opinion, one of  6 Unique Puglia Experiences you must have

5 Must Eats in Puglia – Mussels with Parmesan cheese

Pugliese Mussels

After spending hours at the beautiful nearby beach of Punta Penne, I was craving some seafood and the restaurant Pescheria del Porto in Brindis was the perfect place to have it.

Certainly, its location facing the famous Italian Sailor Monument by the water was a plus. But what made this one of my favorite sea food restaurants in Puglia was the extensive menu with a variety of traditional dishes from the region.

So many, in fact, that in order to choose I had to ask the waiter what was the most traditional one. To my luck her answer was mussels, my very favorite seafood. Even though the most typical was the Tiella Barese, I had never had mussels with Parmesan cheese. So I had to try the Pugliese Mussels with Parmesan, and I still daydream about having it again.

What’s more to say other than this dish, accompanied by the house white wine, had me completely losing my etiquette. In other words, I was leaking my fingers, and scraping every drop of its broth with their house bread. Mamma mia!

5 Must Eats in Puglia – Traditional pizza from the Salento region of Puglia

La Rossa di Tropea Pizza

At Storico Pizzeria & Cucina in lecce, I was about to order my favorite, Marguerita, when I noticed the other side of the menu had a list of very different pizzas with even more unusual ingredients. This, and the fact that we were surrounded only by locals, is the reason why I super recommend this restaurant.

As usual, asking the waiter what were the most traditional from the region and his favorite was very helpful. But I have to say, when he pointed at La Rossa di Tropea, a pizza made with Mozzarela fiordilatte, sausage, stracciatella, red onion from Tropea and mustard mayo, I was a bit skeptical.

As I agreed to order it, he cheered with his Italian accent: “You make me so happy! I promise you are going to love it!”. And I did!

As different as the toppings were, they were an explosion of flavors in my mouth and I enjoyed every single bite.

• TIP: This restaurant offers a variety of very cold local draft “birra” for you to pair with your pizza. A perfect combination for an Italian Summer night.

5 Must Eats in Puglia – Burrata Pizza

Burrata Pizza

Another traditional dish from the “Heel of Italy” is Burrata, a cow milk cheese made from mozzarella and cream. Basically, it is a ball of solid cheese in the outside, that when cut open releases the Stracciatella and cream filling. Wow!

Although I had eaten Burrata before, it was the first time I saw it being served as a pizza topping. Of course, I had to try it, and unquestionably, it is a must eat in Puglia!

Besides Burrata, this pizza was also topped with basil, extra virgin olive oil and a pork cold cut called capocollo. So incredibly delicious!

Although we ordered it as a take out from the restaurant La Rustica, near our apartment in Lecce, we noticed this pizza was served at many other locations in the region. Regardless where you decide to have it, just be sure not to return home without trying this traditional dish.

5 Must Eats in Puglia – Pasticciotto traditional Pugliese breakfast

Pasticciotto

The adorable white hilltop town of Ostuni was our home for our first 4 nights in Puglia. Every morning during our stay there, my husband walked to the bakery down the street to buy freshly baked bread. But on the first day, the baker, a local, kindly suggested his favorite breakfast treat (and now ours), pasticciotto.

To illustrate, this pastry is almost a sweet pie, with some crispiness on the outside and creamy on the inside.  Truly a must have!

Although pasticciotto is the dish Lecce is famous for, we could find it all over Puglia. I tried a different flavor every day, and the pistachio one was out of this world good. Pair it with a cappuccino or an espresso and you will be in heaven!

All I can say is that I wish I had that bakery down my street here in Houston.

What fascinates me more about traveling abroad is getting immersed in the local culture. What better way to do that, than by tasting their typical food? The more traditional the restaurant and the dish, the more you learn about them.

Obviously, I had many other incredible dishes in the 8 days I spent in Puglia. But this shortlist has the items that made my eating experiences truly unforgettable. In other words, these are the dishes I remember completely out of the blue and that makes me wish I could go back to that one moment.

I sure hope to go back to the “Heel of Italy” one day and eat these incredible dishes again.
Who knows… Perhaps when I do that you will be sitting on the table next to mine.
Cheers to that!