Our trip in the world of Italian cities’ street food continues. This time the undisputed protagonists are yeasted doughs: focacce, popizze, panzerotti. Yes, you got it right: we are Puglia. More precisely in the town of Bari, capital of the region and city of great importance from an historical standpoint and, obviously, from a culinary one. Let us find out the best Bari’s street food.
The South. This beautiful ensemble where nice weather, beautiful places, and amazing food meet and intertwine to create superb experiences. Puglia is one of those regions that feel like they are saying come eat. And, honestly, who are we to say no to this kind invitation?
Today’s protagonist is the city of Bari, capital of the region and famous – among other things –for being the main port of call on the Adriatic sea, which made it an important trading point with the Orient. Walking through the streets of this town we get to taste some of the tastiest things we would ever be able to imagine. So, leave your diet behind and let us go discover Bari’s street food!
The queen of Bari’s street food: the focaccia barese
A true must of every trip at the discovery of Bari’s street food, the focaccia barese – o f’cazz – has no equals. High, but not too much, soft in a way that is indescribable and oily enough to make it a paradise for pizza lovers.
Usually topped off with tomatoes, garlic, salt and oregano, it can be eaten at any time of the day. In addition to being great as lunch or dinner, it is also great as a snack while taking a walk and enjoying the beautiful views that the city offers.
Panzerotti
Who does not know panzerotti? They are halfway between ecstasy and Nirvana? Yes, them. Small (usually), really hot, really fried and filled almost to the point of exploding. What is more enjoyable than a panzerotto?
The filling varies, it goes from the classic combination of tomato and mozzarella or with the famous turnip greens, to more elaborate ones with more sophisticated and daring fillings.
Raw fish
Another delicacy of Bari’s street food which you have to try at least once is raw fish. As previously said, the capital of the Puglia region is an important port town and this allows it to have a very respectable fishing tradition.
Near the harbor, you can find the fish market where it will be possible to taste raw crustaceans and molluscs, especially local mussels.
Sgagliozze
Who says that polenta is a food that you only find in the northern regions? In Bari, one of the most popular street foods are the sgagliozze, rectangles of fried yellow polenta, super crispy! Great to enjoy in the summer and in winter, on their own or with some cold cuts.
They are usually served in the cartoccio to enjoy comfortably while walking around town, tasting the flavor that recalls the typical rural tradition of the Puglia region.
Popizze
Also known with the name of pettole, the popizze are small pancakes of yeasted dough, they are soft and fragrant, a true delicacy! They are usually eaten together with cold cuts or cheese, perhaps as an entree or aperitif.
However, as any fried food, they can be eaten at any time of the day, even on their own. Another tasty alternative, typical of the christmas time, is its sweet version, covered in sugar.
Le orecchiette
The symbol of Puglia all around the world, a particular and appealing shape of pasta, made specifically to gather all the goodness of the sauce with which it is coupled. They are the orecchiette, which in Bari, as all over the Puglia region, are still made traditionally by hand.
Given the gastronomic importance of this artisanal pasta, in Bari there is a whole street dedicated to orecchiette! In this street it is very probable to run into fierce housewives that prepare the orecchiette by hand to then sell them to passers-by, in the most traditional setting you can think of!
Featured Image: foodBlog
