Salento Food Tour: Top 5 Must-Try Dishes & Drinks

So, you’re thinking of visiting Salento, Italy? That’s awesome! And you like your food? Even better! Located in Puglia, the “heel” of Italy’s boot, Salento offers just a really captivating mix of crystal-clear waters, baroque architecture, and like, really incredible eats. You, kinda, need to come hungry. I mean seriously. We, really, aren’t talking just pasta and pizza, so come explore Salento’s tastes, very, very delicious food and beverage waits at every corner with Salento restaurants to discover!

1. Rustico Leccese: A Flaky, Creamy Delight

Okay, first things first: Rustico Leccese is, it’s almost, like, one of those food items that you’ve gotta try when you hit Salento. Arguably, it’s one the region’s best spots is Lecce! This super savory pastry features two disks of, in some respects, flaky puff pastry that hug a center packed with creamy béchamel sauce, tangy tomato, and stretchy mozzarella. Honestly, this tasty treat is something lots of folks snack on all day, it’s almost just perfect with a morning coffee or a quick lunchtime bite. Imagine yourself, very, sitting in a café in Lecce, enjoying a Rustico still warm with your typical Lecce breakfast , soaking up that Baroque architecture. Seriously, what’s better?

2. Sagne ‘Ncannulate: Twisted Pasta Perfection

Alright, up next is Sagne ‘Ncannulate. That’s like a tricky name to say! This is actually, really, just a classic Salento pasta dish with a funny, twisty shape; almost, sort of, like little scrolls. In fact, the pasta is often served with tomato sauce and a generous grating of ricotta cheese, or often in different shapes like you, your, or similarly to unlike we know the common shape, salty ricotta that adds a certain flavor and creaminess. The texture of the pasta together, it is just a match with the sauce and cheese, it’s kinda simple, yet oh-so satisfying.

3. Frise: The Crunchy, Customizable Canvas

Okay, have you heard of Frise? Maybe not, but that, actually, just adds to why I am mentioning it in our talk. These twice-baked friselle (a type of bread) are kinda like super crunchy crackers, and they’re a staple in Salento. Arguably, the thing you must do is moisten them with a little water (or even better, rub them with a fresh tomato), and then load them up with whatever you want – typically, it’s chopped tomatoes, red onion, olive oil, oregano, and maybe some capers or olives. They’re light, refreshing, and like, so perfect for a summertime lunch at some nice Salento coast spot.. That’s right. Just a suggestion if you wanted one! Basically, you could create endless combinations of toppings. Like it’s just really fun.

4. Puccia Salentina: A Street Food Staple

Alright, let’s get to Puccia Salentina. This like, really popular street food item is basically, alright, just a round bread sandwich that is prepared traditionally with pizza dough which is then stuffed with all sorts of local goodness. Almost, typically, it’s filled with things like grilled vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, and different spreads. A little, if you’re wandering around a little later and are kinda famished for a meal that makes the wait more bare-able and quick to fill up, I mean, seriously, just grab a Puccia from the nearest street vendor. It just might be your favorite snack in Salento! Very, your Salento street wandering won’t ever taste so satisfying like it does with this, that said if you really know what you like it can only go up from there!

5. Caffè in Ghiaccio con Latte di Mandorla: An Iced Coffee Twist

Okay, we covered lots of food, now that’s alright let’s talk drinks! Actually, so, like, imagine this: the sun’s shining super bright in Salento, it can be a little strong for some of us so its a good choice, but a small one that’s like perfect, and it’s like you really crave a little something to refresh you. Very, very quickly. Almost, the locals drink what they call “Caffè in Ghiaccio con Latte di Mandorla”. And what this means, in other words, is Coffee with almond milk. They, by the way, serve it over ice. Honestly, that kinda sweetness from the almond milk adds a pleasant, refreshing contrast to that bittery coffee that’s still really really great! That might be like that very thing you needed while at, similarly to unlike other Salento spots or bars, the sandy Salento coasts, that you didn’t know existed! Also, it really feels just a little more ‘local’ than getting something like your plain ol’ iced coffee.