A spicy, spreadable pork sausage made with chili peppers, pork fat, and spices. This signature Calabrian delicacy is often served on bread or mixed into pasta sauces, adding a smoky, spicy kick. 1)
Fileja is a traditional hand-rolled pasta shaped like small tubes, often paired with 'nduja in a spicy tomato-based sauce. The combination of the rich, fiery sausage with the rustic pasta is a Calabrian classic. 2)
A humble dish of lagane (a type of wide, flat pasta) and chickpeas, served with a simple sauce of garlic, olive oil, and sometimes a hint of chili. This ancient recipe reflects Calabria’s peasant roots. 3)
A unique dish of pasta and potatoes cooked together with breadcrumbs, pecorino cheese, and chili peppers, then baked until crispy. It’s a comforting, carb-rich meal with a spicy twist. 4)
Known as “Calabrian caviar,” this is a spicy fish spread made from baby sardines, hot red chili peppers, and salt. It’s typically spread on bread or crackers and has a bold, salty flavor. 5)
A sweet pastry filled with dried fruit, walnuts, honey, and spices like cinnamon and cloves. The dough is rolled into a spiral and baked until golden. This dessert is traditionally served during the holidays. 6)
Stuffed eggplants filled with a mixture of bread crumbs, anchovies, capers, cheese, and herbs, then baked. This dish showcases Calabria’s love for robust, flavorful ingredients. 7)
Tropea red onions are a famous Calabrian product, known for their sweetness. They are used in a variety of dishes, from salads to savory stews, and even caramelized and served as a side dish or topping for pizza. 8)
Eggplant meatballs, made by blending cooked eggplant with breadcrumbs, cheese, garlic, and herbs, then fried to perfection. These vegetarian meatballs are a popular snack or side dish. 9)
A sheep's milk cheese from Crotone, aged and often served as an appetizer or grated over pasta dishes. This cheese has a sharp, tangy flavor and is integral to many Calabrian meals. 10)
This is stuffed pasta, where rigatoni or ziti are filled with a mixture of meat, eggs, cheese, and sometimes ham, then baked with a rich tomato sauce. It's a traditional dish often served at family gatherings. 11)
A hearty tripe stew cooked with tomatoes, chili peppers, bay leaves, and onions. It's traditionally served in pitta bread or on the side with crusty bread, making it a rich, warming dish with plenty of spice. 12)
Fried surici, or parrotfish, is a coastal dish popular in Calabrian seaside towns. The fish is seasoned, lightly floured, and fried until crispy. It’s typically served with a lemon wedge and a side of vegetables or salad. 13)
A traditional Calabrian dessert, made of small fried dough balls coated in honey or chocolate. It’s usually made for special occasions or during holidays, and its crunchy-sweet texture makes it a favorite treat. 14)
These are savory fritters made from a dough of potatoes, flour, and yeast, flavored with anchovies or calabrese sausage, and fried until golden and crispy. Zippuli are often served as an appetizer or snack. 15)