A famous spreadable pork sausage, made with pork fat, spicy Calabrian chilies, and herbs. It’s known for its soft texture and fiery heat, often spread on bread or mixed into pasta sauces. 1)
Fileja is a traditional hand-rolled pasta shaped like a spiral or twisted tube, often served with a spicy sauce made from Nduja. This dish is a perfect example of Calabria’s love for spice. 2)
A traditional Calabrian dessert, Pitta ‘Mpigliata is a pastry filled with nuts, raisins, and honey, flavored with cinnamon and cloves. It’s often enjoyed during Christmas and other special occasions. 3)
A rustic and hearty dish made with lagane, a wide and flat pasta similar to tagliatelle, paired with chickpeas and seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and a hint of red pepper. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish from Calabria's peasant roots. 4)
A pasta and potato dish that combines small pieces of pasta with soft potatoes in a rich tomato broth, often flavored with pancetta or ‘Nduja. This dish is comforting and full of flavor. 5)
A famous Calabrian dessert consisting of fried dough balls drizzled with either honey or chocolate icing. It’s often served during holidays and is a symbol of celebration in the region. 6)
Stuffed eggplants are a staple in Calabria. They are typically filled with a mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, tomatoes, and sometimes ground meat, then baked to perfection. 7)
While not a dish per se, the Tropea red onion is a prized ingredient in Calabria, known for its sweetness. It's used in salads, sauces, and even in onion marmalade, which pairs beautifully with cheese and meat dishes. 8)
Often called “Calabrian caviar,” Sardella is a spread made from baby sardines mixed with chili peppers and salt, then cured. It’s typically eaten with bread or used to flavor pasta dishes. 9)
This dish features fried fish, specifically surici (commonly known as wrasse). The fish is lightly breaded and fried, served with a squeeze of lemon and a side of vegetables or potatoes. 10)
An interesting twist on caviar, this is a spread made from eggplant, garlic, olive oil, and parsley. It’s typically served with bread or crackers as a starter and has a creamy, smoky flavor. 11)
A unique pasta dish combining fresh sardines, wild fennel, pine nuts, and raisins, all tossed in a light olive oil and white wine sauce. It’s both savory and slightly sweet, showcasing the flavors of the sea and land. 12)
These are savory fritters made from dough mixed with potatoes, flour, and sometimes anchovies or cheese. They are fried until golden and crispy and are a popular street food snack in Calabria. 13)
A famous ice cream dessert from the town of Pizzo in Calabria. Tartufo is a round chocolate and hazelnut ice cream bomb filled with a melted chocolate center and dusted with cocoa powder. 14)
While originally from Sicily, this dish is widely enjoyed in Calabria as well. It consists of pasta with eggplant, tomatoes, basil, and ricotta salata, highlighting the simple but bold flavors of southern Italy. 15)