Typical Dishes to Try in Bari | What to Eat in Puglia

What to Eat in Bari and Surroundings: A Journey Through the Flavors of Puglia

Welcome to Bari! I’m Elisabetta, your personal concierge at BeBari Apartments. Are you ready for a culinary adventure?

Let me guide you through the authentic flavors of Bari that you can discover in the city.

An unparalleled gastronomic journey in the beautiful region of Puglia, with Bari as the starting point and a series of traditional dishes that will leave you speechless.

In this article, we will explore not only the typical dishes of Bari but also the specialties of the nearby cities, offering you an authentic taste of Puglian cuisine. Get ready to dive into the tastes, aromas, and culinary culture of this fascinating region of Italy.

And don’t forget, for a wonderful and comfortable stay, choose BeBari Apartments – comfort and freedom await you!

Flavors of the Sea

Bari, with its maritime roots, offers fish dishes that will leave you speechless.

1. Tiella: Potatoes, Rice, and Mussels

We begin our gastronomic journey with a dish that is a true hymn to the flavors of Puglia: the Barese Tiella. This delicacy, also known as “potatoes, rice, and mussels,” is a kind of sea lasagna, where layers of potatoes, rice, and mussels are baked with tomato, parsley, and black pepper. The combination of these ingredients creates a symphony of flavors that evoke the Puglian home cooking tradition. If you want to taste an authentic sample of the local cuisine, the Barese Tiella is an absolute must.

2. Stuffed Mussels

Puglia is famous for its fresh and tasty mussels, and one of the best ways to enjoy them is in the form of “stuffed mussels”. These mollusks are opened, the meat is separated from the shells and then seasoned with breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, and black pepper. The stuffing is then used to refill the mussels, creating an extraordinary appetizer. This dish is often accompanied by a squirt of lemon, adding an irresistible freshness to the stuffed mussels.

3. Cozze Arraganate

A celebration of the flavors of the sea, with a unique touch of cheese and spices.

4. Spaghetti with Sea Urchins

The refined simplicity of fresh sea ingredients in one dish.

5. Octopus Cooked in Its Own Water

Octopus is a key ingredient in Puglian cuisine, and one of the best preparations is “octopus cooked in its own water”. In this cooking method, the octopus is boiled in its own waters, creating incredibly tender and flavorful meat. The octopus is often seasoned with olive oil, garlic, parsley, and chili pepper to add even more flavor. This dish is a must for seafood lovers and will make you fall in love with the freshness of Puglian sea products.

6. Rice with Cuttlefish Ink

If you are a seafood enthusiast, you cannot visit Puglia without tasting “rice with cuttlefish ink”. This dish owes its name to the dark and fascinating color of its main ingredient: cuttlefish ink. The rice is cooked with cuttlefish ink, creating a dish with an intense and unmistakable sea flavor. This dish is often seasoned with parsley and garlic to add a touch of freshness and contrast to the strong flavor of the cuttlefish ink.

Puglian Land

Barese cuisine is also deeply connected to the land, with dishes that enhance local products.

7. Orecchiette or “Strascinate” with Turnip Tops

Orecchiette is the most emblematic pasta of Puglia, and Bari is the ideal place to savor them in all their glory. These small pasta discs, hand-made by skilled Puglian cooks, are often accompanied by turnip tops and local pecorino. The pecorino adds a touch of salty flavor, while the turnip tops bring a pleasant bitterness that perfectly matches the pasta. Do not miss the opportunity to try this dish during your stay in Bari.

8. Fava Beans and Chicory

Another traditional Puglian dish that you cannot miss is the combination of fava beans and chicory. This dish reflects the simplicity and authenticity of Puglian cuisine, with fresh and local ingredients that blend harmoniously.

Fresh fava beans are cooked and served with chicory, creating a contrast of flavors and textures that will delight your palate. It is a dish that speaks of the agricultural traditions of the region and will make you feel at home.

9. Bombette

A must for meat lovers.

The “bombette” are one of the most beloved meat specialties of Puglia. These small pork rolls are stuffed with local cheese, often pecorino, and flavored with black pepper. The name “bombette” comes from their round and compact shape, but the flavor that emanates from these delights is anything but explosive. The meat is tender, the cheese melts, and the black pepper adds a touch of spiciness that perfectly balances the dish. The bombette are often grilled, making them even more flavorful and irresistible.

10. Braciole in Barese Sauce

A heartwarming dish, emblem of home cooking: Meat rolls slowly cooked in sauce, a comfort food par excellence.

The braciole are slices of beef, often stuffed with parsley, garlic, and pecorino. After being stuffed, they are rolled up and tied with string, then slowly cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce. The final result is tender and flavorful meat, immersed in a sauce that will make you do the “scarpetta” with bread. This dish is a true joy for carnivores and a demonstration of Puglian culinary mastery.

Rustic and Street Delights

The true flavor of Bari is also found in the streets, with snacks and rustic dishes that tell of a lively and welcoming city.

11. Onion Calzone:

A traditional stuffed pizza that tells stories of family and conviviality.

12. Sgagliozze

Small delights of fried polenta, perfect for a snack while exploring the city.

13. Barese Focaccia

The quintessential snack of Bari, loved at any time of the day.

14. Panzerotti

We conclude our culinary journey with a timeless classic of Apulian cuisine: traditional panzerotti. These delicious little turnovers, whether fried or baked, are an emblem of Bari’s street food and represent a true taste experience. Their characteristic soft and golden dough encases a succulent filling of tomato and mozzarella, sometimes enriched with anchovies, capers, or other typical ingredients of the local tradition. The magic of panzerotti lies in the simplicity of flavors, which blend together creating a perfect balance between the sweetness of the tomato, the savoriness of the cheese, and the crispiness of the dough. This specialty is easily found in fry shops, bakeries, and street food venues scattered throughout the city, offering a quick and tasty option for a lunch break or a snack. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor traditional panzerotti, a small culinary treasure that encapsulates all the essence and warmth of Puglia.

This is just a taste of the flavors you can discover in Bari. And after a day full of tasty discoveries, relax at BeBari Apartments, where comfort and style meet. I look forward to sharing more wonders of Bari with you. See you soon!