It is similar to a calzone but with a crispy, golden exterior. Panzerotto is often found at food stands throughout the city, especially in the Bari Vecchia (Old Town), where the narrow streets are lined with eateries selling this local delight. Some variations of panzerotto include fillings like ham, mushrooms, or even anchovies, but the classic mozzarella and tomato combination is always a favorite.
Another must-try street food is bari food tour sgagliozze—crispy fried squares of polenta. This dish, originating in Bari’s neighboring regions, is a popular snack in the streets. Served hot, it’s the perfect bite for a quick snack on the go, especially when paired with a refreshing drink.
2. Orecchiette Pasta
No visit to Bari is complete without tasting its famous orecchiette pasta. Known as the “little ears,” orecchiette is a type of pasta made by hand and is the heart of many Puglian dishes. The process of making orecchiette is a skill passed down through generations, with locals shaping the dough with their thumbs to create the characteristic ear-like shape.
A classic dish in Bari that features orecchiette is orecchiette con cime di rapa, which is orecchiette served with turnip greens. This simple yet delicious dish highlights the freshness of the ingredients, with the bitterness of the greens perfectly complementing the tender pasta. Some variations of this dish may include anchovies or garlic, adding a depth of flavor that captures the essence of Puglia.
3. Focaccia Barese
Bari is known for its delicious focaccia, a soft, olive oil-infused bread topped with fresh tomatoes, olives, and often a sprinkling of oregano. Focaccia Barese is a must-try during a food tour. The bread is baked to perfection with a golden, crispy crust and a soft, airy interior. Each bite is rich with the flavors of olive oil and the savory toppings.
Focaccia is often served as a light snack or a side to other dishes, and you’ll find it in many bakeries and pizza shops throughout Bari. In some variations, it may include roasted vegetables or cheese, making it a versatile and flavorful option.
4. Seafood Delights
Bari, being a coastal city, boasts a thriving seafood scene. The Adriatic Sea provides fresh fish, shellfish, and other seafood, which are prominently featured in the local cuisine. One popular dish to try is tiella di riso, patate e cozze, a traditional casserole made with rice, potatoes, and mussels. This comforting and hearty dish is baked to perfection and embodies the essence of Bari’s connection to the sea.
Another essential seafood dish is baccala alla barese, a type of salted cod cooked with tomatoes, olives, and capers. This dish is a perfect example of how Bari’s cuisine utilizes simple ingredients to create bold and flavorful meals. Local seafood markets are great places to sample these fresh dishes, where you can watch chefs prepare them before your eyes.
5. Cheese and Olive Oil
Puglia is also known for its high-quality olive oil and cheese production. During a Bari food tour, you can indulge in mozzarella di bufala and burrata, both of which are made with fresh, local milk. The creamy texture and rich flavor of these cheeses are irresistible, and they are often served as part of antipasto platters or incorporated into pasta dishes.
In addition to cheese, extra virgin olive oil is a staple in Bari’s kitchens. Puglia produces some of the finest olive oil in the world, and many local restaurants offer tastings of the oil, where you can appreciate its fruity and peppery notes. Visitors often enjoy drizzling the oil over fresh bread or using it to enhance the flavors of pasta and salads.
6. Pastries and Sweets
No Bari food tour would be complete without indulging in the city’s sweet treats. One such treat is cartellate, a traditional dessert made from thin dough, fried until crispy, and then drizzled with honey or vin cotto (a type of grape syrup). Cartellate are often enjoyed during the holiday season but are available year-round in many pastry shops.