
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Turin, Italy
1. Bagna Cauda
A traditional Piedmontese dip made with garlic, anchovies, and butter, served with raw vegetables.
- Authentic Experience: Tasting this dish in a local enoteca (wine bar) provides an authentic taste of Piedmontese cuisine.
- Social Interaction: Sharing Bagna Cauda with friends and family is a key part of its cultural significance in Turin.
- Unique Flavor Profile: The strong garlic and anchovy flavor sets Bagna Cauda apart from other Italian dips.
2. Agliolio
A simple sauce made with garlic and olive oil, typically served over boiled potatoes.
- Quick & Easy Meal: Agliolio is a quick and easy meal to enjoy during a busy day of sightseeing in Turin.
- Locally Sourced Ingredients: The high-quality garlic and olive oil used in Agliolio come from the surrounding Piedmont region.
- Versatile Dish: Agliolio can be found in many restaurants, making it a versatile dish for travelers.
3. Risotto alla Pilota
A creamy risotto made with rice, butter, onions, and white wine, traditionally served in the city of Ivrea.
- Cultural Significance: Risotto alla Pilota is a symbolic dish tied to the history and traditions of Ivrea.
- Rich Flavor Profile: The rich and creamy texture of Risotto alla Pilota makes it a satisfying comfort food.
- Day Trip Destination: A visit to Ivrea to try this risotto can be an enjoyable day trip from Turin.
4. Tajarin
Long, thin pasta noodles served with butter and sage, or a creamy sauce.
- Regional Specialty: Tajarin is a unique and iconic dish of the Biella region near Turin.
- Luxurious Texture: The silky, delicate texture of Tajarin sets it apart from other pasta dishes.
- Dining Experience: Experiencing the artistry of freshly made Tajarin at a traditional trattoria is an unforgettable dining experience.
5. Bicchiere di Verdura
A chilled glass of vegetable broth served as a palate cleanser between courses.
- Palate Refresher: Bicchiere di Verdura helps to cleanse the palate and prepare for the next course.
- Traditional Practice: This practice dates back centuries in Piedmontese dining culture.
- Unique Dining Experience: Trying Bicchiere di Verdura adds a touch of authenticity to your dining experience.
6. Caffè Torino
A traditional coffee drink made with equal parts espresso, cream, and sugar.
- Caffeine Boost: Caffè Torino provides a delightful caffeine boost for travelers in need.
- Rich & Sweet Flavor: The rich, creamy, and sweet flavor of Caffè Torino is a unique twist on traditional espresso.
- Historical Significance: This drink originated in Turin and remains a popular coffee choice among locals.
7. Stroppa Lievito
A sweet bread filled with jam or chocolate, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- Sweet Treat: Stroppa Lievito serves as a tasty treat to start the day in Turin.
- Affordable Option: This affordable baked good can be found at many bakeries throughout the city.
- Traditional Pastry: Stroppa Lievito is a beloved traditional pastry in Piedmont, Italy.
8. Fiamei
A type of fritters made with potatoes and zucchini, typically served as a side dish.
- Comforting Side Dish: Fiamei offers a comforting and filling accompaniment to any meal.
- Locally Sourced Ingredients: The fresh vegetables used in Fiamei are sourced from nearby farms in the Piedmont region.
- Crispy Texture: The crispy texture of the fritters provides a satisfying contrast to softer dishes.
9. Gianduiotto
A traditional chocolate-hazelnut praline candy, named after Turin's beloved carnival character Gianduja.
- Sweet Souvenir: Gianduiotto makes for a delightful souvenir to bring back home.
- Iconic Treat: This iconic treat is synonymous with Turin and Piedmontese culture.
- High-Quality Ingredients: The high-quality chocolate and hazelnuts used in Gianduiotto are a testament to the region's culinary excellence.
10. Gelato al Bicchiere
A unique way of serving gelato in a glass instead of a cone.
- Refreshing Treat: Gelato al Bicchiere offers a refreshing treat on hot summer days in Turin.
- Taste Variety: With countless flavors to choose from, you can sample a variety of gelatos during your stay.
- Iconic Italian Dessert: This popular dessert is an iconic symbol of Italian cuisine.
11. Fritto Misto al Plin
A fried plate of plin (ravioli-like dumplings) filled with meat and served with a garlic-infused sauce.
- Hearty Meal: Fritto Misto al Plin serves as a hearty and satisfying meal in Turin.
- Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of meat-filled plin and the garlicky sauce creates a rich, savory flavor profile.
- Cultural Experience: This dish offers a unique cultural experience by showcasing the region's traditional culinary practices.
12. Panissimo
A flat bread made from cornmeal and wheat flour, traditionally served with butter or tomato sauce.
- Quick & Filling Snack: Panissimo serves as a quick and filling snack during your travels in Turin.
- Versatile Dish: The versatility of Panissimo allows it to be served with various toppings and sauces.
- Regional Specialty: Panissimo is a beloved specialty of the Monferrato region, near Turin.
13. Casella di Bra
A traditional cake made with nuts, honey, and raisins, popular during the winter season.
- Holiday Treat: Casella di Bra is a delicious holiday treat to enjoy during your winter visit to Turin.
- Unique Flavor Profile: The sweet and nutty flavor of Casella di Bra sets it apart from other Italian desserts.
- Traditional Baking Technique: The unique technique used to create the lattice top of the cake is a testament to the region's traditional baking practices.
14. Asti Spumante
A sparkling white wine produced in the Asti region, perfect for toasting and pairing with desserts.
- Celebratory Drink: Asti Spumante is a festive drink to toast special occasions during your stay in Turin.
- Sweet & Fruity Flavor Profile: The sweet, fruity flavor profile of Asti Spumante complements desserts beautifully.
- Regional Specialty: Asti Spumante is a beloved specialty of the Asti region, near Turin.
15. Grissini di Savigliano
Long, thin breadsticks made from a specific type of wheat flour, produced in the town of Savigliano.
- Traditional Snack: Grissini di Savigliano serves as a tasty and traditional snack to enjoy during your travels.
- Crispy Texture: The crisp, satisfying texture of Grissini di Savigliano makes it a perfect accompaniment to various dishes.
- Unique Origin: These breadsticks are made using a specific type of wheat flour found only in the region around Savigliano.