Discover the Best Traditional Apulian Food: From Orecchiette to Bombette

Silvia Calamo
Jul 17
3 min read

Updated: 7 days ago

Puglia, the sun-soaked region in the heel of Italy’s boot, is home to some of the most delicious and authentic Italian regional foods. Rich in tradition, the cuisine of Puglia is defined by simplicity, quality ingredients, and bold Mediterranean flavors. Whether you're wandering the streets of Bari or dining in a rural masseria, the variety of typical Apulian food will amaze your taste buds.

In this guide, we’ll take a culinary journey through the must-try dishes of Puglia — from handmade orecchiette and creamy burrata to street food classics like panzerotto, puccia, and sweet pasticciotto. Let's dive into the authentic flavors of this beloved southern Italian region.

1. Orecchiette – The Iconic Pasta of Puglia

No dish represents Apulia more than orecchiette, the small, ear-shaped pasta made by hand using semolina flour and water. Its shape is ideal for capturing thick sauces, especially when paired with traditional ingredients like cime di rapa (turnip greens), garlic, anchovies, and chili.

Popular orecchiette dishes include:

Orecchiette con le cime di rapa (with turnip tops)
Orecchiette al pomodoro e ricotta forte (with tomato sauce and fermented cheese)
Orecchiette with sausage and broccoli

If you visit Bari Vecchia, you’ll see local women shaping orecchiette pasta by hand right outside their homes.

2. Burrata – Creamy Cheese from Andria

Another Apulian treasure is burrata, a soft, fresh cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It has a delicate outer shell and a rich, creamy center that pairs perfectly with tomatoes, grilled vegetables, or just a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. This cheese originated in the town of Andria and is now a favorite across Italy and beyond.

3. Focaccia Barese – A Classic Apulian Bread

Focaccia in Puglia is unlike anywhere else. Thick yet soft, and topped with cherry tomatoes, black olives, oregano, and generous amounts of olive oil, Focaccia Barese is a must-try. It's commonly enjoyed as a snack, a side dish, or a street food staple.

4. Panzerotto – Fried Street Food Favorite

The panzerotto is one of the region’s most beloved street foods. Shaped like a small calzone, it’s made with dough filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce, then deep-fried until golden and crispy. There are many variations, including fillings like ham, mushrooms, or spicy salami.

5. Frisa (Frisella) – A Traditional Farmer’s Snack

Frisa (also called frisella) is a toasted barley or wheat bread that’s rehydrated with water, then topped with tomatoes, oregano, salt, and olive oil. It’s a classic summer dish and an example of Apulian cucina povera — peasant cooking turned gourmet.

6. Pasticciotto – Sweet Custard-Filled Pastry

This typical dessert from Lecce is a shortcrust pastry filled with vanilla custard, often served warm and enjoyed with an espresso. Pasticciotto is a signature of Salento, the southernmost part of Puglia, and can now be found in bakeries all over the region.

7. Puccia – Apulian Sandwich Bread

Puccia is a round, soft bread, typically stuffed with cured meats, cheeses, grilled vegetables, or tuna. It’s particularly popular in Salento and Taranto. You can find puccia sandwiches made fresh at bakeries, street vendors, or sandwich shops throughout the region.

8. Capocollo di Martina Franca – Traditional Cured Meat

A lesser-known but highly prized specialty, Capocollo di Martina Franca is a smoked, dry-cured pork neck from the Valle d'Itria area. It's aged with spices, sea salt, and sometimes cooked wine (vin cotto), giving it a deep, aromatic flavor. Perfect for antipasti platters with cheese and bread.

9. Bombette – Grilled Meat Rolls

Bombette are small meat rolls typically made from pork, filled with cheese, herbs, and sometimes cured meats. These are then grilled over open flames, especially at butcher shops called fornelli. You’ll find the best bombette in the town of Cisternino or Locorotondo.

Why Puglia’s Traditional Food Is Unique

What makes Apulian cuisine so special is its deep connection to the land and its history. The region is one of Italy’s leading producers of extra virgin olive oil, and its dishes often rely on seasonal vegetables, legumes, and local wheat. Apulian food is simple, satisfying, and full of soul.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re enjoying orecchiette con le cime di rapa in a local trattoria or grabbing a panzerotto on the go, the flavors of Puglia will leave a lasting impression. From the creamy richness of burrata to the smoky bite of bombette, every dish tells a story of tradition, community, and passion for real food.

Plan your food journey to Puglia and experience some of the best traditional cuisine in all of Italy.

Do you want to know more about the Apulian food? Book Now you experience with us to learn how to make Orecchiette and eat some delicious apulian dish.