Local Dishes You Absolutely Need To Sample While In Perugia

Perugia, the capital of the Umbria region in central Italy, is a charming medieval town known for its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and delicious cuisine. The city’s cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition, and it boasts a wide range of dishes that reflect the local produce and regional flavors. Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking for a taste of authentic Italian cuisine, here’s what to eat while in Perugia. The city offers a diverse range of dishes that reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage and regional flavors. From pasta and meat dishes to cheese, truffles, and desserts, there’s something for everyone in Perugia’s culinary scene. Be sure to sample some of the local wine as well, to fully savor the flavors of this enchanting Italian city.

Pasta Dishes

Pasta is a staple of Italian cuisine, and Perugia is no exception. Here, you’ll find a variety of pasta dishes, including strozzapreti, a twisted pasta made with flour and water, served with a rich tomato sauce and local sausage. Another popular dish is strangozzi al tartufo, a pasta made with black truffles, butter, and parmesan cheese, which is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Meat Dishes

Perugia is known for its succulent meat dishes, and one of the most famous is porchetta. This slow-roasted pork is marinated with garlic, fennel, and herbs, giving it a rich, savory flavor. Another must-try meat dish is cinghiale, a wild boar that is slow-cooked with herbs, wine, and vegetables, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat.

Cheese

Cheese is a fundamental ingredient in Italian cuisine, and Perugia offers some of the most delicious and unique varieties. Pecorino is a popular cheese made from sheep’s milk, with a distinctive sharp flavor that pairs well with meat dishes. Another local favorite is the soft and creamy stracchino, which is typically served with bread and cured meats.

Truffles

Perugia is located in the heart of Italy’s truffle region, and it’s no surprise that truffles feature prominently in the local cuisine. White truffles are particularly prized here, and you’ll find them in a range of dishes, from pasta to meat dishes. Try truffle-infused risotto or a simple plate of tagliatelle al tartufo for a taste of this decadent ingredient.

Desserts

No meal in Perugia is complete without a sweet treat, and the city offers some of the most mouthwatering desserts in Italy. Torta al testo is a local specialty, a type of flatbread that is filled with chocolate, hazelnut spread, or fresh cheese. You can also indulge in ciaramicola, a light and fluffy cake made with almonds, orange zest, and ricotta cheese.

Wine

No meal is complete without a glass of wine, and Perugia is home to some of the best vineyards in Italy. The region’s signature wine is Sagrantino, a robust red wine with a deep ruby color and complex flavors of dark fruit, spice, and oak. You can also try the crisp and refreshing white wine Grechetto or the light and fruity Rosato, which pairs perfectly with seafood dishes.