What Food To Try in Trieste and Food Prices

Stracciatella di Bufala - Buffalo Mozzarella Stracciatella (creamy cheese) - A luxurious, creamy filling encased in soft buffalo mozzarella, often paired with fresh tomatoes and basil. Locals savor it as a breakfast treat or a starter, preferably in a relaxed setting.

Chicche di Patate - Potato Gnocchi (light dumplings) - These delicate potato dumplings are primarily made with mashed potatoes and flour, tossed lightly in butter. You’ll often spot locals enjoying it at lunch, perhaps on a Sunday with family, as it’s comfort food at its finest.

Sgombro alla Griglia - Grilled Mackerel (flavorful fish) - Fresh mackerel grilled to perfection, seasoned simply with salt and lemon to enhance its natural flavors. Typically enjoyed during dinner, especially on warm evenings by the coast with friends.

Brodetto - Fish Stew (hearty seafood dish) - A rich stew made from various local fish and seafood, in a fragrant broth infused with tomatoes and herbs. You'll find it traditionally cooked on Fridays, meant to be shared at family gatherings or seaside picnics.

Scampi alla Griglia - Grilled Scampi (succulent shellfish) - Succulent prawns grilled with garlic and olive oil, offering a delightful combination of smoky and fresh flavors. Often served as street food during festivals, they’re best enjoyed while strolling along the promenade.

Polenta con Salsiccia - Polenta with Sausage (filling corn dish) - Creamy polenta topped with flavorful sausage in rich tomato sauce, often eaten as a hearty dish during colder months. It’s especially popular at local celebrations, embracing the spirit of communal dining.

Ribollita - Tuscan Bread Soup (vegetable-rich soup) - A robust soup filled with vegetables, beans, and stale bread, simmered to perfection. This dish is seasonal but perfect in the winter, seen as a comfort meal best enjoyed slowly around a family table.

Torta Caprese - Caprese Chocolate Cake (rich flourless cake) - A decadent, flourless chocolate cake made with almonds, naturally gluten-free and incredibly moist. Often shared at celebrations, the rich texture truly satisfies as an indulgent end to a substantial meal.

Caffè Triestino - Caffè Triestino (rich coffee) - A robust coffee blend often enhanced with a touch of cocoa powder or cinnamon, brewed strong and served in a small cup. Locals drink it any time of day, especially in the morning, and it's common to enjoy it standing at the bar.

Nebbiolo - Nebbiolo (red wine) - A full-bodied red wine made from the Nebbiolo grape, known for its high tannins and floral notes, often served at room temperature. In the evening, you’ll find triestini savoring this wine with charcuterie as they unwind after work.

Chinotto - Chinotto (bitter-sweet soda) - A sparkling beverage made from the bitter chinotto orange, sugar, and carbonated water, served ice-cold in a glass bottle. This drink is especially popular in the warmer months, often enjoyed as a refresher during long summer evenings.

Strudel di Mele - Strudel di Mele (apple strudel) - A flaky pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and cinnamon, lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Typically served warm, it's a beloved dessert at family gatherings and especially popular during autumn apple harvest season.

Torta di Fichi - Torta di Fichi (fig cake) - A moist cake made with fresh figs, nuts, and olive oil, celebrated during local festivals in late summer. Served chilled, it’s often enjoyed with coffee as a delightful after-meal treat among friends and family. By the way, if you see it listed outside of the fig season, do double-check the freshness because it's most succulent when made with ripe, local figs.