Must-try vegetarian snacks in Italy
What's the story
Italy's culinary heritage is rich, offering so many vegetarian snacks for travelers. From savory street foods to pastries, the snack scene is diverse.
These vegetarian delights are just perfect for enhancing your Italian journey, whether you're in bustling markets or quaint cafes.
Explore these must-try snacks that embody Italy's vibrant food culture.
Sicilian snack
Arancini: A Sicilian delight
Arancini are crispy rice balls hailing from Sicily, stuffed with stuff like peas and cheese.
These golden-brown goodies are usually served as street food and can be relished with an awesome crunch in each bite.
The combination of creamy risotto rice and melted cheese makes arancini a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
They're best enjoyed on-the-go while wandering through Italy's picturesque streets.
Ligurian bread
Focaccia: A Ligurian favorite
Focaccia is another traditional flatbread that hails from the Liguria region.
Soft, aromatic, and often topped with rosemary, olives, or tomatoes, focaccia is a versatile bread that can be eaten as a snack or accompaniment to meals.
Its simplicity allows the quality of ingredients to shine through, making it an essential part of any Italian culinary adventure.
Roman treat
Suppli: Roman street food
Similar to arancini, suppli belong to Rome and are made from tomato-flavored rice with a dollop of mozzarella in the center.
These deep-fried treats provide a heavenly contrast between their crispiness and gooeyness.
Suppli are available in several Roman eateries and make for an amazing quick bite when you're out roaming around the city's historic landmarks.
Emilia-Romagna wrap
Piadina: Emilia-Romagna's flatbread
Piadina is a thin flatbread from Emilia-Romagna that makes the perfect base for fillings of your choice, be it fresh vegetables or cheeses like stracchino or mozzarella di bufala.
This snack can be personalized according to your taste but you won't lose the authenticity of the dish or its taste that comes from regional influences.
Apulian pastries
Panzerotti: Apulian pastries
Panzerotti are like mini calzones, stuffed with fillings like tomatoes and mozzarella, before they are deep-fried to golden brown perfection.
Hailing from Puglia, these pastries are packed with savory flavors and satisfying textures, making them impossible to resist when looking for delectable vegetarian bites while traveling through Italy's southern states.