Typical dishes to enjoy
The Venice Carnival is one of the liveliest and most anticipated holidays in many parts of the world. The celebrations are often characterized by elaborate costumes, parades, music and wild dancing. But there is an equally important aspect of the Venetian Carnival that often goes unnoticed: the food and its extraordinary culinary tradition.
Carnival is the perfect opportunity to savor one-of-a-kind gastronomic delights. In this article, we will explore some of the typical dishes to taste during Carnival in Venice.
Venetian Cicchetti
One of the most loved gastronomic traditions during the Venice Carnival is the practice of “cicchetti“. However, this tradition is not limited to Carnival; it is an essential part of Venetian culinary culture throughout the year.
Cicchetti are small appetizers or appetizers served in bacari, the typical Venetian bars. These tasty morsels can vary widely, but they all share one thing in common: they are delicious and perfect to accompany with a glass of wine or a typical Venetian cocktail.
And if you are a lover of the sweet life or simply can’t wait to try the most classic of Venetian aperitifs, the famous spritz, perhaps with a view of the San Marco Basin or comfortably seated in the Royal Gardens of Venice then you are in the right place!
Typical cicchetti to enjoy in Venice
Here are some examples of the most common cicchetti that you can enjoy during Carnival and beyond:
- Sardines in saor (marinated sardines with onions and raisins),
- Baccalà Mantecato (cod beaten with olive oil and garlic)
- Tasty meatballs
- Marinated olives (often seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and herbs)
- Mozzarella in carrozza (a real pleasure for the palate)
Would you like to try a prosecco and cicchetti tasting experience in a typical Venetian wine shop, a stone’s throw from the Accademia Bridge?
What to eat in Venice?
Venice is a true paradise for food lovers! A city that delights not only the eyes but also the palate. Here, the art of cuisine blends with the timeless beauty of the canals and historic buildings.
Typical Venetian dishes are a celebration of local culinary tradition and offer an authentic taste of the flavors of Veneto.
When you visit Venice, be sure to immerse yourself in this unique dining experience that will leave you speechless and make you want to return again and again. Enjoy your meal!
Polenta and cod
Polenta is a beloved staple in Venetian cuisine. It is often served with cod, cooked in various ways, such as fried or baked.
Risi and Bisi
Another traditional dish of the Venetian Carnival is “risi e bisi“.
This dish is a creation of lagoon cuisine and consists of a creamy risotto with fresh peas and bacon.
It is a substantial and rich dish, perfect for facing festive days and winter temperatures.
Venetian style liver
This dish is a cornerstone of Venetian cuisine. It is slow cooked veal liver with onions and white wine.
Bigoli in Sauce
Bigoli are a kind of thicker spaghetti-like pasta. They are often served with a sauce made from onions, anchovies and black pepper.
Would you like to delve deeper into the techniques and flavors that make Venetian cuisine famous throughout the world?
Take part in a masterclass on the art of venetian cuisine with a famous chef!
Carnival sweets
In Italy, Carnival is an explosion of colors and flavors.
During this holiday, it is traditional to prepare a wide range of special desserts.
Frittelle
The “frittole” are typical desserts of the Venetian Carnival, they are small fried pancakes. Venetian pancakes are made with raisins and covered in icing sugar.
Their soft texture and sweet flavor make them a delicious choice for anyone wanting to savor Carnival. Alternatively, there are those with creams: chantilly, pastry, chocolate, apple or zabaglione.
Galani
The “galani” is a typical Venetian dessert.
It is a traditional delicacy that is often prepared during the Carnival period. Galani are thin and crunchy desserts, often covered in icing sugar.
These culinary delights, together with other Venetian specialties, transform the Venice Carnival into an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
When you visit this charming city during the holidays, be sure to savor all these traditional delicacies to fully immerse yourself in the Carnival atmosphere.
