Milan is a picturesque city located in northern Italy. It is the capital of fashion and design and offers visitors a glimpse into its rich cultural heritage. From iconic attractions like the Duomo di Milano to its delicious cuisine, there are countless reasons why you should visit this beautiful city!
Milan is also home to some incredible Renaissance-era artworks. In Milan, you can explore the iconic Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” mural and Caravaggio’s renowned painting “The Basket of Fruit.” Many more masterpieces can be discovered throughout Milan’s museums, churches, and galleries!
Aside from its stunning architecture and artwork, Milan also offers travellers an array of delicious culinary experiences. Milan is famous for several dishes, including Risotto alla Milanese (saffron-infused rice), Ossobuco (veal shank stewed in white wine), and panettone (sweet fruitcake). And if you want to make your meal memorable, wash it down with Franciacorta sparkling wine!
Take a look at some of the most famous Milanese foods you shouldn’t miss out on.
Must-Try Foods In Milan
There’s no doubt that Milan is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Its stunning architecture, Renaissance-era artworks, and savoury cuisine make it an ideal destination for travellers looking for a unique experience. Here are the most delicious dishes of Milan:
If you’re planning to visit Milan, you should ensure that tasting Busecca is at the top of your itinerary! This dish is truly one of a kind and is made with beef guts, Borlotti beans, onion, carrots, and celery cooked in an aromatic tomato sauce.
It’s a traditional recipe guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds and take you back to the traditional Italian culture. Busecca can be found all over Milan and will give you an experience you won’t forget – it even pairs excellently with some of Italy’s best wines!
2. Nervetti Salad (Gnervitt)
Are you a salad fan? If yes, Nervetti Salad (Gnervitt) is a unique and flavorful dish that can tantalize your taste buds with its light yet complex flavour profile. It’s an ideal meal when you’re looking for that little extra-special to round out the meal, or it can be the show’s star as an appetizer or main dish.
With cooked beef Nervetti and crunchy onions combined with creamy mayonnaise, mustard, and pickles, this salad is an absolute delight for lunchtime or dinner. The best thing about Nervetti is that it can be enjoyed as part of a casual picnic in one of Milan’s many beautiful parks or as part of a special family get-together at home.
3. Risotto alla Milanese
No adventure is complete without trying a country’s traditional dish. Risotto alla Milanese is a traditional Milanese dish that is an amazing combination of saffron, celery, and delicious rice. The extraordinary balance of flavours contrasts to create a unique and unforgettable mixture that can be enjoyed year-round.
The rice’s tenderness and the broth’s creaminess give it its characteristic comfort-food feel. Since you can’t find this special Milanese recipe anywhere else in the world, it’s a must for every tourist who passes through Milan.
4. Polenta
Polenta is one of the city’s most beloved comfort foods and is available everywhere! Often referred to as the national dish of Italy, it dates as far back as prehistoric times and is both quick and easy to make. An extremely versatile food can be boiled, grilled, fried, or baked in various shapes; you can even find it served cold with a topping like Gorgonzola cheese.
What makes Polenta so special are its simple ingredients – corn flour, salt, water – that blend together harmoniously to create an incredibly hearty meal! Polenta is one of Milan’s most unique and delicious dishes – and definitely worth a try when visiting!
5. Milanese cutlet (Cotoletta alla Milanese)
Milanese cutlet (Cotoletta alla Milanese) is a must-try! This exquisite dish has been savoured by locals for centuries and is packed with amazing flavours. The cutlet is typically made from veal, dipped in egg and bread crumbs, and then fried to give it that unique crunchy texture. And when served with a squeeze of lemon juice, it truly becomes something special that you must try!
6. Ossobuco
Ossobuco is a classic Italian food. Slow-braised veal shanks are cooked in a rich and flavorful tomato broth spiced with parsley, garlic, and white wine. Eating Ossobuco in Milan is a unique experience – it’s where this dish was born, after all!
And there’s something really special about tasting an authentic version of Ossobuco paired with a serving of creamy risotto that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else. When it comes to eating Ossobuco in Milan, it’s best experienced at a traditional trattoria where you can enjoy the authentic version served there for generations. Whether you’re a foodie or just someone who loves to travel and sample local cuisine, it’s not something to be missed when visiting Italy.
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7. Cassoeula
How about a Lombardy cuisine made from various pork cuts? Cassoeula is all cooked pork cuts with cabbage and other vegetables, making for a hearty and delicious meal! A typical Cassoeula might include spare ribs, sausage, pork rinds, prosciutto, and pancetta.
In most regions of Italy, Cassoeula is accompanied by kale or chard instead of the traditional Savoy cabbage. This slow-cooked mix over low heat lets the flavours fuse together and develop into something absolutely mouth-watering. If you want to experience some amazing Lombardy cuisine, Cassoeula is a must-try!
8. Minestron a la milanesa (Milan soup)
Are you looking for some vegetarian dishes in Milan? Minestron a la milanesa is a traditional Italian ricotta and spinach dumpling stew. It is sure to delight the palate of even the pickiest eaters.
To make Minestron a la milanesa, thinly sliced boiled potatoes are layered with ricotta, grated parmesan cheese, and chopped spinach, then folded over themselves, so they form small dumplings. The dumplings and chunks of boiled potatoes are cooked into a broth enriched with garlic, parsley, red onions, and tomato sauce – creating a flavourful concoction that’s truly unforgettable.
Experience the taste of Milanese cuisine
From classic Italian dishes like pasta, pizza, and tiramisu, to fusion options like Japanese-style risotto and spaghetti curry, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Milan! Numerous restaurants are located around the city, so you’re sure to find your ideal dish. Don’t forget that drinks factor highly in the Milanese dining experience, too – take a break between meals with espresso shots or Aperol Spritz cocktails. It’s an adventure waiting to be enjoyed!
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