What Is Calabria Famous Food?

The region of Calabria, located in the south of Italy, is known for its abundance of delicious, homemade cuisine. Calabrian food has been influenced by the region’s Mediterranean climate, which allows for a variety of fresh ingredients to be used in the local dishes.

Calabrian cuisine is characterized by its simplicity and strong flavours. From seafood to meat-based dishes, there are plenty of mouth-watering items to choose from.

One of the most popular dishes in Calabria is ‘nduja, a spicy spreadable sausage made with pork and chili peppers. This spread is often added to pasta dishes or served as a topping on pizza. It has a distinctively spicy flavour that really packs a punch.

Calabria also has its own type of pizza called ‘piadina’. This pizza is made with a light and crisp dough that’s filled with salami, mozzarella cheese and other ingredients such as olives or onions. It’s often served as an appetizer or snack.

Seafood is heavily featured in Calabrian cuisine and there are numerous dishes to choose from. One popular item is ‘sfincione’, which consists of fried anchovies and olives served on top of soft bread. Another dish featuring seafood is ‘calamari ripieni alla calabrese’, which includes squid stuffed with tomatoes and herbs.

Meat-based dishes are also popular in Calabria. One example is ‘salsiccia con cipolle’, which is made with pork sausage and onions cooked in white wine. Another favourite dish is ‘stufato di vitello alla calabrese’, which consists of veal stewed with tomatoes, garlic, basil and oregano.

Desserts are also a staple in Calabrian cuisine. The most famous dessert from this region is ‘cartellate’ which consists of fried dough that’s drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Other desserts include ‘cassata siciliana’, which consists of ricotta cheese layered between sheets of pastry; ‘zeppole’ which are deep-fried dough balls filled with cream; ‘cannoli’ filled with sweet ricotta cream; and ‘torta della nonna’ – a tart made with custard topped with pine nuts.



Calabrian cuisine offers something for everyone – from seafood dishes to desserts – making it one of the most unique regional cuisines in Italy. Whether you prefer spicy meats or sweet pastries, you can find something delicious to try when you visit this picturesque region!