Well, it's happened again! The Mediterranean Diet was ranked the best diet for the 5th year in a row by US News & World Report.
So I thought I would take this opportunity to point out some must-try food items when visiting the largest island in the Mediterranean.
When you think of vacationing in Sicily, the first thing that comes to mind is likely the beautiful beaches or ancient monuments like Mount Etna and the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. But what many people don't realize is how delicious Sicilian food can be. From pasta to seafood, there are plenty of dishes to enjoy while on vacation that will give you insight into Sicilian culture and history as well. Here are 15 Sicilian foods (in no particular order) you need to try while on vacation in Sicily.
1) Caponata
One of Sicily's most recognizable culinary contributions is caponata, a savory eggplant appetizer served warm or at room temperature. The traditional version is a unique combination of sweet and savory flavors, typically fried eggplant with olives, vinegar, tomatoes, and capers. These ingredients grow abundantly in Sicily's volcanic soil—which explains why Sicilians don't need many other components for their dishes. Caponata can be served as a side to any entrée, but it's also used as a topping for bruschetta or crostini in appetizer portions. However, I prefer to simply enjoy it alone with a loaf of crusty bread for scarpetta (or for sopping up all the deliciousness left on your plate)!
2) Busiate alla Norma
This pasta dish is said to have originated in Palermo, made with tomato sauce, eggplant, and Ricotta Salata cheese. At its core, it's a simple dish of pasta and vegetables. However, as with most Sicilian dishes, it doesn't come off as overly heavy or rich--instead offering a lighter version of what you may be used to from other Italian cuisines.
Busiate is a type of pasta originating from Trapani in western Sicily. It is a long spiral pasta formed by wrapping around a rod or knitting needle. Its name is derived from 'busa' or long reed originally used to shape the pasta. The spiral shape holds the sauce exceptionally well, making it the ideal delivery system that enhances the delicate flavors of this dish.
The name Norma is derived from Vincenzo Bellini's opera of 1831 about an enslaved Druid High-Priestess who falls in love with a Roman tribune—that story became one of Italy's most celebrated operas. As the story goes, a Sicilian poet, writer, and journalist, Nino Martoglio, was so impressed with the dish that he exclaimed, 'Chista è 'na vera Norma!' meaning 'this is a true Norma!' referring to Bellini's masterpiece.
3) Sarde alla Beccafico
When you dine at an Italian restaurant, what do you usually order? Well, for many people, their go-to dish is pasta. It's no surprise that pasta is a popular option but don't get stuck on just one dish—the next time you find yourself in Sicily, try some Sarde alla Beccafico! Sarde alla Beccafico are butterflied sardines stuffed with breadcrumbs, pine nuts, raisins, and herbs rolled up and baked with fresh bay leaves and either oranges or lemons until golden brown. I've also had variations where the breadcrumb mixture contained almonds for an even greater depth of flavor. They taste delicious, served hot or cold as an antipasto. Many people say these meaty fish are absolutely mouthwatering; if you love seafood, you won't want to miss out on trying these at least once while visiting Sicily!
4) Cannoli Siciliani
One of Sicily's most iconic dishes, cannoli, are cylindrical tubes of fried pastry dough that are filled with a sweet ricotta-based filling. Cannolo Siciliano is one of Sicily's most famous sweets, but the ones from Piana degli Albanesi are considered the best in the world. The town even holds an annual cannolo festival where people from all over come together to compete for honors such as Most Beautiful Cannolo. The festival features free samples of different cannoli and a parade through the town. Participants dance and play music as they march down the main street and display their artistic creations in storefront windows.
5) Panelle (Fried Chickpea Fritters)
Panelle is traditional street food in Sicily that has chickpeas as its main ingredient. These crispy bites are made from deep-fried chickpea flour. The chickpea fritters are usually served simply on a soft bread roll seasoned with salt. Visit Palermo's open-air market for some of the best panelle you can find in all of Sicily. Here you will find panelle e crocchè or deep-fried chickpea chips with mini potato croquettes. This world-renowned local market, Mercato di Ballarò, provides customers with an authentic Sicilian experience, an unmissable adventure for any gourmand!
6) Granita/Granita con Brioche
Granita is a quintessential Sicilian menu staple that requires little more than water, sugar, and fresh fruit. Well-made granita is made from the best local 'material prima' or raw ingredients. Typical flavors include lemon, pistachio, strawberry, coffee, and almond though it varies by region and what's in season. Granita is a refreshing alternative to gelato on a hot summer day.
Believe it or not, granita is often eaten for breakfast in Sicily alongside a brioche bun. The soft and doughy bread pairs perfectly with this delicate frozen mixture. There are many flavors to choose from, but mandorle (almond) or limone (lemon) are the classic choices. You can eat it served right inside the brioche bun and eat it like a sandwich or dip pieces of the brioche into the granita. However you enjoy it, be sure to eat it like a Sicilian, taking your time to savor the delicate flavors and appreciate the richness of the island.
7) Anything Ricotta
The most famous of Sicily's cheeses, Ricotta, is traditionally made from sheep's milk but also cow's or goat's milk. Its mild flavor makes it a good accompaniment for a variety of dishes. Commonly used in desserts like cannoli or most Sicilian pastries, you can also eat it by itself as a snack with honey and jam. This Sicilian fresh cheese is becoming one of Italy's best-known artisan food products. Ricotta is considered 'cucina povera' or peasant food because it is made from the leftover whey after the milk has been separated and then 're-cooked.'
One of my favorite ways to eat Ricotta is al Forno (baked). This dish originated in the region of Caltanissetta but has spread throughout all parts of Sicily: strained fresh whole milk ricotta slowly baked until golden brown on top. Absolutely scrumptious! I have fond memories of getting some al Forno right out of the oven!
8) Panino con la milza
Panino con la milza (or Pani câ meusa in Sicilian) is a bread sandwich consisting of thin slices of veal spleen (milza) or occasionally lung boiled and then fried in lard. This typical Sicilian street food can be found on nearly every street corner in Palermo. Served on soft sesame seed-topped rolls and sometimes served with caciocavallo or ricotta cheese. It's a wonderful example of offal cuisine; try it if you ever get to Sicily!
9) Couscous alla Trapanese
Of all of Sicily's classic dishes, couscous is one of my favorites. I could probably eat it every day and never get tired of it. Couscous was introduced to Sicily by the Arabs who invaded the island in 827 AD. The Arabic influence can be surmised from the ingredients. In addition to the couscous, it is made from spices not typically found in other Italian regions - saffron, cloves, and cinnamon. The hand-rolled couscous is often served alongside a tureen of a savory, complex fish broth made with mixed fish and shellfish, such as red snapper, sea bass, calamari, and mussels that you ladle into a bowl that contains the couscous.
Couscous alla Trapanese is a traditional dish from Trapani in western Sicily. In fact, some say it's the most important dish of the province! It is celebrated every year with a world-famous couscous festival held in San Vito lo Capo.
10) Arancina/Arancino
There's a bit of a gender debate going on in Sicily about these tasty treats. In Palermo and Western Sicily, the delicious snack is anointed arancina in the feminine, but in Catania and eastern Sicily, it's referred to in the masculine arancino.
A classic Sicilian street food, arancina is a round, hollowed-out ball of rice that's typically stuffed with ragù sauce. This savory dish pairs well with wine and can be found all over Sicily—there are even dedicated arancina carts throughout Palermo. Some vendors simply serve the classics - Arancina con Ragù or Arancina al Burro, which is filled with ham (or prosciutto) and mozzarella or besciamella (bechamel sauce) but nowadays you will find other delicious interpretations such as with mushrooms or artichokes.
Regardless of what you choose, one thing is for sure: an arancina will cost between €1.50 and €3 on average. Which means you can try one from every vendor without breaking your bank account!
11) Modica Chocolate
If you're in Sicily, you've got to try its dark chocolate. Modica Chocolate is different from other popular chocolates: Modica Chocolate is mainly made with cocoa and sugar mixed in a cold-working process. This is an ancient Aztec method of working with chocolate that the Spaniards brought to Sicily when they invaded the island. As a result, it has no added fats; it contains only the cocoa butter naturally present in cocoa beans. This gives it a distinct grainy and crumbly texture, like chocolate-flavored sugar, that pairs beautifully with a nice glass of Sicily's own Nero d'Avola.
12) Sfincione
Sfincione is a specialty you will only find in Sicily. A square or rectangular baked pizza, sfincione is made from a thick focaccia dough and topped with breadcrumbs, tomatoes, onions, anchovies, oregano, olives, and capers. Salted Ricotta or caciocavallo cheese can also be added for a cheesier version of the dish. Originally from Palermo in Sicily, sfincione is traditionally enjoyed as an antipasto or during apertivo, the pre-meal drink meant to whet the appetite before dining. It's often cut into squares and served at room temperature rather than warm, making it a perfect picnic food that you won't feel like reheating when hunger strikes.
13) Sfince di San Giuseppe
March 19th is St. Joseph's Day and Father's Day in Italy. In Sicily, it's traditionally celebrated with a dessert called Sfincia di San Giuseppe, which is prepared on that day every year. It's not as well-known outside of Sicily as some other regional specialties, but if you go to any bakery in Sicily on March 19th, you'll see queues stretching down their streets! It's basically a fried spongy pastry filled with Ricotta and candied orange peel, then dusted with icing sugar and eaten like candy; it's incredibly indulgent, so only real ricotta lovers need apply.
14) Pistacchio di Bronte
Pistacchio di Bronte are known as the 'Emeralds of Sicily.' Recognized worldwide for their excellence and superior quality, which is derived from its unique location and grown in the lava-rich soil of Mt Etna.
Pistachios are a fixture in Sicilian cuisine. Smaller than regular pistachios, Bronte pistachios are particularly creamy and exceptionally delicious when mixed with extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), making them perfect for savory fish and pasta dishes such as pesto di pistacchio. Of course, they are prevalent in many sweets like cakes and cookies. Crema di pistacchio on bread is one my my favorite sweet Sicilian treats. Think Nutella but made with pistachios. My favorite gelato is made from this - pistacchiosa! Isn't the name alone just divine?
15) Cassata Siciliana
Cassata is a classic, beloved dessert in Sicily. The base of cassata is sponge cake covered with ricotta cream, topped with candied fruit and chocolate shavings. It's one of Italy's most celebrated sweets—but few realize it hails from Sicily. Many sources attribute its origins to Arab rule in Palermo during the 10th century, when Sicilians were limited to cooking only what they could grow locally or find on local trade routes. (Travelers from North Africa brought flour and sugar.) Faced with these constraints, Palermitani created a sweet that used local ingredients (fruit) but still delivered a flavor blast thanks to sugar imported through Tunisia. Ultimately, cassata became an emblematic dish for Sicily, as beloved by locals as pizza is by Neapolitans. If you have an opportunity to eat cassata while visiting Sicily, don't miss out!
Conclusion
So there we have it, 15 Uniquely Sicilian Foods you can't miss on your next visit to Sicily! What is your favorite of these 15? What did we miss that's not on our list? Send us your feedback, or hit us up on social media. We love chatting about food and travel! Be sure to also visit our Instagram page for more photos from Sicily. We hope you found these tips on eating in Sicily worthwhile and enjoyed learning about a few Italian food traditions. Enjoy your trip! Buon Appetito!
