The food in Sicily is a reflection of all the diverse cultural influences that have been on the island and the local ingredients grown on its land. From Greek and Arab to Spanish touches, Sicilian food has many influences that speak to the island’s geographical importance along the trade route.
In this post, we will share all of Sicily’s most traditional dishes and ingredients. From street food to local favourites, we will explore what makes this island a food lover’s dream. Get ready to learn about all the authentic flavours of Sicily and plan an unforgettable trip through this Mediterranean paradise.
What makes the food in Sicily so unforgettable?
Over centuries, Sicily has had many empires and civilizations conquering its shores. The Greeks, Arabs, Normans and Spanish each left a big mark on Sicily and its food. From imported ingredients and cooking methods, many Sicilian dishes have touches from each culture.
The Greeks influenced the island with heavy olive-infused dishes, along with grapes and figs. The Arabs brought sugar, rice and spices, including saffron and cinnamon. The Spanish left their influence on Sicilian food through the use of tomatoes, peppers and the famous modica chocolate.
The Sicilian way
The common thing that makes all of the dishes Sicilian is the use of fresh and local ingredients. The island is lucky to have fertile soil from the three volcanos: Etna, Stromboli and Vulcano, making Sicily the ideal place for growing fruits and vegetables. Sicily produces some of the world’s best lemons, oranges, tomatoes, olives, almonds and pistachios. Not to mention the bountiful variety of fresh seafood from the Mediterranean Sea. Popular fish and seafood include sardines, shrimp and swordfish.
With the island’s perfect blend of sea and mountain, it’s no wonder that the food in Sicily differs from region to region and is so complete. Along the coastline, you are likely to find more seafood, while inland, dishes are focused on meats and hearty vegetables.
Let’s have a look at Sicily’s most popular dishes!
Traditional Sicilian dishes you must try
- Pasta alla Norma: This dish comes from Catania and is a classic Sicilian meal. It is made up of aubergine, ricotta and tomatoes. It is a salty and sweet blend that is so satisfying and beloved throughout the island.
- Arancini: One of Sicily’s staple foods, arancini is a rice ball, normally filled with ragù (a traditional meat sauce), peas and mozzarella cheese. It is then deep-fried and enjoyed as a snack or street food. In other regions of Sicily, it can also be made with pistachios and ham and cheese.
- Gambero Rosso: Translated as red prawns, is a much-loved delicacy on the island. Usually eaten grilled or in a pasta.
- Pasta con le Sarde: A popular pasta dish from Palermo, it is made of pasta, sardines, pine nuts, raisins and fennel.
- Caponata: This is a veggie lover’s dream dish! Made up of aubergine, tomatoes, celery, capers and olives cooked in a vinegar and sugar reduction. Variations of this dish can be found in different regions throughout Sicily.
- Modica Chocolate: Local to southeastern Sicily, Modica chocolate was first introduced to the island by the Spanish through their conquests of the Aztecs. This chocolate has a very distinctive texture, which is grainy since the sugar is not melted in the making process.
- Gelato: What would Italy be without its gelato? The creamy and rich flavours and textures of this fresh treat can be found all over the country. In Sicily, you can have some of the very best made with local ingredients like the world-famous pistachio gelato from Bronte. If you are visiting Messina or Catania, don’t forget to try brioche con gelato. This is where gelato is served in a sweet brioche bun!
Arancini
Caponata
Exploring Sicilian street food
When exploring the island, you never need to worry about finding a spot to eat because you can pick up a quick snack just about anywhere. Delicious street food can be found in all cities and towns throughout the streets of Sicily. Popular items are Panelle, a chickpea fritter that originated in Palermo. Or Sfincione, also from Palermo is a thicker version of pizza, usually topped with tomatoes, anchovies, onion and oregano. If you prefer some meat, Stigghiola is grilled lamb or goat intestines garnished with onion, parsley and lemon juice. It is a lesser-known street food item that might not appeal to many tourists but is enjoyed by locals all year round. You can also find many varieties of sandwiches full of local cheeses and cured meats.
Many local markets specialise in street food and have plenty of vendors selling these traditional snacks.
Famous Sicilian desserts and sweets
Some of the best food in Sicily is the sweet kind! The island’s rich history and influences from Arabic cuisine can be shown through many of the desserts popular on the island.
A must-try pastry is a cannoli, perhaps the most iconic dessert on the island. It is a crispy shell that is stuffed with sweet ricotta cheese and sometimes has pistachios or chocolate. Cassata is another popular ricotta dessert, which is a sponge cake featuring cheese, marzipan and candied fruits. It is popular during the holidays and enjoyed with coffee. Frutta Martorana are marzipan sweets that are handcrafted to resemble real fruit and are traditionally served at Easter. In the summer, of course, you can enjoy some gelato but granita is another popular cold treat made up of shaved ice and fruit syrup.
Gelato brioche
Cannoli
Wine and dine: Sicilian wines and food pairings
Sicilian wines are the perfect complement to the food in Sicily. Nero d’Avola is perfect for pairing with grilled meats and rich pasta dishes. Etna Rosso, which is produced from the volcanic soils of Mount Etna, pairs beautifully with aged cheeses. Marsala, which is a beloved wine on the island, is versatile and can be used for cooking or pairing with desserts.
For an unforgettable experience, we highly recommend visiting some renowned wineries, such as Donnafugata. You can tour the vineyards and see how the wines are made, as well as do a tasting.
Savour the flavours of Sicilian food on your next visit!
Sicily food lovers have so much to celebrate when on this island. There are plenty of traditional dishes and local street foods to enjoy, all with the perfect glass of wine to accompany it. Plan your next visit to Sicily with Sicily My Home and immerse yourself in the culinary wonder of this unforgettable cuisine!