Udine, the heart of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, is a city that enchants not only for its architecture and history but also for its rich culinary tradition. The typical dishes of Udine are a true journey through the authentic flavors of the region, an experience that will delight even the most demanding palates.
Let's discover together the 5 dishes you absolutely cannot miss during a visit to this beautiful city.
Frico: The King of Friulian Cuisine
Frico is undoubtedly the symbol of Udine. It is a savory pie made with Montasio cheese, one of the most prized products in the area. There are two main versions: soft frico, enriched with potatoes, and crispy frico, obtained by frying the cheese until golden and crispy. Frico is a rustic and flavorful dish, perfect to enjoy both hot and cold.
Cjarsons: Traditional Ravioli
Cjarsons are stuffed ravioli typical of Friulian cuisine. The thin and delicate pasta encloses a filling made with potatoes, beets, cheese, and spices. They are usually seasoned with melted butter and sage, but can also be accompanied by meat sauces or cheeses. Cjarsons are a rich and hearty first course, ideal for cold winter days.
Jota: The Soup of Conviviality
Jota is a thick and nourishing soup, prepared with sauerkraut, beans, potatoes, and bacon. It is a poor dish, but full of flavor, which was once prepared by peasant families to warm up during the coldest months. Jota is a very versatile dish, which can be enriched with other ingredients depending on the season and availability.
Musetto with Brovada: An Undisputed Classic
Musetto with brovada is a very particular, but extremely tasty dish. Musetto is a sausage obtained from the processing of the pig's head, while brovada is a red beet marinated in wine. The combination of the intense flavor of musetto and the sweetness of brovada creates a unique and irresistible contrast.
Gubana: The Festive Dessert
Gubana is a typical dessert of the Christmas period. It is a panettone stuffed with a filling made with raisins, pine nuts, walnuts, sugar, and liqueurs. Gubana has a characteristic spiral shape and an intense and enveloping flavor. It is a very caloric and rich dessert, perfect to end a hearty meal in style.
Where to Taste the Typical Dishes of Udine
To fully savor the typical dishes of Udine, we recommend looking for traditional taverns and restaurants, where you can taste the original recipes handed down from generation to generation. Don't forget to pair your dishes with a good glass of Friulian wine, such as Refosco or Pinot Grigio.
The cuisine of Udine is a treasure to be discovered. The typical dishes, rich in history and tradition, will conquer even the most demanding palates. If you have the opportunity to visit this beautiful city, don't miss the chance to taste these delicacies and immerse yourself in the Friulian gastronomic culture.