Sicilian culinary tradition is among the oldest and most varied ones in Italy. This is thanks to the many cultural influences that Sicily absorbed from the people that ruled over the island during the centuries.

Of course, the main ingredients are those that you can find in the Mediterranean area, such as agricultural and sea products. In fact, fishing is one of the main activities on the island, and, thanks to the inland, agriculture is also a big activity.

In this article, you will find a list of the best and most famous Sicilian dishes you have to try while visiting the island. They will turn your visit into a gastronomic tour.

Arancino or arancina

This product can be masculine or feminine, depending on the side of the island where you are. In West Sicily, people call it arancina, while in East Sicily, it's arancino. Whatever its gender may be, it's undeniable that it's one of the best dishes on the island. Arancinə consists of a sphere or a cone of rice, filled with ragout or other ingredients, then breaded and fried.

Pasta alla norma

Pasta alla norma is a classic of Sicilian cuisine. It's the first course and it's prepared with typical Mediterranean flavors. In fact, it consists of a type of pasta made with tomato sauce, salted ricotta cheese, and fried eggplants. Pasta alla norma was born in Catania and its name comes from an Opera by Vincenzo Bellini.

Panelle and crocché

Panelle and crocché is typical of Palermo and it's eaten as street food. In fact, panelle is a type of bread prepared with chickpea flour, parsley, sesame seed, salt, and water. Usually, you can eat them with potato croquettes, in Sicily called "crocché".

Pasta con le sarde

Pasta con le sarde is a dish you have to eat in Sicily. It was born in Palermo, but there are many versions. The most famous one consists of long pasta, usually maccheroni or bucatini, accompanied by sardines, pine nuts and raisins.

Caponata

Caponata is among the most famous food in Sicily, as there are many variants. It is a dish with a strong Mediterranean flavor, as it's made with eggplants, onion, tomatoes, capers, olive oils, sugar, and vinegar. It has a sweet and sour taste and it's eaten either as a side or as a first dish.

Beccafico Sardines

Beccafico sardines is another dish you have to try while visiting Sicily. The fish is cooked in the oven and then wrapped around a mix of breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, oil, and salt. It's a good mixture of land and sea products.

Couscous

Even though everyone thinks of couscous as a North African dish, it's also prepared in Sicily, where San Vito Lo Capo holds the record. This is due to the Arab influences on the island, during the Arabic domination. Durum wheat is treated with water and combined with the dressing, which usually consists of vegetables or fish. Thanks to its multicultural origin, couscous is also called the "Dish of peace".

Cannolo

Cannolo is a famous Sicilian and Italian dessert. It's one of the oldest desserts on the island and it consists of a waffle filled with fresh ricotta cheese. Depending on the area, it can be covered with orange peel, pistachio, or chocolate. It represents the dessert par excellence, as it's loved and known everywhere in the whole world.

Cassata

Sicilian Cassata is a very famous dessert. It's a cake made with fresh ricotta cheese, almond paste, and candied fruit. It used to be prepared during Easter time, but nowadays it can be found at any time of the year.

Granita

Granita with brioche is a typical Sicilian breakfast dish, especially during summer. It's a semi-frozen composite, flavored with lemon, almond or pistacchio. It's eaten mainly in East Sicily, but it's very common also in the area around Palermo.

Almond paste

Almond paste is also called "royal paste" due to its tastiness. This paste is prepared with almond seeds and it's used in many recipes. As you could see, it's also used in the preparation of cassata, giving it the special taste.

Our homes in Sicily
Our experiences in Sicily

September 30th, 2021