Piedmont is a culinary mecca of a region in Italy. Known for many local delicacies like truffle, hazelnuts, and chocolate, this northwestern Italian region proves that Italian cuisine is far beyond just pizza and pasta. In my experience from having been all over the country, Piedmont has some of the most unique dishes in Italian cuisine. Without further ado, here’s what to eat when visiting Torino, Alba, Asti, Barolo, or any of the other towns and cities here.
Pro-Tip: If you’re looking for further assistance in organizing a trip to PIedmont, Langhe Experience can help with food, wine, hotel, and activities in the region.
Tajarin with truffle
Tajarin pasta is made with strictly egg yolks, giving it a seriously rich flavor. It’s cut into thin, short strands, somewhat similar to spaghetti (but still quite distinct). It is best served in a simple butter sauce, and since you are in the land of truffles, you’d be foolish to not add some black (or white–if you’re in season) truffle to your tajarin. I added an entire black truffle to mine when in Alba for only 5 extra euro!
Battuta
Battuta is simply Italy’s version of beef tartare. It’s often simply mixed with some good quality olive oil, salt, and pepper, and sometimes, a little bit of Parmigiano Reggiano, to really let the flavor shine through.
Pro-Tip: If you have time to spare in Turin, the region’s capital, embark on this street food tour.
Vitello Tonnato
Now, for the most divisive dish in Piedmont–vitello tonnato. This cold appetizer is not very appealing to look at, and many will argue that its taste is just as off-putting. It’s definitely a love it or hate it, but I personally really enjoyed it! Vitello tonnato is simply thinly sliced boiled veal topped with a bright yellow sauce consisting of tuna, hardboiled eggs, anchovies, and some lemon.
Insalata Russa
When I arrived to Torino, which was my first stop in Piedmont, it was quite late at night. With a grumbling belly, I ran to one of the last remaining restaurants open, and they told me their kitchen was about to close but offered to make me something fast. I ordered “insalata russa,” thinking it meant red salad. You can imagine my surprise when a dish of cold potatoes mixed with peas and some mystery fish arrived before me. That’s because “russa” is translation for Russian, not red (that would be “rosso!”). It was not my favorite thing I ate in Piedmont, but I’m forever grateful a random restaurant in Torino was willing to feed me at nearly midnight.
Agnolotti di Plin
To redeem from one of my least favorite dishes in Piedmont, let’s jump to one of my favorites: agnolotti di plin. Agnolotti are simply small stuffed pastas, and the Piedmontese version is stuffed with lamb. They feel like warm, soft, little lamb pillows. I ate these in Alba, so naturally, I got them completely covered in truffle, which I’d highly recommend. They were served in a simple warm butter sauce, which I found to be a trend with pasta in Piedmont.
Gnocchi with Castelmagno Cheese
Speaking of soft pillows of pasta, gnocchi with Castelmagno cheese is a must when in Piedmont. Castelmagno cheese has a slight funk without being too overpowering. It also has a milky taste to it–it kind of reminds me of if Brie and Fontina had a baby. Regardless, gnocchi with castelmagno cheese is a common dish found on Piedmontese menus, and a filling, hearty one, at that.
Tonda gentile alla Langhe
Everyone knows Piedmont is one of the best places in the country to get truffles, but did you know the region is also home to some of the best hazelnuts in the world? Here, you’ll want to try tonda gentile alla Langhe, also known as Nocciola Trilobata Piemonte. These hazelnuts have an intense aroma, and are the reason why you’ll find many hazelnut dishes, both sweet and savory, throughout the region.
Barolo wine
Made with Nebbiolo grapes, Barolo wine is the most iconic wine of the Piedmont region. This red wine varietal has notes of tobacco and ripe berries, and while it can be found on basically every menu at any proper Piedmontese restaurant, the best way to get a taste is by booking a wine tour.
- Wine tour tasting in the heart of the Langhe
- From Alba: Barolo and Barbaresco Wine Tasting
- Wine tasting in Turin city center.
Bicerin
Bicerin is primarily found in Torino (Turin), the region’s capital. The best place to get it in town is Caffé al Bicerin–but what exactly is it? It’s a hot drink made of chocolate, espresso, and milk, separated by distinct layers (don’t you dare mix it!). It’s absolutely incredible, not too sweet thanks to the bitter notes of the coffee, and is simply a must when visiting Torino.
Gianduja Gelato
Last but certainly not least, let’s end on a sweet note with Gianduja Gelato. Since Piedmont is the birthplace of Nutella (Alba, specifically), you simply must try some gianduja, or chocolate and hazelnut, gelato. If you want to really go for the hazelnut flavor, opt for nocciole instead (or a mix of the two).
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