A Sicilian Food Guide: What To Eat In Sicily

Sicily is an island home to unique culinary traditions thanks to a rich history of different cultural influences. This is my complete guide to Sicilian food and, most importantly, a look at what to eat in Sicily!

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With a history of dominance by many different cultures, including Arabs, Normans and the Spanish, it’s no surprise that Sicily has such unique culinary traditions when compared to Italy as a whole. In fact, prior to 1861, Sicily was its own independent nation and therefore the food that you will see on menus across Sicily will be so special and distinctive that some plan trips here solely to experience the food.

Sicilian food draws significant influence from its proximity to Africa, its relationship with the Mediterranean Sea as well as from the Ancient Greeks and their fascination with street food. From deep fried balls of rice with meat sauce to pasta dishes local to only a few cities in the west, from seafood couscous to spleen sandwiches, you can honestly be sure to find a local specialty that will become your favourite.

Any trip to Sicily wouldn’t be complete without embracing the dishes that this island is so famous for. I’m here to help guide you through exactly what you should eat in Sicily (and perhaps what you shouldn’t) so let’s do this!

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HERE’S WHAT TO EAT IN SICILY

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Arancine / Arancini

The best example of Sicilian food is the humble Arancine / Arancini (feminine arancine in the west, masculine arancini in the east) – deep fried balls of rice, cheese and, ordinarily, ragu (meat sauce). Dating back to the 10th century, this was a great way to use leftover rice yet now you’ll find this iconic street food dish on every street corner with many different fillings to choose from. There is no way that you can come to Sicily without grabbing an arancine to fuel your adventures. Be careful though, they are hotter than the sun!

Caponata

Caponata is often thought of as the most quintessential Sicilian dish. It’s a dish full of contrast with a sweet and sour taste emanating from the stewed Mediterranean vegetables, olives, raisins and red wine vinegar. Whilst it sounds like a very basic dish, the Sicilian’s elevate the humble aubergine and other vegetables to new heights. This is a dish that is often served barely warm as a ‘small plate’ and actually turned out to be one of my favourite things to eat in Sicily.

It’s something that I can see myself making back at home though I’m not sure I’d ever come close to replicating the quality of the ones I tried. This is especially true as many Sicilians use a different cooking process for each vegetable meaning that making caponata is actually quite timing consuming and a real labour of love!

Panelle

Another fine example of Sicilian street food, panelle are chickpea fritters made from chickpea flour, salt and pepper before being deep fried. You can eat panelle simply by themselves or, within a sandwich, which is popular within Palermo.

Crocchè

The classically French potato croquette can be found across Sicily commonly added to the aperitivo board and often are stuffed inside the Pane Panelle along with the chickpea fritters.

Pani câ Meusa

Well, this is certainly one of those things to eat in Sicily that’s either a try it once and just something that many will steer well away from, especially the vegetarians. Pani ca Meusa is popular with locals on the streets of Palermo though I’m not exactly sure why. You’ll find a soft sesame roll filled with boiled spleen and, if you’re lucky, a slice of lemon to add some extra flavour. I tried it, I guess I felt like I just had to, but I only managed just a few bites.

Stigghiole

Another of Sicily’s more out there things to eat, I saw Stigghiole, intestines perhaps with a spring onion in the middle, cooking on flaming grills all across Palermo in particular at Ballaro Market. Not something I wished to try but, nevertheless, this is one of the local Palermites favourite street food offerings.

Busiate alla Trapanese

This distinctive pasta dish is unique to Trapani, a beautiful port city on the west coast of Sicily, and is divine. What makes it so unique is the particular type of pasta used; a long spiral pasta called ‘busiate’, along with the topping of pesto made from almonds, tomatoes, basil, garlic and pecorino cheese. Whilst predominantly vegetarian, I did find that many places add fresh seafood too especially in Mazara del Vallo.

Sfincione

Sfincione is Sicily’s answer to traditional Italian pizza. We’re not talking Neapolitan style pizzas here, sfincione is thicker like foccacia topped with fresh tomato sauce, a dusting of herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. I grabbed a slice from a non-descript cart in Ballaro Market and, if he wasn’t packing up for the day, I would have gone straight back for another one!

Pasta alla Norma

We head across the island to Catania for another top pasta dish that you must eat in Sicily! Pasta alla Norma incorporates many of Sicily’s key ingredients so you’ll find fried aubergines, slow cooked tomatoes, basil and ricotta salata cheese.

Ammaru Russu

The Ammaru Russu is a famous red shrimp hailing from the town of Mazara del Vallo; one of the largest fishing ports in Sicily. The shrimp is served raw and has a very unique flavour. You’ll find the Ammaru Russu on fish platters and even in pasta dishes! Ristorante L’Antica Sicilia is a highly rated restaurant in Mazara del Vallo if you’re looking for somewhere to try this delicious red shrimp.

Cannoli

First up as we head into the sweet section of this list is Sicily’s trademark dessert; cannoli (or technically cannolo for singular). We’re talking a fried pastry shell filled with sweetened ricotta and often topped with chocolate and pistachios. Whilst they come in many different sizes, obviously the best cannolo is the largest one possible!

Brioche con Gelato

Brioche con Gelato is a match made in heaven; huge scoops of beautiful gelato heaped inside of a soft, fluffy brioche bun – wow. This one is pretty much a meal in itself but, if there’s only one thing you choose to order from this list of things to eat in Sicily, this has to be it! If you’re in Palermo, order the salted caramel Brioche con Gelato from Cappadonia Gelati (one of the best places to eat in Palermo) and thank me later!

Granita

Similar to gelato, this is a refreshing alternative with the base ingredient being water instead of milk. Think of granita as a thick slushy with both pistachio and lemon being my ‘go-to’ flavours; perfect in the Sicilian sun. Like Brioche con Gelato, you can often order a brioche alongside to dip in your granita and even whipped cream as a topping!

Cassata Siciliana

Wrapping up with ultimate list of exactly what you need to eat in Sicily, is Cassata Siciliana, a dessert that is instantly recognisable with its green marzipan casing (covering liqueur soaked sponge), sweetened white ricotta and a little red cherry on top. A nice little touch towards the Italian flag too… Absolutely delicious, I could have eaten more than one of these!

What do you think? Bet you’re hungry now and immediately planning a trip to Sicily! I would return tomorrow if only for the food! Now where’s the Amaro?

WHERE NEXT?

11 GREAT PLACES TO EAT IN PALERMO
A GUIDE TO ZINGARO NATURE RESERVE
A GUIDE TO MAZARA DEL VALLO
ON THE STREETS: MAZARA DEL VALLO
ON THE STREETS: PALERMO
THE 10 BEST BARS IN PALERMO
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN TRAPANI
A GUIDE TO VISITING SELINUNTE ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK
EXPLORE ‘IL GRANDE CRETTO’ IN GIBELLINA
PALERMO CITY GUIDE: 17 THINGS TO DO IN PALERMO

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