5 Must-Try Street Foods in Bologna

Those with a love of Italian fare may know Bologna as Italy’s food capital, a title the city certainly lives up to. Known fondly as ‘La Grassa,’ meaning ‘the fat one,’ Bologna is home to favorites like ragu and tortelloni, but it also boasts a thriving street food scene, which you can likely attest to if you’ve been on any of my Bologna food tours.

If you’re on the hunt for some on-the-go food in Bologna, consider the following tasty treats as must-tries!

What Makes Bologna’s Street Food Unique?

The rich gastronomic traditions of the wider Emilia-Romagna region have influenced Bologna street food. After all, it’s the homeland of iconic Italian foods like prosciutto, parmigiano reggiano, and balsamic vinegar.

With this in mind, it’s easy to see why the city has such an exceptional reputation as a foodie haven. However, the culinary experiences extend beyond stylish ristorantes and laidback trattorias, as many delightful street food locations have popped up over time, including bustling markets and pop-up stalls.

The Best Street Foods to Try in Bologna

Mortadella

Mortadella is among Bologna’s most famous exports. Far from your average cold cut, mortadella is a type of salami made from cured pork, typically fused with chunks of pork fat, pistachios, and peppercorns. Together, these ingredients give mortadella its signature rich, slightly smokey flavor profile.

Like many foods, mortadella has a muddy history. Some trace it back to the Romans, who used mortar and pestle to turn meat into sausage. By the 1600s, it had become such a beloved delicacy that a production base was set up in Bologna to ensure each batch of mortadella was of a specific standard.

Where to Try It?

There’s no better way to enjoy mortadella than in a sandwich, and Mò Mortadella Lab makes the best ones in the business. Fluffy bread, milky burrata, and zingy sundried tomatoes are the perfect accompaniments for the silky mortadella and its buttery flavor.

Piadina

Piadina_food_Bologna

Flatbreads aren’t widely consumed throughout Italy, but after you taste piadina, you’ll begin to wonder why! It’s made from a simple but delicious blend of flour, water, salt, and olive oil, though the latter is sometimes substituted for lard. When cooked right, piadina is light and soft.

Piadina has a longer history than most foods. Although it dates back to 1200 BC, it surged in popularity throughout the Middle Ages when it was a staple for peasants in northern Italy.

Where to Try It?

There are a couple of stellar piadina spots in Bologna, but Piadineria la Piadeina always comes out on top for me. These guys whip up the softest piadina, and the topping options are incredible. I can’t recommend the pesto and prosciutto enough!

Fried Tortellini

Tortellini is a source of pride for Bologna natives, and I’ve usually enjoyed it cooked al dente, much like any other pasta. However, the locals here know how to utilize any leftovers should they prepare a tad too much pasta, which led to the creation of fried tortellini, which are as crunchy and flavorful as they sound.

It’s unclear exactly when fried tortellini became a hit, but it’s considered a pretty contemporary snack compared to other Bologna street foods.

Where to Try It?

I first tucked into these bite-sized treats in La Boutique della Sfoglia. Each morsel was golden, crisp, and oh-so-satisfying, and I could easily have eaten the entire pack in one sitting.

Ciccioli

Ciccioli may not sound the most appetizing, as they’re essentially dried-out chunks of pork fat, but don’t let this description turn you off. Trust me when I say that these chewy, spiced delights are exquisite. In most cases, the fatty pork remnants are cooked, compressed, and fried.

Despite ciccioli’s esteemed reputation among even the fussiest food enthusiasts, it has very modest roots. Since the 13th century, poorer members of society in Emilia-Romagna and surrounding regions made the most of available animal meat, including what we now know as ciccioli.

Where to Try It?

Tamburini was flagged as a must-visit by several friends of mine, and I can confirm that the rave traveler reviews and recommendations are justified. The ciccioli at this storied deli were even better than I’d imagined, full of contrasting textures and earthiness from the added nutmeg.

Crema Fritta

If you’re looking for some sweet Bologna street foods, crema fritta should be at the top of your list. Usually cube-shaped and crafted from flour, eggs, sugar, and a touch of lemon, these fried custard bites are to die for.

Though they’re believed to have originated in Venice, crema fritta are much-loved sugary treats in Bologna, too. They’re in high demand during Carnival, an annual pre-Lenten festival.

Where to Try It?

In the lead-up to Carnival, Paolo Atti & Figli Panificio make some of the most mouthwatering crema fritta. I found myself regularly returning to this traditional bakery to enjoy the smooth custard filling and crackling, lemon-imbued outer shell.

Where to Find Bologna’s Best Street Food

Marketplaces like Mercato di Mezzo and Mercato delle Erbe are at the heart of Bologna’s street food scene. In either, you’ll come across dozens of vendors dishing up some of the most popular Bologna street foods, along with plenty of international flavors if you’re looking for something a little different.

Outside of these markets, there are a slew of spots selling on-the-go snacks spread across the city. Some favorites of mine include Tigellino in the Quadrilatero area and Murtadela near the Parco della Montagnola.

Insider Tips for Enjoying Bologna’s Street Food

The best way to avoid crowds at local markets and eateries is to arrive early or during the week. However, if you want to experience a livelier atmosphere and don’t mind a short wait, visit over the weekend instead.
Bologna’s street food offerings are generally quite affordable, with most snacks coming in at less than €5.
There’s an Italian wine for almost every dish or treat! For instance, Lambrusco, a sparkling red, is the perfect match for a mortadella sandwich or ciccioli.