Top 9 Culinary Specialties of Cagliari

Sardinian cuisine has everything to make one jealous. All the dishes have unparalleled precision and elegance. Pasta prepared in a thousand and one ways, pizzas galore, endless cheese varieties, exceptional wines - Sardinian cuisine makes many of us envious.

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1- Malloreddus

Malloreddus are the most popular and consumed pasta in Sardinia. Also called gnocchetis due to their shape, malloreddus are typically cooked with a local sauce: Campidanese sauce. It consists of a tomato sauce accompanied by Sardinian sausage. The whole dish is garnished with pecorino shavings, a famous sheep's cheese also from Sardinia. This delicious meal is mainly served for special occasions like weddings. It pairs very well with a local dry white wine like Giancu Vermentino di Sardegna.

2- Pecorino

Known in all corners of the globe, pecorino needs no introduction. This succulent cheese made from sheep's milk is consumed in a large number of dishes. Whether grated or in shavings, you can find this cheese on your pizzas, in your pasta, and even during an aperitif on a small piece of bread. Its dry texture and strong flavor delight our palates.

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3- Zuppa gallurese

Zuppa gallurese is a tradition from the Gallura region in Sardinia. Its name is misleading - it's not a soup, but rather a hearty dish. Once cooked, this dish looks more like a lasagna. To make it, thick slices of stale bread are soaked in meat broth so they're well saturated. Then, a good dose of pecorino adds additional flavor to this dish. Repeat this step two to three times before baking it for about thirty minutes. This dish was once consumed by shepherds who used leftover stale bread to make a substantial meal. Today, this dish is an integral part of Sardinian culture.

4- Culurgiones

Culurgiones are the official ravioli of Sardinia. The pasta is made from durum wheat semolina and water. The filling can vary. The traditional recipe calls for a filling made of potatoes and pecorino, garlic and mint, often served with tomato sauce and basil. The shape of these ravioli-like pasta is very elaborate. They are closed in a half-moon shape and beautifully decorated. This meticulous work makes this dish a festive meal served for special occasions. It's one of the most appreciated dishes by Italians.

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5- Tripe Cagliaritana style

Tripe Cagliaritana style is a substantial dish typical of Sardinian cuisine. It's a stew prepared with pork tripe, accompanied by tomatoes, onions, mint and local saffron, which is renowned for its quality. Everything is boiled together for a long time. The saffron is added at the end of cooking. Seasoned with grated pecorino, this dish pairs wonderfully with Sardinian red wine.

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6- Fregula

Fregula is a type of pasta that resembles couscous more. The pasta is shaped into small balls and made from durum wheat semolina. They are baked before being served mainly either with broth or with clams. It's now possible to find this dish in restaurants accompanied by mushrooms or meat.

7- Seadas

Seadas are THE emblematic dessert of Sardinia. It was once used as a main dish, but the amount of honey now makes it a dessert in its own right. It's a small pastry made from semolina flour and lard. Once the dough is ready, let it rest for about thirty minutes. Meanwhile, pecorino is grated and mixed with lemon zest. This mixture is then placed on the dough before covering it. Everything is fried and then covered with honey.

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8- Sardinian red wine

Sardinian red wine is not the most popular in Italy. However, it enjoys strong popularity and is gradually rising among exceptional Italian wines. The Is Solinas Carignano del Sulcis Riserva wine by Argiolas is very renowned on the island. Produced near Cagliari, this wine with aromas of blackberry, sour cherry and currant jelly pairs perfectly with spicy dishes and good cheeses.

9- Mirto

To finish a hearty meal, nothing beats a good local digestif. This liqueur is produced from Sardinian myrtle, small berries popular on the island. It's a drink not to be missed during your stay.