Rome is a city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and of course, its delicious food. While the city is filled with upscale restaurants serving traditional Roman dishes, one of the best ways to experience the true culinary culture of Rome is through its street food. From savory snacks to sweet treats, Roman street food offers a diverse range of flavors that will satisfy any foodie’s cravings. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the must-try street food in Rome.
1. Suppli
Suppli are a popular Roman street food that is essentially deep-fried rice balls filled with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce. The outside is crispy and golden brown, while the inside is gooey and cheesy. These tasty treats are often enjoyed as a quick snack or appetizer, and can be found at most street food vendors throughout the city.
2. Panini
While panini are a beloved Italian sandwich that can be found all over the country, Roman panini have their own unique flair. A classic Roman panino typically consists of crusty bread filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and condiments. One of the most popular Roman panini is the panino con porchetta, which features succulent slices of roasted pork seasoned with herbs and spices.
3. Pizza al Taglio
Pizza al Taglio, or pizza by the slice, is a popular street food in Rome that can be found at pizzerias and bakeries throughout the city. This type of pizza is typically rectangular in shape and is sold by weight. Pizza al Taglio comes in a variety of toppings, from classic Margherita to more adventurous combinations like prosciutto and arugula. It’s the perfect grab-and-go snack for when you’re exploring the streets of Rome.
4. Trapizzino
A relative newcomer to the Roman street food scene, the trapizzino is a delicious hybrid of a pizza and a sandwich. It consists of a triangle-shaped piece of pizza bianca (a type of Roman flatbread) that is stuffed with a filling of your choice, such as braised meat, vegetables, or cheese. Trapizzini are a quick and tasty option for a casual meal on the go.
5. Cannoli
No visit to Rome would be complete without trying a classic cannoli. These sweet treats consist of a crispy shell filled with a creamy ricotta filling and are often flavored with chocolate chips, candied fruit, or nuts. Cannoli can be found at many pastry shops and bakeries throughout the city, and make for the perfect dessert or snack to enjoy while wandering the streets of Rome.
6. Gelato
While gelato is not technically considered a street food, no visit to Rome would be complete without indulging in this creamy, frozen treat. Gelaterias can be found on almost every corner in Rome, offering a wide variety of flavors ranging from traditional favorites like pistachio and stracciatella to more inventive combinations like ricotta and pear. Whether you prefer a classic cone or a decadent sundae, gelato is a must-try when in Rome.
7. Porchetta
Porchetta is a traditional Roman dish that consists of roasted pork belly seasoned with herbs, garlic, and fennel. While porchetta is typically served as a main dish, it is also a popular street food in Rome. You can find vendors selling porchetta sandwiches, which feature slices of the juicy, flavorful meat stuffed into crusty bread and drizzled with olive oil. It’s the perfect savory snack to enjoy while exploring the city.
8. Arancini
Arancini are deep-fried rice balls that are a popular street food throughout Italy, including Rome. These delicious snacks are typically filled with ragu, mozzarella cheese, and peas, although variations with other fillings are also available. The outside of the arancini is crispy and golden brown, while the inside is warm, cheesy, and savory. They are the perfect handheld snack to enjoy while on the go.
9. Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e Pepe is a classic Roman pasta dish that consists of spaghetti tossed with Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and a bit of pasta water to create a creamy sauce. While it is traditionally served as a sit-down meal in restaurants, you can also find vendors selling portable versions of this beloved dish. Cacio e Pepe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal while exploring the streets of Rome.
10. Maritozzi
Maritozzi are sweet brioche buns filled with whipped cream and sometimes chocolate chips or candied fruit. They are a popular snack or dessert in Rome, particularly during the Easter season when they are often enjoyed with a glass of wine. Maritozzi can be found at bakeries and cafes throughout the city and are the perfect indulgence for those with a sweet tooth.
In conclusion, Rome’s street food scene offers a diverse range of flavors and culinary delights that are sure to satisfy any foodie’s cravings. From savory snacks like suppli and porchetta to sweet treats like cannoli and gelato, there is something for everyone to enjoy while exploring the streets of Rome. So next time you find yourself in the Eternal City, be sure to indulge in some of these delicious street foods for a true taste of Roman culinary culture. Buon appetito!
