Ischia, the green island in the Gulf of Naples, is not only a paradise of thermal waters and breathtaking landscapes, but also a place where culinary tradition expresses itself in all its richness. The typical dishes of Ischia are a true treasure trove of authentic flavors, which tell the story and culture of this land.
Typical dishes of Ischia
Ischian cuisine is a perfect combination of the flavors of the sea and the land, with particular attention to fresh and seasonal ingredients. Among the typical dishes, the following stand out:
- Ischitan Rabbit: a symbol of local gastronomy, this dish sees the rabbit slowly cooked in a terracotta pan with cherry tomatoes, garlic, chili pepper, white wine and aromatic herbs. An explosion of flavors that will conquer your palate.
- La Zingara: a sandwich filled with raw ham, mozzarella, tomato and lettuce, grilled and served hot. An explosion of simple and irresistible taste.
- Spaghetti with Clams: a classic of Campania cuisine, prepared with clams, garlic, extra virgin olive oil and fresh parsley. A dish that smells of the sea and tradition.
- Pizza di Scarola: a savory pie filled with scarola, olives, capers and anchovies, ideal for a light lunch or a picnic on the beach.
- Pasta with beans and mussels: a first course that combines the flavours of the land and the sea.
Ischitan Rabbit
Rabbit Ischia style is a symbolic dish of the local peasant tradition. The high-quality rabbit meat is cooked in a terracotta pan with simple ingredients such as garlic, oil, white wine, cherry tomatoes and spices. In some variations, the rabbit is used to prepare a ragù to season pasta, in particular bucatini, served with parmesan. Rabbit farming in Ischia is carried out with methods that guarantee greater freedom for the animals, giving the meat a unique flavour and consistency.
La Zingara
La zingara is a typical sandwich from Ischia, simple but tasty, made of bread stuffed with raw ham, mozzarella fior di latte, tomato, mayonnaise and lettuce. Invented on the island, it has become a traditional dish loved by tourists and locals, perfect for a quick lunch or a snack.
Spaghetti with clams
Spaghetti with clams, or seafood, is an unmissable dish from the Gulf of Naples, full of shrimp, squid, cuttlefish, octopus, lupins and mussels. They can be prepared plain or with the addition of vegetables such as courgettes and cherry tomatoes or tomato sauce. A culinary experience to be enjoyed by the sea, enjoying the scent of saltiness and the sun.
Pizza di scarole
The Ischian pizza di scarola is distinguished from the Campania version by its preparation: instead of being baked in the oven, it is often fried like a calzone. The basic filling, with escarole, olives, capers, anchovies and pine nuts, is enriched in Forio with cooked wine and sometimes walnuts and raisins, making it a caloric but particularly tasty dish.
Pasta and beans with mussels
Pasta and beans with mussels is a typical Neapolitan first course, enriched in Ischia with the addition of mussels for a unique flavor. Tradition calls for the use of “pasta mischiata”, a mix of pasta leftovers, following the philosophy of no waste. This “sea and mountains” dish enhances the flavors of seafood and legumes.
Where to taste the typical dishes of Ischia
To fully savor the typical dishes of Ischia, we recommend visiting the family-run trattorias and restaurants, where you can enjoy traditional cuisine in an authentic and welcoming atmosphere. Many of these places use zero-mile ingredients, from local crops, guaranteeing freshness and authenticity.
A trip to Ischia is not complete without tasting its typical dishes. Let yourself be conquered by the authentic flavors of this land and you will live an unforgettable culinary experience.
