• Food & Wine

Eating in Lodi: starters to dessert

From cheese to amaretto biscuits, here's all you need to know to indulge in some delicious Lodi specialities

Fancy stopping in Lodi for lunch? We have put together a guide about the gastronomic delights that are waiting to be discovered. Enjoy some delicious local Lodi dishes!

 

As well as being a sight to behold, the natural and artistic beauty of Lodigiano also whets your appetite somewhat. After a relaxing stroll surrounded by nature or a sightseeing excursion to explore the legacy of times gone by, take a break to taste the mouthwatering recipes typical of the area. Just a taste? This comprehensive menu will impress even the most demanding foodies.

What to eat in Lodi: let's start with starters!
A good meal featuring Lodi dishes simply has to start with Pes en carpiòn, an appetizer made of small freshwater fish that are fried and then macerated in water and vinegar. Fritadine is another traditional speciality, a warm omelette garnished with raspadüra: a Parmesan type cheese (usually mature Granone lodigiano) cut into thin sheets with a large, flat knife. Raspadüra, which takes its name from the way it is "raschiato" or "scraped", is also used as an accompaniment to salami, walnuts or mushrooms, or to garnish first courses (such as risotto or polenta). Originally it was popular as a cheap food made from imperfect wheels of grana cheese, but today it is made with high quality mature cheese. 

Remember that local cheeses are considered to be the jewel in the crown of Lodi's specialities. If you're a cheese lover you should try Pannerone, which takes its name from “panera” meaning “cream” in the local Lombardy dialect. This cheese is made from unpasteurised cow's milk, it is not salted and best eaten young is only matured for a short period. It is perfect in risotto or served with honey and poached pears. With a slightly bitter aftertaste it is an excellent after-dinner cheese. 

A first class first course in Lodi: Risotto
Rice is an essential feature of your perfect traditional Lodi menu. The Lodi area produces plentiful rice crops. A hearty dish of Rišòt rugnùš is a must, this risotto is made with tomato sauce and diced salami, then served with butter and cheese. This is one of the most typical dishes of Lodigiano, along with Rišòt cun verše and fasöi, made with chopped cabbage and borlotti beans. 

A unique taste of traditional Lodigiano: Büseca  
Another highlight of Lodigiano cuisine has to be the tripe based Büseca: an unusual dish that blends authenticity, simplicity and flavour, and is most notably served on the feast of Lodi's patron saint, Saint Bassiano, on 19 January. This local recipe involves stewing tripe with lots of vegetables and a meat broth, until it is tender and tasty. 
To finish it off, the dish is served with a generous helping of grated Granone cheese.

Traditional Lodi second courses
A second course is definitely on the menu to fully enjoy a meal of Lodi specialities. After the risotto, there is always room on the table for Pulpéte ligàde, pork loin rolls stuffed with grana cheese and breadcrumbs. Rane en ümid is also worth a try, this dish of roasted frogs is accompanied by a tasty tomato, garlic and parsley sauce. 

An exquisite ending: typical Lodigiano desserts
As well as the famous Tortionata, a delicious classic Lodi dessert, we recommend you try the Torta Sabbiosa di Maleo, served with rum or cognac cream, and Bertuldina, a very soft cake with a slightly crunchy surface. Alternatives to classic cakes include Meìn, which are made with butter and flour and best enjoyed crumbled in milk or cream (these are a November favourite), Crema Lodigiana, prepared with eggs and mascarpone cheese, and Amaretti di Sant'Angelo, based on a traditional recipe dating back to the early 19th century. 

On the same topic

Gorgonzola

A DOP cheese from the Province of Milan
  • Food & Wine
Gorgonzola

Garda s olive oil

Recognized by everyone as an exceptional oil, especially when paired with certain dishes. Its freshness and delicacy are increasingly appreciated throughout Europe
  • Food & Wine
Garda’s Olive Oil

Wines of Valtellina

The extreme variety of the Lombardy territories is reflected in a very wide range of absolutely fine and famous red and white wines all over the world
  • Food & Wine
Discover and savor the wines of Valtellina

Christmas sweets in Lombardy

Christmas is on its way. The confectionery tradition in Lombardy is rich and varied, and each province has its own typical dessert.
  • Food & Wine
Christmas sweets in Lombardy

Bagnaria Cherries

The Cherry of Bagnaria is part of the important network of the National Association of "Cities of Cherries."
  • Food & Wine
Ciliege di Bagnaria

Grana padano

Typical Italian DOP cheese
  • Food & Wine
Grana Padano

Lake Garda, olives and lemon houses

Calm waters and mountains landscapes, olives and lemon houses, an exceptional extra virgin olive oil
  • Food & Wine
Sirmione, Garda lake

Wine Cellars in Casteggio

An ancient village in the Oltrepò Pavese, rich in high quality vineyards
  • Food & Wine
Wine cellars in Casteggio, a hidden treasure

Eating at Lake Iseo

Between fish and good wine
  • Food & Wine
Dried Sardines: eat them with Polenta

Crotti in Valchiavenna

Discovering the natural cellars formed under the boulders of ancient landslides from which the "sorel" blows
  • Food & Wine
Valchiavenna@inLombardia_Adobestock

Franciacorta Wine

An ancient art that unites, in perfect union, with the most modern technologies and the mastery of the winemakers of the territory
  • Food & Wine
Franciacorta wine, an international success

The appetizers of the Lombardic tradition

We bring the traditional Lombardic gastronomic culture back to the table, starting with appetizers
  • Food & Wine
The appetizers of the Lombardic tradition

Taleggio

Taleggio DOP, a great talent of Italian cuisine makes Italians good forks, true gourmets
  • Food & Wine
Taleggio

Cremona Local Products Guide

meats and cheeses characterize the Cremonese gastronomy
  • Food & Wine
Cremona local products guide, gourmet experiences

Salame d’Oca Ecumenico

The Salame d’Oca di Mortara IGP is an outstanding product of Lomellina’s gastronomic tradition.
  • Food & Wine
Salame d'Oca

Wine and Flavor Trail Oltrepò Pavese

Oltrepo Pavese has always been recognized for its wines and most of those who have had the pleasure of going to this part of the province of Pavia, will remember above all its hills and stretches of vine rows
  • Food & Wine
Wine and Flavor Trail in Oltrepò Pavese, history taste and traditions

Oltrepò Pavese, le Vie del Gusto

The tranquil Oltrepò is the home of 36 DOC-certified wines, which accompany a traditional cuisine with its roots in Italy’s remote history
  • Food & Wine
Salame di Varzi

Le Palle di Agilulfo

A traditional dessert from Lomello
  • Food & Wine
Le Palle di Agilulfo

Cotoletta a la Milanese Recipe

His secret? Cutlet, breadcrumbs and... fry in a frying pan with bubbling butter
  • Food & Wine
Cotoletta a la Milanese recipe, a world famous delicacy

Flavors and Products from Garda

Lake Garda is an ideal place for gourmets and wine lovers
  • Food & Wine
Discover the flavors and products from Garda