10 Dishes To Try In Milan
Wondering what Milan has to offer for your taste buds? Quite a lot, in fact! This city’s dishes are a blast of flavor. Did you know, for instance, that it’s the birthplace of the creamy risotto alla Milanese? Or that it’s the home of the original panettone, towering over every Italian Christmas table? If you’ve never heard of those, no worries! We’ve prepared a list of top must-try Milanese for you to try.
10 Milanese Dishes Every Tourist Must Try
The ten dishes we discuss below are the heart and soul of Milanese cuisine. If you are pressed with time, rent Ferrari Milan for the day — it’ll make hopping from one eatery to another doable and, most importantly, enjoyable.#1 Risotto alla Milanese
This is a golden treasure here. The dish is cooked slowly with rich broth and a pinch of saffron that gives it a gorgeous yellow hue. It’s creamy, heartwarming, and just melts in your mouth.Pair it with some osso buco, that’s veal shanks. The place you choose should be simmering it right there in their kitchen, filling the whole room with its inviting aroma.
#2 Cotoletta alla Milanese
Imagine a thick slice of veal, breaded and fried till it's crispy outside but still tender inside. This is Milan’s crunchy delight. Squeeze a bit of lemon over it, and the flavors just pop! Make sure you go somewhere they serve it fresh out of the kitchen — there’s nothing like that first hot, juicy bite.#3 Ossobuco
This is a showstopper. The veal shank is cooked so long and slow that it practically falls off the bone when you touch it. You get this rich, meaty sauce with it, perfect for dipping your bread.And don’t forget to scoop out the marrow from the bone — it’s a prized bite here. Locals love to savor it with some risotto, digging into both together for the perfect forkful.
#4 Panettone
You know it’s Christmas in Milan when you start seeing panettone everywhere. This sweet, tall bread is dotted with raisins and candied fruits. It’s light but rich, and folks here often enjoy it with a bit of mascarpone or dunked in their morning coffee.Pick one up from a local bakery where they bake them daily. You can really taste the difference when it’s fresh.
#5 Polenta
This one has made its way from simple farm tables to top Milanese restaurants. Polenta is creamy cornmeal, cooked up with a good dose of butter until it's silky smooth. It's typically served alongside some hearty meat or under a ladle of rich gorgonzola sauce. Eating this will definitely fill you up and keep you warm.
#6 Gorgonzola
Speaking of cheese, gorgonzola is a Melanese must-try. It’s bold, creamy, and just a bit tangy. In Milan, they drizzle a little honey over it or pair it with polenta for a mix of sweet and sharp flavors. Hit a local cheese shop to try different ages of gorgonzola as each one has its own character.#7 Cassoeula
If you're here in the colder months, cassoeula is the comfort food you need. It’s a thick stew made with pork ribs and cabbage, simmered until everything's tender and infused with flavor. Locals say you should eat it after the first frost for the best taste (that’s when the cabbage is perfect).#8 Minestrone alla Milanese
Forget what you know about minestrone. In Milan, they load it up. It’s thick with chunks of veggies, some rice or pasta, and a base of pork broth that brings it all together. It’s like a hug in a bowl. Grab a seat at a cozy spot where they serve it piping hot, and just enjoy.
#9 Michetta
Michetta is a Milanese favorite, crispy on the outside, airy inside. It's perfect for scooping up sauce or just a pat of butter. Try it fresh for breakfast. There’s nothing like a warm michetta to start your day.