Parma on a Plate: A Guide to its Tasty Food Traditions

Parma is regarded as Italy’s culinary capital and, on this walking tour through its historic center, you’ll discover why. I’ll reveal the city’s deep connection to its rich food traditions while you learn about its past, feast on its present, and salivate over its future. Throughout your walk, I’ll tell you about local eating habits, starting with the first course and finishing with dessert. I’ll introduce you to what is known as the Parmigian Menu.

Our tasty tour starts in front of the Governor’s Palace at Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, where you’ll discover the city’s Roman origins. The first suggestions are going to be for a delicious antipasto and a typical fresh local pasta. Then you’ll pass the Basilica di Santa Maria della Steccata on your way to a discovery of Parma’s best-known export, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese. As you make your way you will appreciate the wonderful Duomo di Parma and the Battisterio, During this part I’ll share some of my favorite recipes for main dishes and tell you which wines to pair them with. As we circle back to our starting point, I’ll share a little-known secret about Parma’s best desserts, from pastries to ice creams, that you won’t find in restaurants!

On this culinary journey, you’ll have the chance to:

• Stroll along the elegant streets of Italy’s Little Paris and spot the stylish locals responsible for the city’s nickname
• See the Teatro Regio, a prominent opera house and the city’s point of pride, where Luciano Pavarotti and Maria Callas have performed
• Connect with the main characters of the local food economy and visit traditional stores showcasing Parmigian delicacies, including, Prosciutto, Culatello, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
• Be amazed by the Violets of Parma at the Violetta Di Parma Borsari Negozio Storico, a boutique inspired by the city’s famous flowers. These flowers became synonymous with the city after the Duchess of Parma, Marie Louise (who was also Napoleon’s second wife) expressed her fondness for them
• Visit a horse butchery or Cavallaio, a sacred place for Parmigian foodies, and hear about the region’s fascination with this premium meat
• Discover why students won’t enter the Battisterio before they graduate
• Find the city’s best paninis at Da Pepèn, enjoy the finest pizza at Panificio Castagnoli, and sample famous sparkling wines as Malvasia and Lambrusco at the Enoteca Fontana
• Grab a Caffe al Volo (a coffee to go) and take a selfie in the city’s most stylish street, Borgo Giacomo Tommasini

At the end of this culinary tour, you’ll be able to savor the Parmigiani Menu like the locals do – slowly, step by step – while taking the proper time to celebrate and enjoy life.