Milan isn’t just known for being Italy’s capital of fashion and design. It’s also a city with rich history, stunning architecture, and (like the rest of Italy) delicious cuisine. While the metropolis is renowned for its high-end shopping and dining experiences, there’s one hidden culinary gem that has locals and tourists alike lining up for a taste: Panzerotti Luini. This historic bakery, tucked away just behind the iconic Duomo, specializes in a scrumptious Italian snack called panzerotti.
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Panzerotti Is the Deep-Fried Italian Snack That's a Culinary Staple of Milan
The history of Panzerotti Luini
Panzerotti Luini’s story began in 1949 when founder Giuseppina Luini brought her family’s traditional Puglian recipe for panzerotti to Milan. Her goal was to introduce the city to this delicious, crescent-shaped pastry filled with a variety of mouthwatering ingredients. Fast forward to today, and Panzerotti Luini has become an institution in Milan, with long queues of eager customers waiting to savor their delectable panzerotti.
Despite the popularity and growth of Panzerotti Luini over the years, the bakery remains committed to maintaining the quality and authenticity of their panzerotti. The dough is still prepared using Giuseppina Luini’s original recipe, and the fillings are made using only the freshest, high-quality ingredients. This dedication to excellence has solidified Panzerotti Luini’s reputation as a must-visit destination for food lovers visiting Milan.
What is panzerotti?
Panzerotti is a traditional Italian snack that originates from the Puglia region in southern Italy. It is essentially a small, crescent-shaped pastry made from soft, leavened dough that is filled with various ingredients and then deep-fried or sometimes baked until golden and crispy.
Often compared to a calzone, panzerotti is smaller in size and typically deep-fried instead of baked, resulting in a crispier texture. Panzerotti has gained popularity not only in Italy but also around the world, with many Italian bakeries and restaurants offering their own versions.
The classic panzerotto at Luini is filled with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce, creating a delightful combination of flavors that perfectly complement the golden, crispy exterior. However, the bakery also offers an array of other fillings, including spinach and ricotta, ham and cheese, and even sweet options like Nutella or apple and cinnamon.