1 If you’re in Puglia, the vibrant food culture of Brindisi is one to savour. With its natural harbour, Brindisi has long been an important stop on trading routes to countries around the Mediterranean, as well as further afield to India, the Middle East and Japan. Thanks to this frequent contact with faraway cultures, the cuisine of Brindisi incorporates exotic flavours and spices. Don’t be surprised to see dishes such as curried prawn risotto or anchovies marinated with star anise and juniper on the menu.
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2 The food here celebrates its close links to the sea. Look out for sea urchins (ricci), oysters (ostriche) and grouper or stone bass (cernia), cooked and served simply or combined in the typical fish soup ciambotto. Also try tiella, a baked dish of rice, potatoes and mussels, similar to Spanish paella.