Sicily and the street food: the best markets to visit

Sicily is a gastronomic paradise and one of the most exciting places of the world when it comes to street food. The Sicilian cuisine is known for its remarkable Italian quality and attention to fresh ingredients on one hand and the Greek, Norman, Arab and Spanish influences on the other. They have all made their presence clear and felt in the Sicilian street food, so it without doubt boasts a special role in world cuisine. Markets are the best place to soak in this gastronomic experience, so they are truly worth your visit.

In Palermo, among the most famous and crowded markets there are Mercato di Ballarò and Mercato del Capo. These are very lively markets where almost every seller is shouting to offer his merchandise, and the scent of fried panelle, or chickpea fritters, arancini, fried rice balls, and sfincione, a thick, spongy pizza-like bread topped with tomatoes and onions — fills the air. Though these markets are all full of life, they can be crowdy, especially during rush hours. For a less crowded yet equally memorable and authentic experience, head to Mercato della Vucciria in Palermo. Once a major trading hub, this market is quieter today but still offers a great selection of street food such as, among all, stigghiola, grilled lamb guts, pane con la milza, a sandwich filled with pork spleen, and pollanche, boiled corn cobs. If you’re going after a more relaxed vibe, this is a great spot without the chaos of larger crowds.

In the southeastern region near Syracuse, the Ortigia Market stands out as a must-visit location. Situated in the heart of Ortigia, the historical center of Syracuse, this market is the perfect balance between energic activity and a manageable crowd size. Here, you’ll find local specialties such as fresh seafood, an array of cheeses like pecorino siciliano and brioche con gelato for a desert, which is a sweet roll filled with ice cream. Also don’t miss the frutta martorana, brightly coloured almond paste sweets in the shape of fruit, that is an another remarkable Sicilian specialty.

The fresh Syracusian seafood deserves a special highlight, so try the grilled octopus or the sardines marinated in olive oil and lemon there. Ortigia Market is the perfect location to get these delicacies, but also more refined ones if one desires a touch of class. Syracuse is in general a special place for everything classy, so consider rewarding yourself with the stay at the best luxury hotel in Syracuse, where your culinary journey could be completed in style. If you want quieter markets, they are usually available in the smaller towns in the area surrounding Syracuse. You can have a relaxed visit to the markets of towns like Avola or Noto and sample local treats-granita with brioche or artisanal honey.

Most importantly, remember: if you head to any Sicilian market, there are things you should not leave without having tasted. Arancini, golden-fried rice balls stuffed with ragù, mozzarella, or pistachio cream, are the most famous Sicilian snacks among all.

Another must-to-try thing is panelle, light, thin chickpea fritters, mostly served in sandwiches.

Be sure to see both the hustle and bustle and the tranquility of these markets to understand what Sicily has to offer. And, of course, leave room in your itinerary – and your stomach – for the specialties that make Sicilian street food world-renowned.