{"id":1365,"date":"2011-08-29T14:56:19","date_gmt":"2011-08-29T13:56:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/walks.friday.ie\/?p=1365"},"modified":"2025-12-16T11:45:17","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T11:45:17","slug":"food-from-bologna-parma-emilia-romagna-italy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-from-bologna-parma-emilia-romagna-italy","title":{"rendered":"Best Food in Bologna & Emilia-Romagna, The Italian Food Valley"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are few regions in Italy more famous for food than Emilia-Romagna, the huge region in Italy that’s home to Bologna, Parma and Modena. And with good reason! Part of the valley is even known as the “Italian Food Valley<\/a>” because of all of the amazing cuisine it creates. Keep reading to discover the very best food in Bologna.<\/p>\n

We recently ate our way across the region – and we’re happy to report back on exactly what foods you just have <\/em>to try while you’re there. Prepare to salivate.<\/p>\n

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Table of Contents<\/p>\nToggle<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n

  • Famous food from Bologna and Emilia-Romagna<\/a>
    • Parma ham<\/a><\/li>
    • Mortadella di Bologna<\/a><\/li>
    • Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese<\/a><\/li>
    • Balsamic vinegar from Modena<\/a><\/li>
    • Calamari ripieni di calamaretti<\/a><\/li>
    • Asparagi ravennati<\/a><\/li>
    • Anguilla alla ravennate<\/a><\/li>
    • Piselli alla pancetta<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
    • Must-try pasta dishes from Bologna<\/a>
      • Lasagna<\/a><\/li>
      • Tortellini<\/a><\/li>
      • Capellettacci<\/a><\/li>
      • Tagliatelle alla bolognese<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
      • Regional sweets and desserts<\/a>
        • Amaretti or amarelle<\/a><\/li>
        • Pampepato di cioccolato<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
        • FAQ Best Food in Bologna<\/a>
          • What foods is Bologna and the Emilia-Romagna region famous for?\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
          • Why is mortadella from Bologna different from regular bologna?<\/a><\/li>
          • What pasta dishes should I try in Bologna?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n

            <\/span>Famous food from Bologna and Emilia-Romagna<\/span><\/h2>\n

            <\/span>Parma ham<\/span><\/h3>\n

            A D.O.P.-protected food, this is ham that’s been salted for several weeks, rather than cooked. You may also know it from the Italian name, prosciutto crudo di Parma.<\/em><\/a> This delicous ham features a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and it’s made – of course! – in the town of Parma.<\/p>\n

            \"One<\/a>

            Bologna’s melt-in-your-mouth, well, “bologna”!<\/p><\/div>\n

            <\/span>Mortadella di Bologna<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

            Yes, the city of Bologna, is where the word “bologna” (or “baloney”) comes from. However, but we promise you, the supermarket lunchmeat is a bastardized version of this pork from Bologna! Learn all about the spicy origins of mortadella<\/a> in this post from our foodie friends at Devour Tours.<\/p>\n

            And if you’re a super fan of mortadella, then you can’t miss the one of the festivals in Bologna<\/a> especially dedicated to this meat!<\/p>\n

            <\/span>Parmigiano Reggiano <\/em>Cheese<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

            A D.O.P. protected cheese<\/a>, made in Parma and Reggio Emilia, this is another one that’s been imitated countless times in other countries. You might know it as “parmesan.”<\/p>\n

            Again, though, unless you’re holding the D.O.P.-protected Parmigiano-Reggiano in your hands, you’re not really tasting the real thing. It’s delicious! Don’t miss our video on the secrets of making Parmigiano Reggiano cheese:<\/p>\n