Going on a road trip in your classic car is a great way to unwind, especially if you’re going to Europe. The beauty of a road trip is that you have total freedom to go wherever you want. Driving from town to town to sample the local food is a great way to travel, and Italy is filled with tasty cuisine. The Piedmont region is famous for a variety of dishes, so here are some of the meals to try.
Tajarin in Turin
Every region in Italy has its own type of pasta. Start your road trip off by eating tajarin in Turin, the capital city of Piedmont. Tajarin is a thin, ribbon-like pasta that’s golden yellow in colour. The dish is either served with a tomato and meat-based ragu, or a butter and sage mixture. It’s classic Piedmont cuisine and an ideal way to introduce yourself to the local food scene.
The Truffle Markets of Alba
From Turin, drive to Alba, a picturesque town famous for its truffles. The truffle market comes alive on the weekend, with vendors offering all sorts of treats. One of the best types to try are white truffles, which are bursting with flavour. Visit in October and you’ll be in time for the Alba Truffle Festival that carries on through to November.
Eat Bagna Cauda in Asti
Asti is full of markets selling all types of food. A popular small dish to try is bagna cauda, meaning ‘hot bath’ in Italian. The olive oil-based anchovy and garlic fondue is traditionally served over an open flame to keep it warm. It has a rich flavour and comes with a range of seasonal vegetables to dip into it.
Try Carne Cruda in Cuneo
Cuneo has its fair share of sights, like the Villa Oldofredi Tadini, a 15th century watchtower. A local dish you can try is called carne cruda. This meal consists of raw meat that’s usually served as a thinly sliced beef carpaccio mixed with olive oil, fresh garlic and lemon juice. The local cattle, Razza bovine piemontese, is known for its high standard of breeding and low cholesterol content, which explains why the meat is served raw.
Tempt your tastebuds with Torta di Nocciola in Stresa
Located near the shores of Lake Maggiore, Stresa is a great town to relax in. While you’re there you could try a Torta di Nocciola dessert, a traditional hazelnut cake made out of roasted nuts. Piedmont is the birthplace of Nutella, so what better way to absorb the culture of the region than by trying a customary treat?
