Barbajuan (摩納哥國民美食)-餅皮包意大利乳清乾酪（或帕爾馬奶酪）ヽ瑞士甜菜ヽ洋蔥ヽ米ヽ韭菜ヽ菠菜。(tsai)
What is it: A mouthwatering appetizer, famous in France and Italy, it is a variety of a fritter stuffed with ricotta cheese and Swiss chard. The fillings might, however, differ including onion, rice, leeks, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Barbajuan, Monaco’s national dish, is mostly eaten on the 19th of November, the country’s national day.
What does it taste like: A cheesy, crunchy, crispy delight, with the flavors varying with the ingredients that go into its preparations.
Bouillabaisse (摩納哥魚雜湯)– A Popular Fish Stew of Monaco
What is it: A famous fish dish that had its roots in Marseille, the second-largest French city. The traditional bouillabaisse comprises three fish varieties, namely sea robin, European conger, and red rascasse. The aromatic spices and herbs that go in its preparations make it unique from the rest. The fish is prepared alongside other ingredients, thickened and seasoned with rouille sauce (made using breadcrumbs, olive oil, cayenne pepper, garlic, and saffron). However, in its place of origin, the broth prepared from veggies like celery, potato, leeks, tomato, and onions is placed in a soup plate alongside bread slices as well as rouille sauce with the fish put in a separate large platter. Once placed on the table, all the ingredients are served in a large soup plate together.
What does it taste like: Thick and flavorful, while the addition of spices gives it an aromatic feel.
3. Gnocchi – Tasty Potato Puffs
What is it: Thick, small, soft dumplings made with dough comprising of mashed potatoes, flour or semolina, as well as a whole lot of other ingredients like cheese, egg, bread crumbs, and potato. It is often eaten as an appetizer and served with cream, butter-based, or meat sauces. Besides making it at home, this dish is also available in grocery stores, with a shelf life of about two months, when preserved at a temperature of 2 °C.
What does it taste like: It has a pillowy and plump texture with a mild and delicate flavor. The sauces that go in its preparation could also make it creamy or spicy.
4. Porchetta (燒豬肉）– A Pig Roast
What is it: A famed Italian cuisine comprising of a boneless pork roast salted heavily and filled with a whole lot of aromatic herbs and spices.
What does it taste like : Soft and juicy, it tastes the best when eaten warm. The addition of herbs and spices takes its flavor to a different level altogether.
5. Fougasse – Popular Monegasque Food
What is it: Flatbread, prepared from a dough of flour, salt, and yeast as well as herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme that is drizzled in olive oil when baked. The toppings include cheese and also almonds and nuts (in Mexico).
What does it taste like: Crispy and nutty, while the addition of herbs makes it aromatic.
6. Pissaladière – An Appetizing Savory
What is it: This famous dish originating in Southern France’s Nice region is a kind of a French Pizza. The ingredients which go into its making include pizza dough and topped with black olives, caramelized onions, and anchovies. A popular appetizer, in the previous times it served as an excellent breakfast for people around the Nice region since it was cooked and sold every morning.
What does it taste like: Rich, crusty, crispy, and a spicy savory, perfect for summer or winter picnics since one can eat it hot as well as cold.
7. Socca – A Sought-After Street Food of Monaco
What is it: A delicious crepe or pancake made of chickpea flour, olive oil, chopped onions, as well as herbs like rosemary. The pancake is often cut into wedges, sprinkled with salt and pepper, and sold hot.
What does it taste like: The outer part is charred and crispy, while in the inside, it has a creamy flavor.
8. Pan Bagnat – A Finger-Licking Sandwich
What is it: Indigenous to the Nice region of France, this is a famous street food too. It comprises of a sandwich, made from whole wheat bread stuffed with a sumptuous salad of hard-boiled eggs, raw vegetables, anchovies, pepper, salt, and olive oil. Popular in most supermarkets and bakeries, it makes for a mouth-watering appetizer. In the local Provencal dialect, Pan Bagnat (alternately spelled as pan banhat) means bathed bread.
What does it taste like: Fresh, filling, and juicy, while the addition of a whole lot of ingredients gives it a versatile flavor.
9. Galapian – A Delicious Cantaloupe-Cherry-Almond Tart
What is it: A sweet-tart, made with a batter of egg whites, almonds, cherries, and cantaloupe, brushed with a honey glaze. This dish has its origin in France’s Galapian commune, with Alain Bouchard being instrumental in inventing it. Alongside France, Galapian has also found a prominent place in the cuisine of Monaco.
What does it taste like: A perfect treat for all those with a sweet tooth, every bite of it would fill you with a light, airy, and creamy delight. A glass of wine teamed with this sugary treat would be a perfect way to enjoy on a warm day.
Apart from the ones mentioned in the list above, you could also get a whole lot of diverse seafood platters. Stocafi (seafood stew) or brandamincium (a kind of a fish and chips dish), are a few examples, which would satisfy the gourmet in you.
