9 Milan Street Foods to Try Like A Local Italian

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When I think about a specific street food from a place or region, I usually only consider it to be local if it originates from that area, but things are a little different in Milan. 

Many international students flock to Milano to study, and so I think that this is what adds to its welcoming of diverse cultures. In my opinion, this is reflected in the cuisine and Milan’s street food.  

Another thing I’ve picked up on is that the Milanese love their cakes, breads, and rice vibes. After all, the panettone is a Milan original. Speaking of originals, there are actually quite a few iconic Italian foods and dishes that have their roots in Milan, too.

Situated in the North of Italy in the Lombardy region, this also influences the type of Milan street food you’ll find here; super hearty, loads of vegetables, and flavors that pack a punch, some even “exotic.” 

But whatever which way, from OGs to borrowed bites, the street food in Milan is delicious. Here are nine classics you have to try! 

P.S. For all things Milan-related, meet our local insighter, Luca! 

1. Panzerotti 

A few of the heroes of the Milan street food scene were not necessarily born in the city. Case in point: the panzerotti. Whilst this one hails from the South – Naples, more specifically – Milan has taken the reins and created its own version. 

It’s probably the most popular Milan street food these days. But for good reason. Not only are they unquestionably delicious, they’re cheap and easy to eat in a few bites — convenient when walking around the city. 

So, what is a panzerotti? It’s deep-fried dough that is filled with mozzarella cheese and a rich tomato sauce. A good panzerotti should be crispy on the outside (definitely not oily), with a pillowy center, and cheese oozing out! 

Like most street food, city vendors do their take on the panzerotti, offering different ingredients. This includes a sweet version, like Nutella-filled panzerotti. Mouths watering yet? 

Best place to try panzerotti in Milan: Panzerotti Luini

2. Michetta

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a sweet-toothed soul or a salty head, michetta can be enjoyed either way!

You may hear a local refer to this Milan street food as a “rosetta,” and that’s because it sort of looks like an open rose. It’s definitely not a flower; rather, it’s a delicious, puffy roll. It’s hollowed out, and the best time to munch down on one is when it’s fresh out of the oven.  

But when it is a Milan street food, michetta is typically turned into a sandwich, which you can pick up at any bakery. I’m a sucker for a classic sarmie with just cheese and meat (is there anything better?), but this being Italy, the meat isn’t just ham and the cheese isn’t just cheddar. 

Choose from the likes of michette stuffed with mortadella, prosciutto, pancetta, salami… And don’t get me started on the cheese options. Okay, you twisted my rubber arm…I’m a sucker for provolone, mozzarella, or burrata.  

Best place to try michetta in Milan: Michetta Porta Nuova, La Michetta di Diego’S Panificio

3. Mondeghili

Often served as antipasti on menus in Milan, mondeghili are Milanese-style meatballs. 

I’ve made these exact versions before at home using a Jamie Oliver recipe (he loves Italy), but I didn’t realise they were classically Milanese. I’ve realized what sets them apart is one ingredient: nutmeg. It adds a distinct depth of flavor. 

Traditionally, the meatballs are made from beef (during the 19th century, when they first popped onto the scene, they were made from using leftover beef to avoid food wastage). This is minced and combined with cheese, garlic, milk-soaked breadcrumbs, and egg (which binds the ingredients together). 

They’re best enjoyed hot, but they’re just as yummy cold. I find that mondeghili is the perfect momentary filler snack. Because it’s beef, a few of them can fill you for a good hour if you’re starving, but with a group that still wants to go sightseeing before lunch (speaking from experience on this).

Best place to try mondeghili in Milan: Trattoria La Pesa dal 1902, Trattoria del Nuovo Macello

4. Risotto alla Milanese

Alright, I know that risotto is an actual dish, but did you know that risotto originates from Milan? Therefore, it’s a no-brainer that you have to indulge in a bowl of risotto alla Milanese. 

You don’t need to visit a fancy restaurant to do so, either. You can get it takeaway, or there are places in Milan called a ‘risotteria,’ i.e., a casual restaurant specializing in, well, risotto!

Risotto alla Milanese is made with saffron, and it’s been this way since the dish was invented circa the 16th century. Things have progressed since then, and with more ingredients available, you will find variations of the dish. 

Also, some risotterias feature risotto rice (arborio) in other forms, like bomba di riso (stuffed risotto cakes, sometimes in the shape of a ball), or even a breakfast variation of risotto — sort of like a rice pudding with stewed fruit. Now that’s what I’m talking about!

Best place to try Risotto alla Milanese in Milan: Giannasi dal 1967, Risus – Risotteria Contemporanea

5. Panino con cotoletta alla Milanese

I have a few reservations about panino con cotoletta alla Milanese, but that’s only because it’s made with veal, which, in case you didn’t know, is baby cow (insert tear-eye emoji). Hey, you should always be aware of what you’re eating. To be fair, veal is delicious. I grew up eating veal schnitzels, until I learned what the meat was. Now, I can’t bring myself to do it. 

Anyway, back to this Milan street food. The veal cutlet is hammered flat, doused in lemon juice, breaded, and fried. I’ve also heard you can get a chicken version of this panino (look out for the word ‘pollo’), which I’m all for. The bread counterpart is ciabatta/focaccia. Have you noticed that bread used for sandwiches differs depending on where you are in Italy? Like street food in Florence, Milan favors focaccia. 

The sarnie is then topped with some freshness like tomatoes, rocket (arugula), and Italian parsley. Spot them at a local sandwich shop or even pizzeria. 

As you can presume, I’ve never personally tried one, but I can imagine it being absolutely delicious. Don’t get me wrong, veal is so good, and is especially tender.

Travel tip: If you’re vegan and headed to Florence, I’m here to save the day with this list of the best vegan restaurants in Firenze. 

Best place to try Panino con cotoletta alla Milanese in Milan: Il panino del laghetto, Grazie Italia, Panino Giusto

6. Minestrone alla Milanese

Italy’s most popular soup has its roots right here in Milano. Even in the warmest weather, I can never say no to soup. I also mentioned in a previous declaration about my love for Florentine street food that, just because it’s soup, it doesn’t mean it isn’t street food. Anyone who has traveled Asia can testify to this one, too. 

Minestrone is something I love to cook at home, especially when I’m craving an overhaul of veggies. The base is made from onions, celery, and carrots (as with any vegetable soup/stock), with courgette, savoy cabbage, green beans, tomatoes, and cannellini beans. It also contains Parmigiano and beef stock. The original Milanese way is to add arborio rice, as well as basil. 

The locals in Milan best enjoy minestrone in the summertime. Its flavor profile would be considered summer ingredients. Italians love cooking seasonally. This version is called ‘Minestrone alla Milanese.’ I also noticed that the Milanese version isn’t as tomato-heavy. 

Best place to try Minestrone alla milanese in Milan: Osteria La Semivuota

7. Ravioleria Sarpi’s dumplings 

Dumplings… in Milan?! 

Before you make any judgments, let’s analyze this one. What do dumplings remind you of? Why, ravioli, of course! Both are an absolute art form (unless you’ve been rolling them out since a child), and are little pockets stuffed and filled with goodness. The only difference is the varying flour. Dumplings are typically rice flour, ravioli is wheat flour. And for anyone who has been to China, they will know it’s one of the number one street foods. 

Speaking of, here are 7 must-try street foods in Xi’an.

Now that you know that, it makes absolute sense that one of the best Milan street food to try is Ravioleria Sarpi’s dumplings! A fusion team of Chinese and Italian, Ravioleria Sarpi still calls them ravioli, but they are a beautiful binding of both cultures. The ravioli dumplings are made using local ingredients. 

This spot has certainly made a name for itself in the culinary world in its short-ish span of opening (circa 2015). 

Best place to try Ravioleria Sarpi’s dumplings in Milan: Ravioleria Sarpi

8. Panettone

It’s crazy when you learn how many classic Italian foods are originally from Milan, from minestrone (I had no idea before traveling there) to panettone. 

Typically served at Christmas time (if you’re Italian), this fruit cake is one of the most well-known of the Italian cakes. It has always reminded me of what we westerners call ‘Christmas cake’ — probably because of all the fruit inside. Except panettone is not nearly as heavy, and is more of a cake-y texture, is sweet, and loaded with fruit. These include raisins, candied orange peel, and lemon zest. 

I best like the chocolate and more nuttier versions of the classic kind, but that’s because I’m not the biggest marmalade gal, and the original reminds me of this. 

You’ll notice that panettone in Milan isn’t just reserved for Christmas cheer, and many bakeries sell it, including some fun versions! 

Best place to try panettone in Milan: Pavè, Pasticceria Marchesi, Pasticceria Cucchi, Vergani

9. Barbajada

If Parisians have their iconic hot chocolate, then Milanese have the barbajada… A deliciously sweet drink comprising half coffee, half milk, whipped chocolate, and a dollop of cream to finish it off. It’s delectably divine.

In winter, there’s simply nothing yummier, and it ticks both boxes when I’m craving something sweet yet also a caffeine kick! At the pasticceria, if you’re sitting down for a panettone, spot the locals dipping a chunk of panettone into a barajada. 

Summer sees barajada as a cold version, although you can just request it hot. 

Fun fact: the beverage was named after an Italian waiter who invented the drink, Domenico Barbaja. I always love to give inventors a little shout-out. 

Best place to try barbajada in Milan: Torrefazione Moka Hodeidah

So, where does the wind take you next in Italy? Swap the northern landscape for some fun in the sun in the iconic coastline of Cinque Terre. 

Head to the center of the country in Tuscany (I recommend five days in the rolling wine-rich countryside), or if time is of the essence, head to Florence instead — the capital of the Tuscan region. The Eternal City is a Bucket List option for many, and honestly, I wouldn’t miss out on exploring Rome if it’s your first time in Italy. A couple of days is suffice. Or, why not spend a weekend discovering Umbria (between Florence and Rome)? 

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