Embark on an unforgettable street food adventure through the enchanting streets of Lecce, where history and gastronomy blend into an experience rich in flavours, culture, and tradition. Led by a passionate local food expert, this walking tour will take you through the city's charming baroque centre, where you’ll stop at 4 to 5 carefully selected venues to savour the authentic street food of Salento.
As you stroll through Lecce’s picturesque alleyways, uncover the secrets of traditional Salentino cuisine, tasting a variety of local delicacies that have been enjoyed for generations. From sweet treats to savoury delights, each stop will introduce you to a new layer of Lecce’s culinary heritage.
Begin your journey with a classic Caffè Leccese, an irresistible combination of espresso and almond syrup served over ice, perfect for refreshing your senses. Alongside, indulge in Pasticciotto, a warm, crumbly pastry filled with velvety custard cream, or a Fruttone, its cocoa-infused cousin with a heart of almond paste and fruit preserves.
Next, stop to enjoy one of the city’s most iconic street snacks, the Rustico Leccese. This golden, flaky puff pastry is filled with béchamel, tomato, mozzarella, and a hint of black pepper, making it an irresistible savoury bite, perfect for any time of day.
Time for something hearty! Visit a traditional pucceria to try Puccia, a rustic, wood-fired bread stuffed with succulent horse meat stew—a centuries-old speciality in Salento. If you prefer, there will be delicious vegetarian alternatives, such as grilled vegetables, local cheeses, or creamy burrata with sun-dried tomatoes.
No visit to Lecce is complete without trying Pittule, deep-fried dough balls that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Whether served plain, or flavoured with tomato, olives, or anchovies, these irresistible bites are the perfect example of how simple ingredients create incredible flavours.
To conclude the tour on a sweet note, stop at one of Lecce’s best artisanal gelato shops, where you can choose from a variety of seasonal and classic flavours, all made with local, high-quality ingredients.
