We will be on an cruise stopping in Catania on September 9th from 11am-11pm. I was hoping to do a food tour of Catania, but the ones I've found are all at 10am. Does anyone know of any that operate in the afternoon? Or, any Catania foodies that happen to have recommendations of places we can visit on our own to do our own food tour if no tour is available?
Posted by
Washington DC
28422 posts
I was in Catania 4 years ago, so details are hazy, but as a general rule there are snacking opportunities in the immediate area around major markets in just about every city. Sometimes there are prepared-food stands inside the market itself, though I can't promise that's the case in Catania.
I am not an expert on street food anywhere (for one thing, I'm not much of a fan of deep-fried foods), but here are a few things Sicily is known for:
arancini: deep-fried balls of rice, typically with something inside them--often cheese
granita: dairy-free frozen treat. A popular combo in Catania and Noto is almond with a dab of very strong coffee granita on top. Otherwise, I think you'll mostly see fruit flavors, especially citrus. Very refreshing if it's hot.
brioche plus granita (I think mostly at breakfast)
almonds appearing in pastries, sometimes in the form of marzipan
pistachios from around Mt. Etna.
I bet if you Google the phrase Sicilian street food you'll get lots of helpful info.
Posted by
Oakland, CA
124 posts
Have you tried: https://www.streaty.com/city/street-food-tours-in-catania/
We took one in Palermo and it was excellent and fun! I didn't look to see when they started, but most food tours start in the morning, AFAIK. Perhaps write to them and ask.
DD
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Catania's fish market and Fera o'Luni market both close at 14:00 (and all day Sunday), which is a pretty common program for markets in southern Europe. After that, it's time for a proper lunch and a rest.
Posted by
OP
Oakhurst, CA, USA
101 posts
Acraven- Thank you for the helpful info. If all else fails I will make a list of popular Sicilian foods to try for own made up food tour. I will be wary of pastries as I can’t eat almonds, that was a nice heads-up.
Deidre- I looked on Streaty’s Website but it only showed one 10am tour. I will contact them to see if they would be willing to do a later tour. Maybe check a Cruise Critic board to see if anyone wants to join for a special private food tour...? Worth a shot.
Laura- thanks for the info, totally makes sense now why the food tours are at 10am. Siesta time and all.
Thanks again!