Food Delicacies of Modena: A Culinary Journey Through Italy’s Gourmet Capital

From handmade tortellini to the prestigious Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale, every dish tells a story of quality and tradition. Here is a guide to the must-try food delicacies of Modena and why they are so special.

1. Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena – The King of Balsamic Vinegar

Why It’s Special: Aged for years in wooden barrels, this balsamic vinegar is Modena’s most prestigious product.

Modena is world-famous for Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale, an artisanal balsamic vinegar that is aged for a minimum of 12 years. Made from grape must (cooked grape juice) and aged in wooden barrels, this vinegar develops a rich, complex flavor that is sweet, tangy, and deeply aromatic. Unlike commercial balsamic vinegars, the DOP-certified Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale is carefully monitored and only produced in limited quantities.

How to Enjoy It:

• Drizzled over Parmigiano Reggiano cheese for a classic pairing
• Used in risotto, meats, or strawberries to enhance flavors
• Aged varieties (25+ years) are sipped like fine wine

2. Tortellini in Brodo – The Signature Pasta of Modena

Why It’s Special: Small, handmade pasta filled with a rich meat mixture and served in a warm broth.

Tortellini in Brodo is one of the most beloved dishes in Modena, made from delicate pasta stuffed with pork, prosciutto, and Parmigiano Reggiano. Unlike other pastas, tortellini is traditionally served in a flavorful broth (brodo), making it a warm and comforting dish, especially during the winter months.

How to Enjoy It:

• With a slow-cooked meat broth, the traditional way
• Sprinkled with Parmigiano Reggiano for extra flavor
• Served during festive occasions and family gatherings

3. Tigelle – Modena’s Favorite Street Food

Why It’s Special: A soft, crispy flatbread perfect for stuffing with local cheeses and meats.

Tigelle, also known as Crescentine, are round flatbreads traditionally cooked on stone plates. They have a crispy crust and a soft interior, making them perfect for filling with salumi (cured meats), cheese, or Modena’s famous lardo (pork fat spread with rosemary and garlic).

How to Enjoy It:

• Stuffed with prosciutto, mortadella, or pancetta
• Paired with fresh squacquerone cheese and balsamic vinegar
• Eaten warm with lardo for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience

4. Zampone and Cotechino – Modena’s Traditional Sausages

Why It’s Special: Slow-cooked pork sausages with rich flavors, often eaten during New Year celebrations.

Zampone and Cotechino are iconic Modenese pork sausages, both made from finely ground pork and spices, but served differently.

• Zampone is stuffed into a pig’s trotter, giving it a firmer texture.
• Cotechino is encased in natural casing and has a softer texture.

Both are traditionally served with lentils and mashed potatoes, a combination believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the new year.

How to Enjoy It:

• Sliced and served with lentils, following Modena’s tradition
• Paired with mashed potatoes or polenta for a hearty meal
• Enjoyed with Lambrusco wine, a perfect local pairing

5. Gnocco Fritto – The Crispy Fried Dough of Modena

Why It’s Special: A golden, airy fried bread that is a local breakfast or appetizer favorite.

Gnocco Fritto is a light, crispy fried dough that pairs perfectly with salumi and cheeses. It is often enjoyed for breakfast or as an antipasto. Unlike traditional fried foods, Gnocco Fritto remains airy and delicate, thanks to the high-quality lard used in the dough.

How to Enjoy It:

• Stuffed with prosciutto di Modena or mortadella
• Eaten warm with soft cheeses like stracchino
• Paired with Lambrusco wine for a true Modenese experience

6. Parmigiano Reggiano – The King of Cheeses

Why It’s Special: Aged for years, this cheese is one of Italy’s most prized exports.

Though produced in various regions, Parmigiano Reggiano from Modena is particularly well-known for its nutty, umami-rich flavor. Aged for 12, 24, or even 36 months, this cheese is often referred to as "The King of Cheeses."

How to Enjoy It:

• Eaten in chunks with balsamic vinegar from Modena
• Grated over fresh pasta for an intense, salty flavor
• Served with nuts and honey for a sweet-savory pairing

7. Lambrusco – The Sparkling Red Wine of Modena

Why It’s Special: A rare sparkling red wine that is refreshing and pairs perfectly with Modenese cuisine.

Unlike other Italian wines, Lambrusco is lightly sparkling (frizzante), slightly sweet, and intensely fruity. It is one of the most food-friendly wines, balancing the richness of Modena’s meats and cheeses with its fresh acidity and soft bubbles.

How to Enjoy It:

• Served chilled with Tigelle or Gnocco Fritto
• Paired with aged Parmigiano Reggiano or salami
• Enjoyed with Zampone and Cotechino during festive meals