Vegetarians on the Via Francigena rejoice, with such a selection of meat-free dishes en route, the only problem you’ll face is knowing which one to choose! Here are some of my favourite Tuscan staples senza carne, in light of my recent trip walking the Via Francigena in Tuscany.
The Mighty Tarfufo
Any sign of tartufo — the famous Tuscan truffle — on a menu should be seen as an immediate opportunity to sample this extraordinary local delicacy at its finest. Truffle dishes come in wonderfully varied forms: Tagliatelle, Ravioli, pizza toppings, infused oils. There are a number of different varieties to look out for, but San Miniato is the undisputed capital of the famous white truffle Tuber Magnatum Pico, which comes into season during the autumn months — perfect timing if you are walking the route in October or November. We have a dedicated post on truffle season in Tuscany if you want to go deeper into the world of tartufo, including a simple recipe to try at home before you go.
Truffle hunting is a long-standing tradition in the Tuscan countryside. Traditionally pigs were used to sniff out the precious fungus, but nowadays the work falls to specially trained dogs, a considerably more reliable partnership, given that pigs had a habit of eating what they found before anyone else could get near it.
Bruscetta
Was there ever a food so effortlessly satisfying as the perfect Italian bruscetta? The pleasing combination of freshly diced tomato on crunchy bread, topped with a little olive oil is the quintessential example of the beauty in simplicity. Bruscetta when done like this never fails to deliver.
Ribollita
This thick, hearty soup made with bread and vegetables is something akin to a hot water bottle after a long day’s walking. Ribollita is the epitome of peasant food: comforting, wholesome, and made from the cheapest and most accessible ingredients available — which in Italy, fortunately, means a bountiful supply of fresh produce. Peasants and pilgrims alike can eat like kings on the Via Francigena. For a broader look at what to expect at the table along the route, our guide to food on the Via Francigena covers everything from regional specialities to practical tips for eating well on the road.
Vegans walking the route can also take comfort here, as Ribollita generally contains no eggs or dairy. That said, if your diet is particularly strict, it is always worth asking before ordering — and our FAQ on special dietary requirements has useful guidance for both vegetarians and vegans on any of our routes.
Pasta Pasta Pasta!
Ravioli, Tagliatelle, Spaghetti, Fusilli, Lasagne, Farfalle, Linguine, Penne… are you hungry yet? Italy’s pasta culture is endlessly varied and almost always vegetarian-friendly by default. After a day on the road, a bowl of well-made pasta in a quiet Tuscan trattoria is one of life’s more reliable pleasures.
Pizza
Whether it’s bought from a street vendor and washed down with beer sitting in a medieval plaza or eaten sitting down at a nice restaurant with a glass of Chianti. Pizza done right is the perfect food. And Italians always get it right.
Italians often like to keep their pizza toppings simple, sometimes even omitting the cheese which is good news for anyone avoiding dairy. Most menus feature the pizza marinara, a pizza base topped with just some tomato sauce.
Hungry for more? Our post on favourite food experiences in Tuscany is full of ideas for making the most of the table along the route — and if you are walking the Via Francigena as a vegan, our vegan on the Camino guide has plenty of practical advice that applies equally well to the Italian pilgrimage trails.
Do you have favourite dishes for vegetarians on the Via Francigena? Let us know in the comments below. For more information on walking or cycling the Via Francigena, get in touch with our travel specialists.
