Exploring Asti: Guide to Local Cuisine, Top Restaurants, and Recipes

Introduction to Asti

Located in the northern region of Italy, Asti is a vibrant city known for its rich culture, history, and most importantly, its remarkable culinary scene. The local cuisine, deeply rooted in traditional Italian gastronomy, features a diverse array of flavors and specialties that are sure to leave food connoisseurs enchanted.

Asti Cuisine: A Gastronomic Journey

Asti cuisine exhibits its own unique personality, characterized fundamentally by two elements: high-quality local produce and old-world techniques. The region is particularly known for its selection of delightful wines, including the famous Asti Spumante and Moscato d'Asti.

Signature Dishes of Asti

• Agnetti: A traditional soup made with lamb and served during the Easter Season.
• Bagna Cauda: A warm dip made from garlic, anchovies, olive oil, and butter. It is typically served with raw, boiled, or roasted vegetables.
• Salame cotto: A local specialty cooked salami, seasoned with spices and aromas, and typically smoked.
• Cardo gobbo: A hunchbacked cardoon, typically served baked or in bagna cauda.

Top Restaurants in Asti

• Ristorante Da Guido: Renowned for its home-style Piedmontese cooking and excellent wine list.
• Ristorante San Marco: Offers a variety of creative dishes prepared using local ingredients.
• La Libera: Known for its delicious traditional dishes and a delightful selection of wine.
• Ristorante Reale: A staple of Asti with its authentic cuisine and excellent service.

Asti Cuisine Recipes for You to Try at Home

Here are two simple recipes for you to experience the authentic taste of Asti from the comfort of your home:

Recipe 1: Bagna Cauda

1. Heat half a cup of olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add eight minced cloves of garlic and cook until it begins to turn golden.
2. Add twelve chopped anchovy fillets and stir until it has dissolved into a sauce.
3. Turn off the heat and whisk in a stick of unsalted butter. Continue to whisk until the butter has emulsified into the sauce.
4. Transfer the sauce to a fondue pot to keep warm while serving. Serve with a selection of fresh vegetables of your choice.

Recipe 2: Agnolotti alla Asti

1. Combine two cups of all-purpose flour and three eggs to form a pasta dough. Let it rest for about an hour.
2. For the filling, combine a cup of roasted meat, a cup of bread crumbs soaked in milk, one egg, and cheese.
3. Roll out the dough and cut it into circles. Place a small amount of filling onto each circle, fold it over, and seal the edges to create a half-moon shape.
4. Boil the agnolotti in salted water until they float to the top. Serve with a drizzle of melted butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Experience the charm of Asti's culinary brilliance by visiting, dining, or cooking its cuisine. Either way, your palate is in for an incredible Italian adventure!