Besides pasta and pizza, Italy is also the birthplace of many other fascinating culinary specialties. Right in the heart of Florence, the art capital, there is a unique dish that has existed for hundreds of years, permeating every ancient corner of the city and becoming a familiar part of the local people's lives. That dish is...Panino con Lampredotto- A strange bread dish with a filling made from cow's stomach.

The culinary essence of working-class people.

Going back to the 15th century, the working class in Florence was searching for a food that was inexpensive, delicious, convenient to take away, and still provided sufficient nutrition for a long day's work. At that time, offal was not a common ingredient in world cuisines. However, the working class took advantage of it and made this ingredient popular throughout Florence.

The main ingredient of this dish comes from the last compartment of a cow's stomach (the abomasum) – a less commonly used and therefore the cheapest part of the offal. It is cleaned, thoroughly cooked, and finely chopped to create a smooth, juicy, and flavorful filling. Few people know that the name Lampredotto is inspired by a high-class dish sought after by the aristocracy at the time: lampreys. Due to their high cost, working-class people could not afford this luxury food. Therefore, they created their own "version." Coincidentally, the shape of a cow's stomach is quite similar to the mouth of a lamprey, which is why they chose a similar name: Lampredotto.

For centuries, lampredotto has been a familiar food for the common people. Factory workers, market vendors, and street artists alike have been loyal customers, helping to preserve this culinary tradition to this day. It's even rumored that it was a favorite food of legendary artists like Michelangelo and Dante. Lampredotto even appears in Dan Brown's novel, *Inferno*.

It can be said that Lampredotto bread has become an iconic dish and is cherished by the people here as a unique and irreplaceable cultural feature.

An icon of street food.

Wandering through cobblestone streets, past magnificent ancient churches, bustling central markets, or strolling along the Arno River, you'll come across numerous mobile kiosks selling Lampredotto bread. Long lines of locals and tourists waiting here at lunchtime have become a characteristic scene of Florence.

When discussing the culture of enjoying Lampredotto bread, one cannot forget the role of the chefs, also known as the bakers.LampredottatioMost of them are locals living in the area or in neighboring villages, speaking the distinctive local dialect and possessing extensive knowledge of the region's culture and history. They are open, friendly, and enthusiastic, much like the Italians, happily chatting with customers while their hands nimbly process the ingredients.

Observing the process of making a Lampredotto reveals it to be an art form with a complex procedure. Vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions, and tomatoes are simmered for hours along with the pig's stomach until tender. When a customer arrives, the chef will place a piece of Lampredotto on a large cutting board and quickly chop it into small pieces.

For the bread, they use a round, white loaf with a crispy, fragrant crust. The bread is cut in half to place the chopped Lampredotto in the middle before drizzling the sauce over it.Salsa VerdeThe renowned Florentine sauce is seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper for added flavor. Finally, the other half of the pastry is dipped into the sauce to create a juicy texture and infuse it with the finest flavors. Watching skilled hands prepare the ingredients, inhaling the rich aroma emanating from the simmering sauce, and listening to the bustling sounds of customers queuing is a truly authentic Florentine street food experience.

Typically, Lampredotto is served in a simple paper bag, or sometimes just a few napkins. This unpretentious packaging is because most diners enjoy the hot bread on the spot while chatting with colleagues or friends. For tourists, this small, simple loaf carries a cultural story, drawing them closer to everyday life in this beautiful, historic city.

Ha Thu - Photo: Internet