Foods to try on Corfu?

[dimi_pat]

I’m starting to plan (or at least daydream about) a trip to Corfu next summer, though nothing is set in stone yet. I’ve been reading about the food there and it sounds amazing! I keep coming across three names that seem to be absolute must-tries: sofrito, pastitsada, and bourdeto.

From what I understand, sofrito is a veal or beef dish with garlic and parsley, pastitsada is pasta with a rich tomato sauce (sometimes with rooster, sometimes with beef), and bourdeto is a spicy fish stew. They all sound so different from each other, but very “Corfiot.”

If you’ve been to Corfu or have family from there, are these really the top local dishes, or are there others I should add to the list? Any favorite tavernas where you’ve had them? I’d love to know which foods really stood out to you during your visit.

 

[k_tsoukalas]

I think you’ve already zeroed in on three of Corfu’s signature dishes, sofrito, pastitsada, and bourdeto are definitely classics and worth planning around!

Sofrito is one of my personal favorites: thin slices of veal simmered in a garlicky white wine and parsley sauce until they practically melt. It’s surprisingly delicate, especially with creamy mashed potatoes or rice on the side.

Pastitsada is the total opposite, bold and rich, with cinnamon, cloves, and red wine in the tomato sauce. Traditionally it’s made with rooster, but beef is more common now, and it’s always served over thick pasta like bucatini. Bourdeto brings the heat: scorpionfish (or whatever’s fresh) in a spicy red pepper sauce, rustic and full of character.