Cicchetti

Cicchetti, or "cichetti" in the Venetian dialect, are delightful small snacks or side dishes typically found in traditional bàcari in Venice, Italy. These tasty morsels range from tiny sandwiches and olives to seafood, meat, or vegetables served on bread or polenta. Much like Spanish tapas, cicchetti are perfect for ordering a variety of plates to create a full meal. They are typically enjoyed with your fingers or toothpicks, often while standing in bars, osterie, and bàcari throughout the day.

Venetians love to savor cicchetti in the late morning, for lunch, or as afternoon snacks. They usually pair these treats with a small glass of local white wine called an "ombra."

A charming aspect of Venetian culture is the tradition of "drinking a shadow" or "Andémo béver un'ombra." This delightful phrase refers to having a small glass of wine, or "shadow" which is typically consumed in one go. The term "ombra" originates from the old practice of selling wine in shaded stands near the Bell Tower of Saint Mark's Cathedral. As the sun moved, the vendors would shift their stands to stay in the shade, giving rise to the term.

In terms of terminology, the plural form is cicchetti, while a single piece is called a cicchetto. So next time you’re in Venice, make sure to enjoy some cicchetti and an ombra to fully experience the local flavor and tradition!