The gastronomy of Bergamo and the surrounding Lombardy region is a reflection of its history and geography. Unlike the light, olive-oil-based dishes of southern Italy, the cuisine here is hearty, designed to sustain farmers and mountain dwellers through cold winters. It relies heavily on butter, cheese, meat, and cornmeal.

The Golden Staple: Polenta
If there is one food that defines the region, it is Polenta. Made from yellow cornmeal, it was once the "bread of the poor." Today, it is a versatile side dish served with almost everything. In Bergamo, you must try Polenta Taragna, which is enriched with local cheeses like Branzi or Formai de Mut and plenty of butter, giving it a rich, creamy texture.

Iconic Pasta: Casoncelli alla Bergamasca
The crown jewel of local pasta is Casoncelli (Casonsei in local dialect). These are handmade stuffed pasta shells, but unlike the sweet pumpkin tortelli of neighboring Mantua, Bergamo’s version has a unique savory-sweet filling. It typically contains meat, breadcrumbs, raisins, and even pieces of pear. They are traditionally served "swimming" in sage-infused melted butter and topped with crispy pancetta.

A Paradise for Cheese Lovers
The valleys surrounding Bergamo are world-famous for their dairy production. This region is the birthplace of Taleggio, a soft, aromatic cheese with a pinkish rind. You will also find Gorgonzola and Strachitunt, an ancient blue cheese that is a true local delicacy. These cheeses are often enjoyed at the end of a meal or melted into a rich risotto.

Sweet Traditions
To finish your meal, look for Polenta e Osèi. Don't be fooled by the name—it’s not actual cornmeal and birds! It is a famous sponge cake shaped like a mound of polenta, covered in yellow marzipan and topped with small chocolate birds. It is a masterpiece of local pastry making.

Vocabulary Focus

• Hearty: (Of food) wholesome and substantial; filling.
  
• Staple: A main or important element of something, especially a diet.
  
• Versatile: Able to be adapted to many different functions or activities.
  
• Enriched: Improved or enhanced in quality or value (often by adding ingredients).
  
• Savory: (Of food) belonging to the category which is salty or spicy rather than sweet.