From Bari: Street Food tour in Polignano & Cooking class

Discover the Flavors of Puglia: A Street Food Tour and Cooking Class in Polignano a Mare

If you’re craving a taste of authentic Apulia, this combined street food tour and pasta cooking class in Polignano a Mare offers a fantastic way to dive into local flavors and traditions. Designed for travelers who love good food, lively streets, and learning new skills, this experience provides a well-rounded look at Puglia’s culinary scene.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its focus on local specialties like focaccia, panzerotti, and burrata, paired with the chance to learn how to make orecchiette, the region’s signature pasta. Plus, the guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge really bring the stories of the food to life.

One potential consideration is that this tour is quite full-day, which might feel a bit rushed for some. Still, with careful planning and comfortable shoes, you’ll be rewarded with a memorable taste of Polignano. It’s perfect for food lovers, curious travelers, or anyone wanting an authentic, hands-on experience in one of Italy’s most stunning seaside towns.

Who will love this experience? If you enjoy trying local dishes, learning new cooking skills, and exploring charming alleyways with cinematic views, this is a perfect fit. It’s also suitable for small groups, making it intimate and personalized.

Key Points

• Authentic culinary experience with a guided street food tour and hands-on pasta cooking.
• Learn from a local chef about traditional Apulian pasta like orecchiette.
• Sample regional specialties including focaccia, panzerotto, burrata, Capocollo, and the famous “caffè speciale.”
• Enjoy scenic views of Polignano’s seaside while tasting local wines.
• Small group setting enhances interaction and personalized attention.
• Flexible options like add-on tuk tuk tours available during free time.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

This full-day tour begins early in Bari, with a 9:00 am departure and a scenic 30-minute transfer south to Polignano a Mare. Traveling by van, you’ll settle into the relaxed pace of a small group, ensuring you can really soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

The Street Food Tour

Arriving around 9:30 am, you’re given free time in Polignano to explore before the guided tour commences at 10:30 am. The guide’s role here is crucial—expert, engaging, and enthusiastic—adding context and stories to each taste. Expect to wander through narrow alleys with stunning views of the Adriatic, stopping at various food stalls and spots to sample famous local specialties.

Highlights include focaccia, the soft, savory bread of the region, and panzerotto, a delightful mozzarella and tomato pocket that you might find in many variations. The “caffè speciale,” a unique regional coffee creation developed by Mario Campanella, is a standout, often leaving visitors intrigued and eager to try making it at home.

Authentic bites like burrata—that luscious, creamy cheese—paired with Capocollo di Martina Franca, a slow-food-preserved cold cut, showcase the region’s dairy and cured meat excellence. As reviews note, the products tasted excellent, and the guide’s storytelling made each tasting more meaningful.

The Cooking Class

At around 2:00 pm, you’ll shift gears to the hands-on part: cooking orecchiette, Puglia’s signature pasta. Under the watchful eye of a local chef, you get to learn the traditional techniques—how to knead the dough, shape the pasta, and cook it to perfection.

This part of the day is especially valued, as many reviewers praise the chef’s friendliness and expertise. One reviewer even called the cooking class “fantastic,” emphasizing how much they enjoyed making and tasting their own pasta.

Following the class, you’ll have the chance to savor your freshly made orecchiette along with other local dishes and drinks, including regional wines. The view of the sea during the meal enhances the experience, making it more than just a cooking lesson—it’s a true immersion in Puglia’s lifestyle.

Free Time and Additional Options

After the main activities, you’re given free time to explore, shop, or even add an optional Tuk Tuk tour—a fun way to see more of Polignano’s charming streets. The tour ends around 5:30 pm with a comfortable return trip back to Bari.

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The Value of the Tour

At $113.29 per person, this experience offers excellent value—combining guided tastings, a cooking lesson, and a scenic drive. The small group size (limited to just 2 participants) ensures more personal attention and a more intimate experience.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

What makes this experience stand out is the blend of learning and tasting. You don’t just eat; you understand the stories behind the dishes. The knowledgeable guides and chef make the day feel authentic and insightful—not just touristy.

The timing is well-organized, allowing you sufficient free time to soak in Polignano’s beauty and perhaps pick up souvenirs, as many reviews suggest. The optional tuk tuk ride can add a light-hearted touch if you’re interested.

The tour’s focus on regional specialties like burrata and Capocollo highlights the best of Puglia’s high-quality ingredients, making it especially appealing to food lovers. Plus, the opportunity to make your own pasta makes the experience memorable and practical—you’ll leave with new skills and a deeper appreciation for the region’s cuisine.

What Could Be Improved?

While the full-day schedule packs in a lot, some travelers might find it slightly hectic. The timing means you’re on the go from morning to late afternoon, which could be tiring for some, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace. Also, this tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

Final Thoughts

This combined street food tour and cooking class in Polignano a Mare offers a delightful way to explore Puglia’s culinary delights firsthand. It’s especially valuable if you enjoy engaging with local guides, trying regional specialties, and gaining new cooking skills in a beautiful seaside setting. The small group size, knowledgeable guides, and authentic focus make this a worthwhile choice for foodies and curious travelers alike.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a casual traveler eager to taste and learn, this experience provides a genuine, fun, and tasty slice of Puglia life.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, transfer from Bari to Polignano a Mare is included, using a van. The return trip is also part of the package.

What time does the tour start?
The tour departs from Bari at 9:00 am. Check availability for specific starting times, as they may vary.

How long is the street food tour?
The guided street food experience lasts about 2.5 hours, during which you sample several local specialties.

Is the cooking class suitable for beginners?
While not explicitly stated, the focus on traditional techniques suggests it’s accessible for all levels. A local chef guides the session.

Are there vegetarian options?
The tour includes meat-based products like Capocollo, but vegetarian options are not specifically mentioned. You might want to inquire directly with the provider.

Can I add extra activities during free time?
Yes, during free time, you can request to add a Tuk Tuk tour for an additional fee—30 minutes for $30 or 1 hour for $60.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and a camera are recommended to fully enjoy the walking, tasting, and photo opportunities.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a range of mobility needs.

In summary, this tour offers an engaging, flavorful day that combines education, authentic food, and scenic beauty. It’s perfect for those seeking a genuine taste of Puglia with the chance to learn, taste, and explore in a small group setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: