Beef Tongue: A Hidden Gem of Florentine Street Food
In the heart of Tuscan culinary tradition and Florence street food culture, alongside iconic dishes like lampredotto and tripe, we also find beef tongue. Often underestimated or considered a “challenging” cut, tongue is in fact a flavorful delicacy deeply rooted in the culture of offal. In this article, we’ll explore what tongue is, how it’s prepared in Florence, and where to enjoy it in its most authentic form.
What is tongue?
Beef tongue is a cut that belongs to offal. As the name suggests, it’s the tongue of the cow. When properly cooked, it becomes incredibly tender, with a rich yet delicate flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Once considered a humble dish, tongue has been rediscovered and re-appreciated in both traditional and contemporary cuisine. Its versatility and ability to absorb flavors from herbs and spices make it a standout ingredient.
How it’s prepared in Florence
In Florence, beef tongue is traditionally simmered for a long time in a flavorful broth made with celery, carrot, onion, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Once cooked, the outer skin is carefully removed, leaving the soft and flavorful interior.
It is typically sliced thin and served with salsa verde or pan-fried with a light tomato-based sauce. Sometimes it’s served cold in a salad with olive oil, lemon, and parsley, or sliced thin on toasted bread as a classic summer appetizer.
The beef tongue sandwich
In Florence, where sandwiches are a true symbol of street food culture, the tongue sandwich is a beloved alternative to the classic lampredotto. It’s served in a rosetta roll—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—perfect for complementing the tenderness of the meat.
The tongue is served hot, seasoned with salt and pepper, and often accompanied by a spoonful of salsa verde or a touch of spicy sauce. The result is a surprisingly well-balanced sandwich that offers both texture and bold flavor.
Where to eat beef tongue in Florence
Want to try authentic Florentine-style beef tongue or enjoy one of the best offal sandwiches in Florence? Visit us at Bambi Trippa e Lampredotto, located in the Mercato Centrale of Florence and at the Centro Commerciale I Gigli in Campi Bisenzio.
We prepare tongue fresh daily with artisan care, following a family tradition that’s been alive for over 130 years.
At Bambi Trippa e Lampredotto you can try beef tongue in many different ways:
- Cold, in salad or on crostini
- Boiled, to eat in a sandwich
- Together with boiled beef in our Bollito Mitologico
Come discover one of the most underrated but fascinating Florentine street food specialties made from the traditional “fifth quarter.”
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