The Tuscany region is one of the most fascinating regions in Italy and offers any traveler an unforgettable experience through nature, local cuisine, and artistic heritage.

By cycling along certain legendary routes, such as the Via Francigena or the mythical Strade Bianche, you cross the Val d'Orcia, a region that enchants not only with its postcard landscapes, but also with its rich culinary tradition. Here, sweet hills, undulating vineyards, and fascinating medieval villages like Montalcino and Pienza, along with the excellent dishes of Tuscan tradition, make any trip an indelible memory.

In this article, we will explore the traditional dishes and authentic flavors that can be savored in the magnificent Val d'Orcia and as a reminder we leave you the infographic that you immediately see below.

The typical products of the Val d’Orcia

The Val d’Orcia is the perfect territory for a bike tour in Tuscany to discover the nature and the villages that have made this valley a corner of paradise dreamed by travelers from all over the world. Obviously, however, to pedal, you need energy and then why not discover together what 6 typical dishes to try for a truly unforgettable taste experience? Here is our top five!

1. Pecorino di Pienza

For a royal starter, it is mandatory to start with the famous Pecorino di Pienza. This hard cheese, made from sheep's milk, is a true symbol of Tuscan gastronomic tradition whose inimitable flavor of this cheese is due to a unique combination of ingredients: the clayey soils of the pastures, the sheep, which are only 3000 in Pienza, and the milk with which it is produced.

The Pecorino di Pienza is distinguished by its intense and aromatic flavor, which varies according to the aging. Perfect to be enjoyed alone, it pairs excellently with the important wines of the Tuscan tradition, such as the Nobile di Montepulciano or the Brunello di Montalcino.

2. Salumi of Cinta Senese

To continue in great style, the cold cuts of Cinta Senese are a true delight. Their unmistakable taste is also in this case the product of unique factors: the pigs used are bred in a wild state and allowed to feed on acorns and aromatic herbs, which give the meat, of the highest quality, a unique flavor and very few fats.

The Cinta Senese is used to prepare traditional cold cuts such as ham, salami and finocchiona. Tasting these artisanally produced cured meats is like savoring the history and culture of the Val d'Orcia. The ideal pairing is a structured wine from the other nearby and very famous wine region: a Chianti Classico DOCG.

3. The Pici

Answering the question: what to eat in Val d’Orcia we cannot answer without mentioning the Pici, a homemade pasta similar to spaghetti but with a larger diameter. Considered a true excellence of the area, it is a poor dish that housewives were used to prepare by hand with just flour and water. Today, eggs are also added to the dough, giving this pasta an even more intense flavor.

The most typical combination is with Chianina ragù, but Pici is also served with fresh tomatoes, garlic, chili and local delicacies such as guanciale or wild boar, or with goose sauce and crumbs of Tuscan bread fried in a pan with extra virgin olive oil.

4. Bean soup

The bean soup is another must, especially in the area of Montalcino. It is a poor but delicious dish of peasant tradition where the main ingredient are the cannellini beans, a legume very present on the Tuscan table, along with stale bread, tomato, onion, garlic and a generous round of extra virgin olive oil.

The creamy texture of the beans combined with the aroma of ripe tomatoes and aromatic herbs creates a balance of truly delicious flavors, which pairs perfectly with both red and white wines. Even though the classic pairing is with Rosso di Montalcino, it should also be tried with an intense white wine, like Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

This soup is the comfort food par excellence that will warm you up at the end of an autumn bike ride through the Val d'Orcia foliage.

5. La Chianina

For meat-lovers, it's impossible not to try Chianina. This is a prized breed of cow with ancient origins, known for over 2000 years. In Etruscan and Roman times, it was used in triumphal processions and sacrifices dedicated to the deities because of its white and sparkling coat. These beautiful animals are raised in the green valleys of the region and their meat is considered among the best in the world.

The most typical product obtained from the Chianina is the Florentine steak, a prime and succulent cut of meat, that highlights the qualities of this breed, ideal to pair with the local red wines like Brunello di Montalcino. But the Chianina also offers other delicacies such as sausages, roasts, and stews that enhance its tender and tasty meat. In short, a guarantee of absolutely irresistible taste.

6. The Panforte of Siena

Finally, for those who cannot give up a bit of sweetness, we cannot fail to mention the famous Panforte, closely linked to the city of Siena and whose recipe dates back to the thirteenth century. In response to the question, what to eat in Val d'Orcia, everyone would mention this famous sweet whose name (Panes Fortis) refers to the strong presence of spices and flavors. Originally it was in fact a precious food, rich in energy and nutrients: sweet bread enriched with dried fruit, candied, honey, and spices.

Celebrated also by Foscolo in his letters, the Panforte was traditionally a sweet to be consumed during the Christmas holidays, but today it is found all year round in the best bakeries, pastry shops and shops in Siena and surroundings.

Where to eat in Pienza: typical places to eat cheaply

When you think of Val d'Orcia, Pienza is one of the foremost destinations because it perfectly combines culture, history, and a gastronomic tradition passed down from generation to generation. In this splendid village, perched on top of a hill, there is no shortage of restaurants and trattorias offering the excellent local products. Eating in Pienza is an unforgettable experience for the palate and not too demanding for the wallet, so here's where to eat in Pienza on a budget:

• The Trattoria La Chiocciola is located in the heart of the historical center and offers authentic and genuine Tuscan dishes, at affordable prices;

• If you want to taste the typical recipes of local traditional cuisine, such as homemade pasta and meat dishes prepared with 0 km ingredients, Trattoria da Fiorella is a guarantee;

• To the question of where to eat the Florentine in Pienza the answer is the Osteria Baccus, specialized in meat dishes like Florentine and the rib steak, offers only first choice meats treated according to local tradition;

• Finally the Osteria Sette di Vino is a cozy place with modest prices, which stands out for its tasty and abundant dishes, made with the best ingredients of the Tuscan territory.

After revealing to you what are the typical dishes of Val D’Orcia and where to eat in Pienza, did we make your mouth water?

How about treating yourself to a few days cycling in Tuscany among landscape wonders and gastronomic delights? You can leave your guilt at home because after every taste there is always a bike ride.