Street food, markets and Punto Pizzo

In Palermo, it seems as if life takes place on the streets – and so does the food. People are selling, cooking, and eating everywhere: at small stalls, in winding alleys, and at famous markets like Ballarò , Vucciria , and Capo .

Palermo is considered one of Europe's great street food centers. The selection ranges from quick, delicious food to specialties that require a bit of courage. Popular dishes include arancine , golden-brown fried rice balls, and panelle , crispy chickpea flatbreads, often served with crocchè , potato croquettes, in a soft bread roll.

Those looking for something special will find authentic flavors deeply rooted in Sicilian tradition with pane con la milza (spleen roll) or grilled stigghiola (seasoned lamb intestines).

A stroll through Palermo's markets is an adventure for all the senses – colorful, loud, intense and full of culinary discoveries.

Punto Pizzo

In Palermo (and in Sicily generally) , "pizzo" refers to the protection money that mafia organizations like the Cosa Nostra extort from shopkeepers, entrepreneurs, or restaurants. They demand money in exchange for "protection"—usually, of course, protection from themselves.

A "punto pizzo" is a place or business that pays or has to pay protection money . The term is often also used when referring to the collection or organization of these payments —for example, a meeting point where the money is collected or a point where a "cashier" (the esattore ) operates.

By the way: In Palermo there is also the movement " Addiopizzo " ("Goodbye, protection money"), an organization of businessmen who publicly say that they do not pay protection money and fight against mafia influence.

Would you like to know a little more about how "pizzo" works in everyday life?