Foods to Eat in Italy - Venice

- Mołéche -

Mołéche are Venetian soft-shell crabs and are popular as a Cicchetti, starter or as part of a larger dish. These are made using small green crabs that call the Venetian lagoon their home and are a seasonal dish as they are only available in the Spring. 

This is because they shed their shells only in Spring and speed is of the essence as within a few hours, the carapace hardens again after contact with the water. So the skill lies in identifying ones that are about to molt and indeed, this is not a easy job as there is an entire career (specialized fishermen known as Mołécanti) revolving around the identification and catching of these crabs.

Whilst obtaining Mołéche can be difficult, the preparation is fairly simple. The traditional method is to soak the crabs in beaten egg, then they are floured before being deep fried and are eaten whole on its own, or in a dishes such as Fritto Misto di Pesce which is deep-fried medley of various seafood from squid to small flatfish. If you have never tried Mołéche, then think of a crab fritter. Crispy, golden brown batter on the outside and a soft, succulent layer of crab meat inside, a definite gastronomic experience for seafood lovers.

If you are in Venice and want to cook them (or just see what they are like) yourselves, then the fish market on the Rialto is the place to go as they have been operating for over 1000 years and is quite an interesting place to spend an hour or two just looking around. However, if like me, you can't wait to cook and just want to eat, then Al Gatto Nero Da Ruggero on the island of Burano is a good choice. They have been operating since 1946 and offer a seafood based menu which you can look forward to foods like grilled sea scallops and razer clams. When in season, they also offer Mołéche with a few of their dishes such as Tagliolini fatti in casa con Mołéche (Homemade pasta with soft shell crab) or their Fritto Misto di Pesce.

Another restaurant that comes recommended is Vini da Gigio which is located on Cannaregio. They are a good value restaurant that feature a cosy atmosphere and is always full with locals (a good sign for sure). Other than Mołéche, their specialties also include Masorino alla Buranella (Burano Style duck) and beef carpaccio.