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Indistinguishable from the outside, but filled differently inside: Arancini!
L'Arancineria in Maxvorstadt: Sicilian arancini Last week I spent a few hours on Türkenstraße again. There's a lot happening there in the culinary scene, and although most people probably refer to it as "Schwabing," Türkenstraße, with all its delicacies and new openings, is actually located in Munich's Maxvorstadt district. One of these is L'Arancineria. "L'Aran-what?" some non-Italians might be thinking. In fact, this small shop, which opened in early May 2017 on Türkenstraße, serves arancini. Each arancino – that's the singular – is lovingly hand-rolled, filled with different ingredients, and shipped directly to Germany from Sicily. These baked rice balls can be ordered hot and delicious in six different varieties, plus an additional special one. I was already familiar with arancini, as well as their variety and the fact that they're similar to, say, the perfect Bolognese, bruschetta, or gnocchi recipe. Everyone swears by their own recipe, yet there are clear rules for this Sicilian specialty. I stopped by, sampled the dishes, and learned the ropes.
The world of arancini and how L'Arancineria does it
Not all arancinis are created equal. I was already aware of this, and now, after my visit to L'Arancineria, I understand why. The recipe itself isn't set in stone. In fact, not even the size of a single arancino or the method of preparation is fixed. I now know that the arancinis that are truly Sicilian, like the ones you get here on Türkenstraße, are smaller than the classic ones from Catania, Sicily. Because of their smaller size, they're easier for us—not seasoned Sicilians when it comes to arancini consumption—to "conquer" in terms of quantity, and it's easier to try several varieties without feeling full after just one. There are also regions, like Palermo and the surrounding area on the north coast, where saffron is the primary ingredient in arancinis. This is less common in southern Sicily and on the east coast. In the north, they're called "arancine," while in the south and east, they're called "arancini." There, an arancino can easily weigh around 250 grams and, much like a main course, is quite filling. The much more manageable arancini from L'Arancineria, however, all weigh between 120 and 130 grams, regardless of the filling. They can be eaten in 2-3 medium bites, leaving your stomach feeling light and satisfied. For someone with a normal appetite, about 2-3 arancini are enough to feel full.
The small shop on Türkenstraße
As you can see, not all arancinis are created equal. Furthermore, each method and recipe naturally carries its own unique character and know-how. Every variety and type of arancino has its own personal touch; there's no right or wrong, so to speak. But one thing I know for sure: whether it ends in "a," "i," or "o"—all the different varieties at L'Arancineria are absolutely delicious.
Specifically here, the arancini are prepared in Sicily: rolled by hand, filled, and flash-frozen – without any loss of quality – before arriving in Germany within a few days. Here, they are baked – not fried! – for about 12-15 minutes, depending on demand, and then they're ready. Because they're baked, the finished arancini contain significantly less fat than you might expect from their appearance. They did remind me a bit of Italian street food, but that only made me want to bite into them even more! The individual balls at L'Arancineria are about the size of a standard plum dumpling, filling, and perfect for taking on the go. Time for me to order a few, break them in half (don't cut them...for goodness' sake... ;-)), and try them.
Right: Cipollina
My personal test: Arancini from L'Arancineria
As mentioned, there are six different varieties. Two of them are vegetarian (one with spinach, one with eggplant), the other four with meat. In addition, there's a "Special" option: a special "Aracino" with a "Spaghetto" filling, which is also slightly larger than the standard varieties (200 grams instead of about 130 grams) and costs €3.60 each. The other varieties cost €2.90 each, which I find quite reasonable considering their filling nature. I skipped the Special variety during my visit and asked for advice on my selection. The choices were "Burro" with ham and mozzarella, "Spinaci e Mozzarella" with spinach and mozzarella, "Piccantino" with spicy salami, "Ragú" with ground beef and tomato (a classic among true Sicilians!), and "Norma" with eggplant and tomato. Sounds good, doesn't it?
My favorites were definitely the classics. I found both the spicy and the eggplant varieties delicious. All were tasty and definitely a light snack. Yes, really… I did share them, but I still ended up with three half arancini and a cipollina (see below) and wasn't overstuffed. It felt like 35 degrees Celsius when I visited, but I still wanted to bite into my arancini.
Also available: aperitif and cocktail
Further details and hard facts
For those who want to sample a variety, the "Six Pieces + 1 Special for €19.90" offer allows you to order each type plus the Spaghetti Special Arancino – freshly prepared and eaten by hand, the best way to enjoy arancini. If you're short on time, every variety is also available to go. However, if you have a few minutes to spare, you can take a seat at one of the 16 cozy indoor seats or at one of the soon-to-be-available 12 outdoor seats along the front of the building. For those who can't get enough, L'Arancineria's specially converted Ape (a small van) can be booked for events and trade fairs, allowing them to prepare these Sicilian "snacks" on-site for your business or private functions. Larger orders must be placed up to three days in advance and can be picked up upon request for your garden party, private event, or get-together with friends and colleagues. Also offered as a summer special is an „Eisbach Package“. This includes six specially selected arancini + a chilled bottle of white wine (from €29 – depending on the white wine).
For those who want to experience it like a true Sicilian, the first things to try are the "Ragú" and "Norma" varieties – the ones with ground beef and tomato, and the one with eggplant and tomato. Again, it's important to eat them fresh with your fingers, breaking them apart in the middle. The "Piccantino" with its spicy salami is also worth trying. I also really appreciate that L'Arancineria has "Aperitivo" time every day from 5 pm – just like in Italy. This means that with every aperitif, or round of drinks, there are complimentary snacks – just like in Italy itself. Carrots with mustard, Sicilian butter olives marinated in orange-infused olive oil, sliced tramezzini, chips, etc. – Cool, right? It doesn't get much more authentically Italian than this.
Cipollina, calzones, cannoli and drinks
Besides the star attraction, the arancini, there's another Sicilian classic at the counter that you shouldn't miss: cipollina. This is a kind of puff pastry made from sweet dough with a savory onion, ham, and cheese filling. And just like with the arancini, these don't leave a greasy aftertaste, so you don't feel overly full. However, you might have a different experience if you devour too many of the cannoli, the Italian desserts (available in three varieties: pistachio, ricotta, and chocolate, each €1.90). Those will definitely add to your weight. 😉 By the way, they serve Emilo coffee here (espresso for €1.40). Calzone sfoglia (€3.40) is also available in a snack-sized portion. Things won't get boring at L'Arancineria anytime soon – especially since they offer a variety of aperitifs and long drinks (like Augustin Gin and Tonic Water for €6.50 or the "Licchio Spritz," the Sicilian answer to the Hugo with pomegranate juice, mint, Prosecco, and elderflower syrup, also for €6.50). Definitely stop by and try them. I'm curious to hear what you think.
L'Arancineria | Türkenstraße 47, 80799 Munich
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 22:30,
Sundays and public holidays from 12:00 to 20:00;
Details: Daily from 5:00 PM: Aperitivo; 6 different types of arancini + 1 special type, cipollina, calzone, tramezzini, focaccia, cannoli and drinks
Website, Contact via telephone: 089 287 299 33
Pictures:
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- The small shop on Türkenstraße
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- Indistinguishable from the outside, but filled differently inside: Arancini!
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- Right:
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- Also available: aperitif and cocktail
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- „Broken“ Arancini
Battling against the spread of fraudulent medications
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