Peter Morrell takes a look at Pulia, a unique restaurant / deli concept, showcasing the best dishes and ingredients from one of Italy’s most beautiful regions.

For those of you who don’t know, Puglia is the region of Italy that forms the heel of the boot. Apart from its fascinating history one of its main claims to fame is the unique cuisine. With rich and fertile soil and an extensive coastline there is an abundance of ingredients to hand and Puglian cooking has evolved to allow the fresh, natural flavours of these foods to shine through.

The good news is that now we have access to all this delicious food in the UK. Already well established in Italy, with locations in Florence, Turin, Milan and Marghera, the restaurant / deli concept called Pulia has taking its first step outside of its native country and opened an outlet in London just a few steps away from Borough Market.

You can eat typical Puglian food in the restaurant and also buy ingredients to take home and create your own authentic dishes. But it’s not just the food which is a celebration of Puglia, in the dining space there are lamps handmade in the region, some charming cactus pear wall decorations and a wall made with Pietra Leccese, the famous stone of Lecce.

It you choose to eat in there is rustic pizza, Panzerotti (think flat Cornish pasty) and Pasticciotto, delicate, filled sweet cakes freshly prepared juices and Italian coffee. You can have a healthy breakfast, a leisurely lunch or an early evening dinner.

In the deli section there are a wide range of organic ingredients, the famous Orecchietta, pasta the shape of little ears, jars of tasty treats like Involtini di Melanzane, rolled aubergine stuffed with tuna and Taralli Caserecci, crisp baked dough rings.

Cheese wise there is Mozarella and Burrata made from cow’s milk, and a selection of red and wines featuring local grape varieties. As Puglia is Italy’s largest producer of extra virgin olive oils there is a range of them available from mild to peppery.

So if you are in the Borough area then take time out for a bite to eat and to stock up on some of the world’s best natural ingredients.

Pulia
36a & 36b Stoney Street
London SE1 9LB
Tel +44 (0) 207 407 8766
E Mail: Stoneystreet@pulia.co.uk
Opening Hours:: Mon to Fri 7:00 to 19:00, Sat 8:00 to 19:00, and Sun 10:00 to 19:00

To read AboutMyGeneration’s article ‘Walking on Sunshine’ about Puglia click here…