Spleen Sandwich (pani ca meusa)
A soft sandwich, often a sesame-topped mafalda roll, filled with thin strips of veal spleen and lung cut by hand and fried in boiling lard. The meat is dark, glossy, and intensely aromatic, with a tender, juicy texture that contrasts with the warm bread. It can be served “schettu” (plain, with a squeeze of lemon) or “maritatu,” enriched with fresh Ricotta or shavings of caciocavallo cheese. It’s a street food meant to be eaten standing among the markets of Palermo, steaming and freshly prepared.
Why it matters
Pani ca meusa is one of the most recognizable symbols of Palermo’s popular cuisine. Born among the stalls of historic markets such as Ballarò, Vucciria, and Capo, it represents the city’s authentic spirit: direct, generous, and deeply rooted in street traditions.
Origin story
Its origins date back to the Middle Ages and the presence of the Jewish community in Palermo, who worked in meat slaughtering. Unable to be paid in money, the butchers received the offal — including spleen and lung — which they began frying in lard and serving in bread. After the expulsion of the Jews in 1492, the tradition was carried on by Palermo’s street vendors, becoming one of the pillars of the city’s street food culture.
Typical ingredients
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Questions about Spleen Sandwich (pani ca meusa)
What is Spleen Sandwich (pani ca meusa)?
A soft sandwich, often a sesame-topped mafalda roll, filled with thin strips of veal spleen and lung cut by hand and fried in boiling lard. The meat is dark, glossy, and intensely aromatic, with a tender, juicy texture that contrasts with the warm bread. It can be served “schettu” (plain, with a squeeze of lemon) or “maritatu,” enriched with fresh Ricotta or shavings of caciocavallo cheese. It’s a street food meant to be eaten standing among the markets of Palermo, steaming and freshly prepared.
Where to eat Spleen Sandwich (pani ca meusa) in Palermo?
Look for traditional trattorias and restaurants in the historic centre of Palermo that value local products and traditional recipes.
What are the ingredients of Spleen Sandwich (pani ca meusa)?
The main ingredients of Spleen Sandwich (pani ca meusa) are: milza di vitello, polmone di vitello, strutto, pane mafalda con sesamo, limone.
How much does Spleen Sandwich (pani ca meusa) cost in Palermo?
The price of Spleen Sandwich (pani ca meusa) in Palermo is typically €3–6.
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