Tripe or Trippa
Tripe or trippa as it is called in Italian is street food in Florence from ancient times. Fortunately this tradition still survives in the streets of Florence especially in the more ancient parts of the city. Till today you can find “trippai” or sellers of tripe mainly beef entrails in carts (caretti) in some parts of Florence.
Tripe sandwiches are almost as much part of Florence as are its arts and culture. Sometimes I think good food is the one of the best expression of art? But although you may not agree with me do check out the tripe sellers especially in Mercato Centrale, Florence and other older parts of Florence.
Tripe is not only transformed into sandwiches but has many other variations. It is converted to a number of dishes which are served in restaurants in Florence including up market ones and the tripe salad is almost a ubiquitous part of most menus.
However the best places for you eat tripe in Florence are from a cart, while exploring medieval parts of Florence and eating it typically like a Florentine does. Tripe vendors give you option like having your sandwich with salt and pepper, with green sauce (salsa verde), salsa piccante (basically a chilly/oil sauce), bagnato (dipped in broth) or with seasonal vegetables including leeks and artichokes.
When you visit Florence you should taste tripe or lampredotto atleast once preferably from a street vendor as this ancient Florentine fast food is a unique experience. However if you have too many reservations about street food you can try the trippa alla fiorentina or tripe salad or any other tripe based dish in a trattoria or restaurant.