La Fricia

La Fricia, a symbol of Monferrato's gastronomic tradition

La Fricia is the festival with which Montemagno Monferrato, a small town in the province of Asti, Piedmont, celebrates the most beloved dish of the local peasant tradition every spring: the grand Piedmontese mixed fry. In the local Monferrato dialect, the term «fricia» refers specifically to this recipe, a rich and abundant preparation that brings together dozens of different sweet and savory morsels, fried after being coated in a light batter. The evening takes place at the Oratorio of Montemagno, at Via San Giovanni Bosco 4, and is organized by the Pro Loco with the support of local volunteers.

A dish with ancient roots

The Piedmontese mixed fry has its origins in peasant civilization, when nothing was wasted during home slaughtering and every part of the animal found its way to the table. From this philosophy of «nothing goes to waste» comes an iconic dish of the Monferrato region, proudly guarded by the Accademia della Fricia di Crea. The Monferrato version alternates savory parts — meats, sausages, sweetbreads — with sweet components like semolina, amaretti, and apples, in a succession of courses that tells the gastronomic history of these UNESCO-listed hills.

The evening's menu

The gastronomic offering of La Fricia follows a fixed menu designed to showcase the recipe in its most complete form. The adult menu includes:

• Raw beef with mixed greens
• Grand Piedmontese mixed fry
• Diavolotti in broth
• Crème brûlée
• Wine, water, and coffee

For children, there is a dedicated menu with gnocchi in butter and sage, breaded cutlet with carrots, and crème brûlée. Everything is accompanied by wines from the Monferrato hills, starting with Grignolino, considered the ideal pairing to enhance the multiple flavors of the fry.

A convivial event in the Asti Monferrato

La Fricia is much more than just a dinner: it is a festive moment that brings the community of Montemagno and visitors from the surrounding areas together around the tables of the Oratorio. The atmosphere is familiar and welcoming, typical of Piedmontese village festivals, and also represents an opportunity to discover the medieval historic center of the village, perched among the vineyards of the Piedmont Region. Booking is highly recommended, as seating is limited and tables fill up quickly.