Mangè d'una volta – Al Buji

A traditional lunch in Pombia

"Mangè d'una volta – Al Buji" is one of the most cherished events on the culinary calendar of the Pro Loco Pombia APS, located in the town of Pombia, in the province of Novara (Piedmont). It is part of the "Mangè d'una volta" (Eating of the Past) series, a collection of lunches that revive the rustic, popular dishes of the region—the very meals that once marked the seasons and celebrations for families in the Upper Novara area.

Bollito misto, the star of the show

The event's name, "Al Buji" (meaning "the boiled meat" in the local dialect), says it all: the centerpiece of the table is bollito misto, one of the great classics of Piedmontese cuisine. It is a dish that requires time, patience, and expertise, which is precisely why it retains such a strong sense of conviviality: it is meant to be shared among many, sitting around a table without haste. The Pro Loco hosts this event during the Lenten season, following a tradition that continues year after year, drawing both regulars and curious food lovers to Pombia.

Where and how

The event takes place at the Via Garibaldi Social Center in the heart of Pombia, the same venue that hosts the other lunches in the "Mangè d'una volta" series. Seating is limited and reservations are mandatory: this ensures a high-quality service for everyone and allows the volunteers to organize the day as effectively as possible.

A village feast that feels like home

More than just a lunch, "Al Buji" is a moment of community. Like many associations in Piedmont, the Pro Loco Pombia APS is the engine of the town's social life: it organizes events throughout the year and keeps the memory of traditional recipes and customs alive. Participating in this event means sitting down with the locals, savoring a dish prepared just as it was in the old days, and breathing in the authentic atmosphere of a small town in the Novara province.

Who is it for?

• Lovers of traditional Piedmontese cuisine and bollito misto
• Families and groups of friends looking for a convivial lunch
• Visitors wanting to discover the authentic flavors of the Upper Novara region
• Supporters of local Pro Loco associations and village life