Tagliatelle with smoked tench, served with aromatic herbs and cherry tomatoes on a white plate, placed on a wooden table.

Tench of Lake Trasimeno

Tench is a fish with tender and delicate flesh, perfectly embodying the spirit of Umbrian cuisine: simple, genuine and deeply connected to the local territory. This fish, which inhabits the shallow, vegetation-rich waters of Lake Trasimeno, has been a fundamental food source for local families for centuries, especially during times of scarcity.

History and tradition

Tench has always been associated with humble cuisine due to its abundance and ease of fishing. In the past, it was often consumed by fishermen's families, who prepared it in a simple way, with olive oil, garlic, and parsley. Today, tench has been rediscovered and appreciated, becoming a valued ingredient even in the finest restaurants.

In local cuisine

Tench is well-suited to simple preparations that enhance its delicate flavour. One of the most traditional recipes is baked tench, where the fish is stuffed with garlic, parsley, and lemon, then slowly cooked to keep the flesh tender and juicy.

Minced tench is also used to prepare an excellent sauce, which can be enriched with smoked tench for added flavour.

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Main attractions in the vicinity