Barbajuan
Monaco's fried chard-and-ricotta pastries
Think of it as: Like mini spinach-and-cheese ravioli that went for a swim in the fryer
It's named "Uncle John." Nobody knows which one.
What does it taste like?
Crispy shell with a mild, cheesy greens filling.
SweetSpicySourSaltyFunkSmellTextureCrispy outside, soft inside
What is it?
Small fried pastries filled with Swiss chard and ricotta. The name means "Uncle John" in Monegasque. They're served on Monaco's National Day, November 19.
How locals eat it
Eaten by hand as a starter or snack, always at parties and festivals.
Watch it
EnglishTap to play (YouTube)Where is it from?
🇲🇨Monaco
CapitalMonaco
Populationabout 38,000estimate (unverified)
IndustriesTourism, Casinos, Finance
Famous peopleGrace KellyHollywood star turned Princess of Monaco
HelloBon-zhoor
CurrencyEuro
Fun factAt about 2 km², it's the world's second-smallest country after Vatican City.
The flag🇲🇨 Red over white, nearly identical to Indonesia's flag except for the proportions.
From Tokyoabout 9,950 kmstraight line, Tokyo to Monaco
Getting there15+ hours (with connections via Nice)rough guide
✈ Check cheap flights Best timeMay for the Grand Prix, or June–September for the sea. Also trySocca (chickpea pancake)Stocafi (dried cod stew)Fougasse
✈ Check cheap flights Best timeMay for the Grand Prix, or June–September for the sea. Also trySocca (chickpea pancake)Stocafi (dried cod stew)Fougasse
🇲🇨 Sounds & life in Monaco
BonjourHello（Bon-zhoor）
Latin
Latin
Right now…
Anthem"Hymne Monégasque" (Monegasque Anthem)
SportSoccer (AS Monaco)
Charles Leclerc (F1 driver) FestivalMonaco Grand Prix (May, F1 on the city streets)
SportSoccer (AS Monaco)
Charles Leclerc (F1 driver) FestivalMonaco Grand Prix (May, F1 on the city streets)
Ingredients
- 250 g flour
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 100 ml water
- 300 g Swiss chard
- 150 g ricotta
- 30 g Parmesan
- 1 egg
- Oil for frying
Can't find it? Spinach is fine if you can't find Swiss chard.
How to make it (one way)
- Knead flour, oil, water and a pinch of salt; rest 30 minutes
- Boil the chard, chop finely and squeeze dry
- Mix with ricotta, Parmesan and egg
- Roll the dough thin, fill and seal
- Fry at 180°C until golden
Get the ingredients (ad)
ricottaAmazon