Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Arancini (singular: arancino or arancina) are a signature street food of Sicily, the large island off Italy's southern coast. The name means "little oranges" (from arancia), referencing their shape and golden color.
Likely 10th-century Arab introduction (rice, saffron) adapted by Sicilians. Originally a way to use leftover risotto. The ragù (meat sauce), peas, and mozzarella filling became classic.
Now found throughout Italy and worldwide—though purists insist true arancini are Sicilian, fried to order, with a crisp shell yielding to creamy, saffron-tinted rice and molten filling.