The story
Panettone is Milan's Christmas bread, probably dating from the 15th century. The name comes from Milanese dialect for a big loaf, though legend prefers pan di Toni: a noble in love with the daughter of a poor baker called Toni is said to have helped him buy the finest flour, eggs, raisins and candied peel, and the rich bread that resulted made the baker's fortune and won the noble his bride. The first firm record dates from 1599, at a college in nearby Pavia, and the first printed recipe appeared in Milan in 1853. In 1919 the Milan baker Angelo Motta gave it its tall dome.
Also known as panetón, panetone, panettone milanese.
On the Meridish menu
Panettone was the dessert course on menu No. 23 on October 23, 2026. Its clue in the game, which hints at the place without naming it:
A tall, domed Christmas bread studded with raisins and candied peel. Legend says it's named after a baker called Toni, in this northern city of fashion and finance.
In Meridish, every dish is pinned to the town or city most widely credited with creating it. A guess within 25 km scores all 100 points. How scoring works.
Sources
Food history is often disputed. Think we've pinned it in the wrong place? Tell us at hello@meridish.com, ideally with a source.
