Milanese cuisine is distinct from the tomato-heavy dishes of southern Italy, focusing instead on rich, buttery flavors and ingredients like rice, corn, and veal. The city's most iconic dish is Risotto alla Milanese, a creamy rice dish infused with saffron, which gives it a signature golden-yellow hue. This is often served alongside Ossobuco, which is a tender, braised veal shank cooked with vegetables, white wine, and broth. Another world-famous specialty is the Cotoletta alla Milanese, a breaded veal cutlet fried in butter, similar to a Wiener Schnitzel but traditionally served with the bone in. For dessert, Milan is the birthplace of Panettone, the airy, fruit-filled sweet bread that has become a global Christmas tradition. The city is also the spiritual home of the "Aperitivo" culture; every evening, bars across Milan serve drinks accompanied by an elaborate spread of meats, cheeses, and small bites. Street food lovers should try a "Michetta," a classic hollow Italian sourdough roll, or "Mondeghili," which are traditional Milanese meatballs made from leftover meat, bread, and spices.