Spaghetti with sardines is a traditional dish from Mantua, a city in northern Italy. The spaghetti should be thick and rough in texture, and it’s served with a sauce made from sardines, often sautéed with garlic and olive oil. The dish is known for its simple yet rich flavors, combining the salty, umami taste of the sardines with the earthy texture of the pasta. It’s a beloved example of local Mantuan cuisine that originated from a dish specially made for Lent.