Explore Italy’s Culinary Treasures with GoTravelDaily
One of the world’s most revered cuisines, Italy’s wealth of regional dishes mirrors the nation’s extraordinary geographic and cultural diversity. The common thread is an indelible link between food and the locals’ sense of identity. From the quality of Italy’s produce to the reverence for tradition, eating here is all about passion, pride, and godere la vita (enjoying life). Consequently, devouring these treats is an essential part of any Italian sojourn.
The Italian term for “pride of place” is campanilismo. Rooted in the clashes among medieval city-states, this concept has evolved into a competition for producing specialty foods and wines. With such incredible raw materials crafted into exquisite dishes, fine-tune your culinary radar with the following edible musts. Let your taste buds lead you around Italy with this guide to what to eat and drink when you get there.
Prepare Yourself – You’ve Never Had Pasta This Good
Pasta is a delicious mainstay found everywhere in Italy, and sampling the regional variations makes any trip worthwhile. In Rome, indulge in authentic spaghetti alla carbonara (no cream involved), bucatini all’amatriciana (with bacon, tomato, chili, and pecorino cheese), and spaghetti cacio e pepe (with pecorino cheese and black pepper). In Bologna, try the classic tagliatelle al ragù (pasta with white wine, tomato, oregano, beef, and pork belly) or the soothing tortellini in brodo (pasta stuffed with meats in broth).
The town of Gragnano on the Amalfi Coast produces prized pasta perfect for spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clam sauce). In Sicily, delight in pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardines, pine nuts, raisins, and wild fennel). Moreover, for a true culinary experience, uncork a bottle of Sagrantino di Montefalco red and grate a black truffle from Norcia over fresh tagliatelle or strozzapreti (an elongated pasta literally meaning “priest-strangler”).
Naples: The Home of On-the-Go Pizza
“Pizza by the slice” is the perfect piazza-side nibble, and there is no better place to indulge than Naples, the home of superb street food. Standard options include wood-fired crusts topped with prosciutto, basil, or mushrooms, while creative variations like annarella (pizza-dough buns filled with artichoke) excite the palate. For the adventurous, pizza fritta (fried pizza dough stuffed with various fillings) awaits.
Deep-Fried Risotto Balls: A Street Food Staple
Across Italy, deep-fried risotto balls are known by many names, from Rome’s suppli to Sicily’s arancini. Suppli are made with arborio rice and filled with melted mozzarella, resulting in delicious strings as you take a bite. Arancini, on the other hand, are named for their small, rounded shape, resembling a little orange and often stuffed with ragù, mozzarella, or other fillings.
Embrace Your Inner Carnivore
The variations of meat preparations in Italy are impressively diverse. In Bologna, you can savor mortadella (pork cold cut) and stinco di maiale al forno con porcini (roasted pork shanks with mushrooms). Parma is world-renowned for its prosciutto, and Norcia is Italy’s pork capital, offering wild boar dishes. Tuscan specialties like pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar pasta) and the iconic bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak) are sure to satisfy meat lovers.
Sample More Cheeses Than There Are Villages
Italy is home to some of the world’s most esteemed cheeses, offering cheese aficionados a delightfully varied selection. Here are some must-try varieties:
- Parmigiano Reggiano: A nutty cheese from northern provinces, known for its grainy texture.
- Gorgonzola: A pungent blue cheese from Lombardy, typically aged three to four months.
- Mozzarella: Best enjoyed fresh, especially the buffalo variety from Campania.
- Provolone: A semi-hard cheese, often used in various Italian dishes.
- Asiago: A full-flavored cheese from northern Italy, noted for its strong taste.
Decide Who Makes the Best Gelato in Italy
Authentic Italian gelato uses seasonal ingredients, letting natural flavors shine through without synthetic colors. The quest for the best gelato is a delicious endeavor worth exploring during your Italian adventure. Whether in Rome or Florence, local gelaterias competing for the top spot invite you to indulge.
World-Class Coffee Comes in Various Forms
Most Italian mornings kick off with a creamy cappuccino, traditionally enjoyed before noon. Otherwise, espresso reigns supreme. In the summertime, a granita di caffè (coffee with shaved ice) is a refreshing alternative. With many Italian bars now offering non-dairy alternatives, enjoying coffee with options like soy or almond milk has become increasingly common.
It’s Not an Italian Meal Without Wine
Choosing the right wine is as crucial as selecting the meal itself in Italian cuisine. While Italy’s affordable wines are often preferred, exploring local varietals and unique blends can enrich your dining experience. From Chianti to lesser-known selections like Brunello, there is no shortage of captivating wines to enhance your meal.
Endless Delicious Options for Vegetarians and Vegans
Italian cuisine offers a variety of vegetarian options, such as pasta con pesto or Sicilian alla norma. However, always check ingredient lists for hidden meats or cheeses in sauces. Vegan travelers may face challenges due to the prevalent use of cheese, so it’s wise to inquire about ingredients beforehand.
Delicious Dishes You Can’t Miss
Some Italian delicacies you must try include:
- Missoltini: Sun-dried fish from Lake Como.
- Lampredotto: Cow’s stomach sandwich from Florence.
- Pani ca meusa: A peculiar sandwich of beef lungs, popular in Palermo.
- Zurrette: A traditional Sardinian dish made with blood pudding.
- Trippa alla romana: Tripe cooked with potatoes and tomato, typically found in Rome.
A Year in Food
Italy’s culinary offerings are vibrant year-round. Spring brings fresh asparagus and artichokes, while summer boasts berries and tuna festivals. In autumn, mushrooms and truffles take center stage, and winter delights feature holiday treats.
