Everyone knows about the delicious cuisine in Italy. It ranks as the top food contender in the world on many list. The people of Italy treat food like an art form and meals last for several hours. The variety of pasta dishes can even become overwhelming for a first-time visitor in this country. This article is to help you navigate some of the finest dishes that you must try on your visit to this extremely beautiful, historic food capital location of the world.
Appetizers:
Bruschetta
This classic dish is composed of fresh cut tomatoes, basil, and garlic mixed with a generous amount of olive oil and salt and placed on crusty bread.
Suppli
A classic in Rome, most commonly ate as a street food snack this is a deep-fried rice ball filled with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Pastas:
Carbonara
Made with eggs, cured pork, hard cheese, and black pepper. The cheese used is usually Pecorino Romano. This is one of the best comfort foods.
Cacio e pepe
Made with cheese and black pepper. This simple dish is a crowd pleaser.
Lasagna
Layered and filled with a creamy cheese, rich tomato sauce, and long sheets of pasta. Each region has its own specialty.
Gnocchi:
This is my personal favorite. Made with flour, potatoes, egg, and salt. I tried 2 different types. I had one made with a 4-cheese sauce and another with a tomato-based sauce.
Ravioli
In Florence, the typical ravioli filling is spinach and ricotta. Other fillings include meats, cheeses, and vegetables such as squash.
Tagliatelle:
A ribbon pasta that needs to be tried with ragu sauce. I made mine in a cooking class in Florence.
Main courses:
Tripe:
A soup made from the stomach of farm animals, mainly cows.
Pizza:
A must eat, an obvious decision, did you really come to Italy if you didn’t eat this fine delicacy? Be prepared to eat it with a fork and knife. Pizza does not come precut. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Desserts:
Tiramisu:
Made with eggs, mascarpone cheese, lady fingers dipped in coffee/ wine mixture, and sugar layered and put in a fridge to give you a soft, velvety dessert.
Gelato:
Smooth and creamy, this is the Italian version of icecream. Make sure to purchase it from the silver cannisters, instead of the pretty displays.
Cannoli:
A fried pastry dough that is filled with a cream containing ricotta cheese and it usually has chocolate chips at each end.
Drinks:
Limoncello:
Served as a digestive after meals. It is a strong sweet liquor made from lemon peels marinated in alcohol.
Aperol and Campari Spritz:
These two delicious cocktails are made with prosecco, bitter liqueur, and mineral water. The Aperol is much sweeter while the Campari tastes bitter.
Wine:
Some of the best vineyards in the world are found here in Italy particularly in the Tuscany region. Order you a bottle at dinner and enjoy along with your meal.
I hope this guide makes your mouth water and your trip to Italy a little easier. But whatever you decide to eat will be bursting with flavor regardless. Enjoy your time.