Oh Italy. How stomachs love you, and hips despise you. You never
leave tongues unsatisfied with your delicious dishes. This is what most
people feel about Italian food, and we’re not talking about the generic,
over-salted American-Italian food. We’re talking authentic,
one-of-a-kind dishes that are unique in comparison to many Italian
dishes we know and love. When traveling to Italy, avoid upsetting the
Roman Gods and make sure you try at least one, or maybe all 10, of the
yummiest dishes. Get ready to pick yourself up by your bootstraps, get
walking and experience the best of ancient eating.
Pizza Margherita
Traditional Italian pizza is a thin crust, similar to baked pita taste
and texture. Each family owned business features their special sauce,
basil and mozzarella cheese. It sounds simple and boring, but trust thy
Roman palate, the exquisite sauce and cheese combinations will make you
believe that every fine pizza should be created, Roman style. So the
next time the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, devour it.
Gelato
There is no shortage of gelatarias in Italy, or flavors for that matter.
In a cone or a cup, experience the true bliss of gelato. The texture is
softer than ice cream and made with different ingredients. Southern
Italy founded the dairy-free gelato (sorbets) where dairy based were
created in Northern Italy. Whether you like fruit, nutella, nuts, or
biscuits, you’ll find a gelato in almost every flavor.
Roman Meals
Also known as “Turista Menu” this four to five course menu varies at
each restaurant. Usually the course starts with an antipasto (heavier
appetizer), primo (pasta of your choice), secondo (meat with side dish),
dolce (dessert) and/or a beverage. Prices range from 12 to 20 Euros.
After stuffing yourself like a Roman god, you’ll be thankful walking is
the main mode of transportation in Italy. You know what they say, “when
in Rome.”
Tiramisu
Like gelato, Tiramisu comes in all sizes and styles. Most are the
traditional alternating layers of cake and cream, but some restaurants
create the tiramisu in ice cream glasses, which feature bulk layers of
cream and one thin layer of cake.
Pasta Carbonara
Known to be a creamy pasta in the states, the Italians omit the cream.
The combination of egg, bacon, romano and white wine tossed together
with rigatoni or spaghetti noodles is a must try while in Italy. It’ll
have you hooked and disappointed at the American version.
Italian Coffee
Known as caffee, it’s actually a shot of espresso. Go to a “bar,” which
serves traditional shots of Italian espresso. Milk lovers may order a
cappuccino while black coffee sippers can order the dark and bold,
Americana. Be prepared for small beverages while paying a hefty four to
six euro per drink to sit and enjoy the coffee at the café.
Risotto
Risotto is found in many cities, but a must try, popular dish in Venice.
Seafood and mushroom risotto is a Venetian specialty. Look out for
seasonal dishes such as spring or summer risotto, which adds in various
herbs and seasonal veggies like asparagus.
Ravioli
Supposedly raviolis were created in the Roman era, but not traditional
until the return of Marco Polo from China. Most popular raviolis are the
ricotta and spinach, perfect for the veggie travel or those who do not
enjoy animal delicatessen in their meals. Generally really filling,
expect European sizes with anywhere from two to three raviolis per meal.
Prosciutto
If you love thin slices of meat, prosciutto is an Italian favorite. It
is either tossed in pasta or wrapped around cheese or melon. It is known
to be the finest of Italian pork product, and freshest in the
Emilia-Romagna region.
Gnocchi
Gnocchi, the flour dumpling, are created in various flavors and styles.
Vegetarians will enjoy the “pomodoro style,” sauce and cheese. Meat
lovers can find a slab of fine meat on many menus throughout Italy.
Sources -https://www.pacsafe.com/blog/top-10-must-eat-foods-in-italy/
