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Featuring wholesome, healthy and high quality ingredients- it’s no wonder that Italian food is one of the most popular cuisines across the world. Because the emphasis is placed on the quality ingredients rather than overly complex cooking techniques, dishes from Italy tend to be simple enough for the home cook to master. This means that it’s the type of food that most of us eat, cook and enjoy on a regular basis.
However there’s no better way to really become acquainted with Italian food, than to actually visit the country. You can experience it cooked by Italians, using traditional recipes with ingredients grown and produced right there in Italy. As if the country’s stunning landscapes, culture and fascinating history wasn’t enough to persuade you to take a trip, the food certainly will be. Different regions in Italy are famous for different dishes and ingredients, to get the best from your trip you could consider going on one of the food tours in Italy. Here are some of the most popular places to visit, and some of the dishes you should aim to try while you’re there.
Travelling to Milan? Try The Risotto and Osso Bucco
Right at the centre of Italy’s largest urban and metropolitan area, Milan is of course the ‘fashion capital of Europe’ and is well known for its excellent shopping opportunities, supermodels and celebrities. Food wise this area of Italy is the home of famous cheeses including Gran Padano, Gorgonzola, Taleggio, Provolone and Robiola. So when visiting Lombardy’s capital city Milan, be sure to sample dishes using these delicious cheeses. Most of Italy eats pasta however Northern Italy is famous for it’s rice dishes, with arborio risotto rice being some of the most common. And so risotto and (dishes served with risotto) such as osso bucco will be fantastic choices from the menu of any restaurant you choose to visit.
Travelling to Bologna? Try The Parmigiano Reggiano and Bolognese
This small city, capital of Emilia-Romagna, is full of fantastic things to see and do- the Fountain of Neptune, galleries, churches and museums. There are places to shop, interesting history and what is considered by some as the best food in Italy. The region is rich in meats meaning some of the best known meats in Italy are produced here. These include products such as proscuitto, fiocchetto and pancetta. Bolognese, a meat based sauce originating from Bologna (hence the name) is a something that we all recognise. However the original dish is quite bit different to the way we tend to make it elsewhere in the world, and bears little resemblance of the popular ‘spaghetti bolognese’ we all know. So make a point of trying the traditional bolognese when travelling to this beautiful city. Bologna is situated in a province that produces Parmigiano-Reggiano (only a few places in Italy are legally allowed to label their cheese under this name). So while in Bologna be sure to try out this so called ‘king of cheeses.’
Travelling to Tuscany? Try The Bruschetta and Artichokes
From it’s amazing landscapes to it’s ancient stone basin fed by a hot spring, cathedrals and famous landmarks- Tuscany is a popular tourist destination and definitely a region worth exploring on your trip to Italy. It is famous for a number of ingredients: fresh and dried pastas, beans artichokes and courgettes to name a few. Tuscan meals usually begin with antipasti, which may include bruschetta or crostini served with a variety of toppings. They make the most of their fantastic artichokes with the dish Carciofi alla Romana. As the region’s capital, Florence is a great place to visit to sample many specialities. Tuscan food tends to be simple and focus on great quality local produce, such as cheeses and meats.
Travelling to Naples? Try The Pizza, Calzone and Limoncello
Visit Mount Vesuvius, the Catacombs of San Gennaro, Naples Cathedral and the Royal Palace when travelling to this southern Italian city. Pizza lovers of the world rejoice, because Naples is the home of pizza. In fact the pizza we all know and love today is a descendant of the world’s first pizzeria in Naples- Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba. ‘Folded pizza’ or calzone is also popular, so be sure to sample one while you’re visiting Naples. You certainly won’t find it difficult to locate an excellent pizzeria while you’re there. Limoncello, a delicious Italian liqueur which can be used for cooking as well as drinking is also produced around this region. So if you’re looking for a souvenir to bring back from your trip, you won’t go far wrong with a bottle of this.
Travelling to Palermo? Try The Street Food
Explore the Teatro Massimo Palermo opera house, view the spectacular fountains at Quattro Canti and marvel over the breathtaking Mount Pellegrino. In Palermo, capital of Sicily, you can experience the taste of authentic street food. Eating on the street is a tradition that spans centuries in this part of Italy due to both practical issues and the poverty it has experienced through history. A range of meat including lamb, pork, veal, and rabbit are common and dishes range from well known pizzas to shocking skewered entrails. With a wide mixture of things to try- many which you are not likely to have heard of elsewhere– Palermo is a dream for foodies and adventurous eaters. Bit of trivia- locals claim they invented the meatball! In Palermo they are made with pine nuts and raisins and served with a sweet and sour tomato sauce.
So whether you want to try traditional, Italian cooked versions of your favourite foods or try something new entirely- this is a fantastic place to visit.