Italy is known and loved throughout the world for its food. In Italy, food and life are intertwined, each needing the other to thrive. Where would an authentic Italian pizzeria be without the boisterous, Italian family who painstakingly tosses the dough and bakes it into perfection? Likewise, where would Italy be, if not known for their mouth-watering menus and gourmet wines?
Every year, thousands of tourists flock to the land of cultural milk and honey for just a taste of its riches. While it's hard to be disappointed, here are five must-try foods to experience the best Italy has to offer.
Pizza
This world-renowned classic had its birthplace in Naples, where the Margherita pizza was named for the Queen Margherita of Savoy. Naples is still known and revered for its thin crust, mozzarella and basil renditions of this food. In Naples, many of the tomatoes used for the sauces, are grown in the volcanic ash of Pompeii, adding extra flavor and richness to its pizza. In Rome, the pizza takes on a slightly different form, sold in long thin sheets and branching out to other flavors: pizza bianca, pizza romana, and pizza capricciosa.
Cheese
Carbonara
This delectable dish is comprised of some of Italy's finest ingredients: eggs, cheese, cream, olive oil, and meat. Spaghetti is usually the base pasta, but linguine or fettuccine can also be used. Be sure to try this dish at any of the local restaurants- you're bound to be impressed.
Gelato
Coffee
Coffee is an integral part of the culture in Italy. From cappuccinos and caffe lattes to espresso and cafe doppio (double espresso), there is a coffee for every palate. Italians tend to drink the more milky forms of coffee in the morning, moving to the drink's darker counterparts in the afternoon and evening. Helpful hint: in Italy, espresso is the default coffee. Those wanting a less severe flavor should ask for an Americano.