Nothing Beats Italian Cuisine
When it comes to the beauty of Europe, Italy tops the list for beautiful and interesting destinations. Rich with history and boasting a proud heritage dedicated to art, culture and romance, it’s easy to become swept up in the magical atmosphere of this incredible country. Talk to anyone who has made the journey and they’ll undoubtedly say they can’t wait to go back. Whether it’s a trip to one of the countless museums, a visit to any of the 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites strewn about the country, or just to relax and enjoy the simpler things in life, Italy has enough to fascinate and delight almost any traveler. It also happens to be a haven for foodies, serving up delectable traditional Italian fare that has made its way around the world. Of course, nothing beats real Italian food made right at the source – here are 5 foods you won’t want to miss during your visit.
Pasta
Ok, so you’re probably not surprised by this one. After all, what is Italian food without pasta? But did you know that there are actually about 55 different shapes of this starchy substance, each of which fall into the categories of either long, short, filled, flavored, baking or pasta for soup? It’s quite impressive. Some of the more famous pasta dishes served throughout Italy include Spaghetti alla Norma, Rigatoni all Carbonara, Trenette al Pesto and Bucatini all’ Amatriciana. Just bring your appetite because whichever style or type of pasta dish you decide to dine on is sure to fill you to the brim!
White Truffles
Found almost exclusively in the northern part of the country, these exquisite-tasting mushrooms are quite a delicacy. Their rarity makes them much more valuable than the more easily found black truffles. They are typically grown with oak, poplar, hazel and beech, which give them a rich, hearty flavor. If you want to try a little bit of this unique treat, keep in mind that it doesn’t come cheap. Their rarity and value makes them quite expensive. Once you try one, however, you’ll understand why people pay so much for what is essentially a fungus.
Cheese
Would you like some cheese with that? In Italy, cheese isn’t just a topping, it’s a meal. Perhaps the most well-known kind is parmesan; however there are over a dozen other popular (and delicious) types of cheese to try in Italy including asiago, canestrato, fontina and bitto to name a few. Like fine wine, the cheeses of Italy are expertly aged to perfection and will have you feeling as if you’re in food heaven when you try them.
Risotto
Another popular dish throughout Italy, this meal is comprised of rice that is cooked in a broth until it reaches a scrumptious creamy consistency. Risotto is so rich that it’s typically served on its own, before the main course, rather than as a side dish. It can be prepared using a variety of different ingredients, including meat, vegetables, fish, seafood and even different types of wine and cheese. There is even a mouth-watering strawberry risotto that will have you drooling for the next bite. Whichever variety of risotto you try, you will inevitably experience a true taste of the beautiful country from which it originates.
Pizza
Like pasta, pizza is a classic Italian cuisine staple – the love of which is shared in countries across the globe. But you haven’t tried authentic Italian pizza until you’ve tasted it in Italy. Traditionally, the crust was made from simple ingredients of flour, water and yeast and then topped with olive oil and baked in a scorching hot brick oven. Pizzas are divided based on whether or not they contain tomatoes. Interestingly enough, the pizza most of us have come to know and love originated in Naples. No matter how you slice it or what you top it with, your visit to Italy simply wouldn’t be complete without sampling a piece of true pizza pie.
Italy is by far one of the world’s most popular destinations. Breathtakingly beautiful landscapes are matched only by the fantastic artwork and rich history and culture that have helped form this incredible country. Ancient fortresses, fascinating museums, unmatched culture and a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere make a trip to Italy one of the most amazing and memorable experiences of a lifetime. If you’re planning a visit, whatever you do, bring your camera and don’t forget your appetite! You’ll need them both to truly capture the essence of this charming country.