Italy is known for its stunning architecture and world-renowned fashion houses, but for foodies everywhere, Italy is the number one destination for mouth-watering cuisine. You may have tried Italian cuisine before in your hometown or country. But until you’ve had an authentic margherita or white truffle pizza, you’ve never had Italian food. Even if you don’t consider yourself an avid food connoisseur, trying authentic Italian cuisine should be on everyone’s bucket list. Here are 6 of Italy’s best dishes that are best for beginners.
Tortellini in broth
Although this dish is quite simply constructed, there is no shortage of flavor in this dish. It consists of tortellini pasta in a delicious broth. It is traditionally a dish of the winter season. This pasta is just one of the many great pasta dishes that Italy is known for around the world.
Truffles
This dish is considered a delicacy all over the world and is loved for its rarity and distinctive taste. They are grown in only a few countries, and Italy is one of them. They can only be found by dogs or pigs trained to find them in the wild in forests and mountains. In Italy, both white and black truffles are served.
Focaccia
All over Italy, there is really delicious bread on every corner of the bakery and cafe. But the Italian region of Linguria is known for being the birthplace of the famous focaccia flatbread. It is best served with toppings such as rosemary, olives or cheese, or simply drizzled with olive oil. Depending on the region of Italy you travel to, you may find that focaccia bread will vary in texture and thickness, sometimes resembling a flatbread and other times pita bread.
Ice cream
Gelato is famous all over the world, but you’ve never had real gelato if you’ve never had it in Italy. Gelato is similar to ice cream, but much denser and richer. There are many flavors of gelato, but most authentic gelato purveyors will serve traditional and delicious simple flavors such as stracciatella, vanilla, chocolate, hazelnut, pistachio and tiramisu, to name just a few.
Coffee
Coffee in Italy is probably very different from the diluted version you may be used to. Real coffee in Italy will have the same names you’ve heard before, but will mean something completely different. The meaning of latte, cappuccino, macchiato will be a completely different drink, even if you travel around Italy by region. But that’s just part of the beauty of Italian coffee drinking: an adventure you’ll never be able to complete, but one you’ll enjoy immensely.
Cheese
A guide to Italy’s best foods wouldn’t be complete without a mention of cheese. mascarpone,
Ricotta, Scamorezza, Gorgonzola, Asiago, Mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano, Taleggio, Burrata, Grana Padano, Scamorezza, Piave, Stracchino and Rabiola are just a few of the many wonderful cheeses that can be found in Italy. Some of these cheeses can only be found in certain regions, while some can be found all over the country.
