Although pizza and pasta are Italy's best-known traditional foods, Italian cuisine consists of a variety of breads, cheeses, vegetables, meats and desserts. Each region and every village has its own favored foods and cooking styles.
Healthy Ingredients
Most ingredients in traditional Italian food are healthy. Olive oil, tomatoes and garlic, along with herbs like basil and oregano are standard in many dishes.
Pizza Fun Fact
Naples, Italy is proud of its designation as the pizza capitol of the world. Antica Pizzeria Port Alba, which opened in 1830, claims to be the oldest pizzeria in existence and it's still going strong.
National Dish
Pasta has the proud designation as Italy's national dish, but it started out as a traditional Chinese dish. Noodles were first introduced to the Italian people by explorer and merchant, Marco Polo.
Each Meal is an Event
A traditional Italian meal is a long and joyous process, beginning with an appetizer, followed by pasta or rice with sauce and meat, and then a salad or vegetable dish. Fruit is a favorite desert, usually accompanied by pastries or gelato.
Fruit of the Vine
Wine is traditionally served with all Italian meals, along with a glass of water. Diners also enjoy sipping a cup of strong espresso after a delicious meal, but the hot brew is never served with food.
Italian Sauces
Tomatoes aren't the main ingredient in most traditional Italian sauces. Sauces made from tomatoes or other vegetables take a back seat to sauces based on olive oil or butter.
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