Deciding the top 10 dishes of Italy seems like an impossible task. From the Northern rustic flavors to the fresh light dishes of the South – Italian food is full of fantastic cuisine. Pasta, risotto, pizza, sea-food, the yummy desserts – endless variety and options to fill up your platter. Here are the 10 dishes that should be tasted on a Italian Vacation.
1. Pizza Margherita
Starting with one obvious choice: the famous Pizza Margherita was created in Naples by Raffaele Esposito in honour of Queen Margherita. The famed dish consists of three ingredients: tomato, basil and mozzarella.
2. Cichetti
The little plates of Cichetti feature seasonal vegetables and sea foods and has varied options from basic bar snacks to experimental colorful dishes.
3. Risotto Scampi e Limone
It is an absolute choice specially when you are visiting the Amalfi coast of Italy. The chefs often use its famous big and juicy lemons in the local cuisine. The freshness of the lemon juice and shrimps makes it a perfect summer delicacy.
4. Bistecca alla Fiorentina
Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a traditional Florentine beefsteak which finds its place on almost every restaurant platter in Florence. The steak is cooked over red burning coals for a perfect taste and eating experience.
5. Parmigiana Melanzane
Parmigiana Melanzana is a tomato and cheese eggplant bake. Though the dish is originally from the South, it can be found everywhere in Italy. The cheesy dish also comes with zucchini instead of eggplant!
6. Orecchiette con Broccoli di Rape
Orechiette is traditional pasta of the Puglia region. This fresh and thick delicacy is difficult to find elsewhere in Italy. The freshness if the ingredients make the dish incredibly tasty. The dish is perfect for the winter months as broccoli rabe grows in autumn.
7. Funghi Porcini con Pasta al Tartufo Nero
In October and November, truffles grow abundantly in the Tuscan region. So, a Tuscan eatery would be your ultimate destination if you want to treat yourself with Porcini mushrooms with black truffle pasta! A heavenly taste to indulge in.
8. Spaghetti al Nero di Seppia
Your pasta becomes a little bit more exotic when you try Spaghetti with cuttlefish ink! To make this dish the black ink of the mollusk is infused into the pasta. This traditional Sicilian dish is infectiously addictive.
9. Tiramisu
Now this is the time for some typical Italian sweet-dish. The famous Tiramisu is served all over the world, but none can match the fineness of its Italian counterparts. This delicious dessert is prepared by soaking lady fingers in Espresso.
10. Cannoli
This pastry dessert is a staple item of Sicilian cuisine and it should be in your bucket list when you are travelling in Italy. The taste of the crispy shells filled with creamy ricotta will give you a heavenly feeling.