Food in Italy: Top 10 specialties

The mere thought of Italy is enough to make you think of the countless varieties of pasta . And so pasta is without question the Italian national dish. At the same time, the origin of many pasta dishes is shrouded in legend. For example, it is still unclear where the popular spaghetti carbonara recipe actually comes from.

The only thing that is certain is that the long noodles and the spicy sauce made from eggs, pecorino and guanciale were first served in Rome. Incidentally, the black peppercorns in the sauce are said to have been a reference to the coal dust of the miners (carbonari).

What would Italian cuisine be without its pizza? While the choice of different varieties is overwhelming, the preparation is considered a true art. In addition to first-class ingredients and culinary creativity, it requires above all craftsmanship to transform the simple dough into a real treat for the palate.

Incidentally, this Italian specialty is said to have originated in Naples, where the baker Raffaele Esposito is said to have baked the first Margherita pizza in 1889 in honour of the then Queen. Whether this is actually true remains uncertain. What is certain, however, is that you should definitely enjoy a freshly baked pizza on your trip.

In addition to pasta and pizza, Italian cuisine offers plenty of delicacies depending on the region. One dish that is particularly typical of Milan is ossobuco.

This is a slice of veal leg braised with onions, plenty of olive oil, wine and spices . And although the tender meat alone is an experience for the taste buds, the creamy marrow from the bone is considered an absolute delicacy. In most cases, this popular dish is served either with vegetables or with a portion of delicious saffron risotto.

Sicily delights with a colorful potpourri of culture, history and first-class Italian cuisine. There is so much to discover on this magical island that arancini are the perfect way to enjoy a local snack between meals.

This popular street snack is easy to enjoy on the go and is guaranteed not to get boring, even after trying it several times. The golden fried rice balls are available with a wide variety of fillings. Whether you explore the picturesque old town of Syracuse, the narrow streets of Palermo or the Gothic architecture of Trapani with an arancino made from mozzarella, peas and ragout sauce, mushrooms or ham is entirely up to you.

Among the typical Italian dishes, lasagne is of course a must. But beware, this specialty originally comes from Greece and not Italy. However, you should not necessarily discuss this with an Italian chef.

Instead, lasagne is a dish to be enjoyed, especially in Emilia-Romagna or around Bologna. So sit back and let the combination of slabs of pasta, hearty ragout, a creamy béchamel sauce and golden Parmigiano cheese melt in your mouth. If you wish, you can also treat yourself to a glass of Italian red wine.

Ribollita is an integral part of the historical Cucina Povera, the simple cuisine. It is a filling Tuscan soup, which experience has shown should be eaten with a fork rather than a spoon.

Traditionally, ribollita was made from simple, readily available ingredients and leftover bread that could be reheated, especially in winter. As the individual ingredients and flavors blend and intensify wonderfully in this way, ribollita has long since made it onto the menus of local restaurants.

Anyone visiting the Eternal City should not miss the opportunity to try one of Rome's most traditional dishes: saltimbocca. Tender veal fillets are combined with aromatic sage leaves and hearty ham.

To add a special touch, the dish is served with a tasty sauce made from butter and white wine. While saltimbocca is now also made from chicken or pork, the method of preparation can vary slightly depending on the region. Today, this popular dish is served with capers, artichokes or ham , among other things.

Another Italian national dish and an integral part of northern Italian cuisine is undoubtedly polenta. This versatile cornmeal dish is not only ready in no time at all, but can also be served with different types of cheese or a hearty tomato sauce to suit your taste.

The more butter and cheese you add during cooking, the creamier the result. And at the end, you decide whether you want to eat the polenta as a main course or as a delicious side dish.

The fact that Italy produces fantastic cheeses is known far beyond the country's borders. However, an absolute highlight of Italian cuisine is burrata. Strictly speaking, this is a cream-enriched mozzarella cheese from Apulia, which is particularly popular when combined with fresh tomatoes and basil .

So if you are looking for a tasty, fresh dish for warm summer days, a portion of burrata is the perfect choice. You may even want to visit one of the region's traditional cheese dairies afterwards to find out more about this culinary delight.

If you fancy a typical dessert after a usually extensive Italian meal, you should order a portion of homemade tiramisù. This tasty treat combines several Italian specialties.

While the fluffy Savoiardi cookies are soaked in aromatic coffee, the creamy mascarpone filling provides a wonderful contrast. The whole thing is rounded off with a light layer of dark cocoa. A freshly brewed espresso is without doubt the perfect accompaniment to enjoy La Dolce Vita to the full.