No one’s surprised.
As I’m going through finals and my last week in Italy, I’ve been trying to have all of the food I know I’m going to miss. I decided to give anyone reading this some ideas for really good Italian delicacies to seek out if they ever decide to come here.
First thing’s first, suppli/arancini:
These little fried balls of rice, tomato, and mozzarella are probably the equivalent to heaven. There are many different types, but the general common idea is that it is a fried ball filled with rice. You can get some with meat in them or you can get some with spinach, etc. They are always delicious and always a good way to make your soul happy! 🙂
Wild Boar Pasta
Okay, hear me out. It is so good. It doesn’t taste particularly gamey, more like a type of beef and in the sauce that usually comes with this pasta, there is no other option but to get it and fall in love. It’s a nice spin on ragu so that you’re not always eating the simple tomato and ground beef bolognese/ragu sauce.
Cacio e Pepe
So simple, yet so good. This pasta is only pecorino cheese and black pepper, but that doesn’t make it any less delicious. It is definitely one of my favorite types of pasta that I have ever tasted. (I also much prefer this over carbonara, although carbonara is still pretty good.)
Zucchini Flowers (Fiori di Zucca)
Okay, I guess I just really like fried things. But I also have a really good relationship with zucchini and these fried zucchini flowers just make it that much better. The Jewish Ghetto is known for them, but anywhere you get them will probably be delicious. Sometimes they’re filled with cheese and I almost have a deliciousness-induced heart attack.
Gelato
Yes, it’s different than ice cream. Yes, it’s delicious. I know I didn’t need to tell you, but it would’ve been criminally remiss to not include it.
Panino
I know that there’s not much that seems different about having a sandwich, but there’s a lot actually. (Also: one sandwich is a “panino,” multiple are “panini,” and none of them are pressed–that’s something different.) Most of the difference comes from the fresh ingredients one can find for their sandwich. Besides, obviously, having more options in terms of prosciutto and cold cuts, there’s also more options in terms of cheese, pesto, eggplant, etc., that one may not find in a deli in the States.
Pizza
Italian pizza is as good as you would expect it to be. Considering that pizza is an Italian invention, I think it’s safe to say that this pizza is the best pizza I’ve ever had. There are so many different types and they’re all so good. I’ve tried so many kinds and can’t tell you of a single kind not to get.
Pesto
Just anything with pesto. I do mean anything: panini, pizza, pasta, anything. Authentic pesto is so incredible. It’s also interesting to see how every place has pesto that’s slightly different, but still delicious all the same.
The food has honestly been one of my favorite parts of studying abroad and I’m really happy that I got to share this with people studying abroad in the future. Happy eating!
