Vacationing in Italy? Treat Your Taste Buds with These Local Delights!

Italy is known for its unique and delicious cuisine that has become famous worldwide. What comes to your mind when you think of Italian food? Maybe you'll immediately think of popular foods like pizza and spaghetti. In fact, Italian cuisine is actually much more than that. Curious about what other dishes we're talking about? Let's dive right in and check out a list of some Italian dishes that you might not be so familiar with, but are just as delicious!

Risotto

Risotto is a traditional Italian dish known for its creamy and soft texture. This dish is very simple, but it's guaranteed to make you fall in love. Risotto is a rice dish made from special Italian rice, like Arborio rice. This rice is slowly cooked with broth, resulting in a savory flavor and a texture that melts in your mouth. You must try it if you visit northern Italy, such as Milan. 

Panzanella

Panzanella is one of the most iconic traditional dishes in Italian culinary culture, especially in the rural area of Tuscany, when farmers experience a surplus in vegetable production. It's typically served during the summer, as its ingredients are full of cold and fresh vegetables, including toasted bread, fresh tomatoes, onions,     and basil leaves. Perfect for those who want to try a healthy dish with a natural flavor.

Gnocchi

Gnocchi (pronounced 'nyo-kee') is a soft dough made from mashed potatoes and flour, shaped into small balls, then boiled and served with various sauces. Since it's potato-based, Gnocchi is very popular in northern Italy, where farmers find it easier to grow potatoes than wheat. This dish offers a soft texture similar to pasta, but with a different and simpler taste.

Arancini

If you're curious about Italian fried snacks, Arancini is a must-try. Arancini is a special snack from Sicily, an island in southern Italy. This snack consists of rice balls filled with cheese or meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and then fried until golden. The outside is crispy, while the inside is soft and melts in your mouth—a perfect combination for a snack anytime.

Melanzane alla Parmigiana

Who would have thought that eggplant could become a luxurious dish? The history of this dish started when Arab and Persian immigrants brought eggplants to the borders of Italy. Melanzane alla Parmigiana, or eggplant Parmesan, is eggplant baked with tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese. Rich in flavor and perfect for those who enjoy vegetarian dishes.

Focaccia

If you're in Italy, you must try this historic bread. Focaccia (pronounced 'fo-ka-chia') is known to have existed even before the Roman Empire was established. This bread is famous for its simple cooking method, yet it turns out incredibly crispy and fluffy, like biting into a pillow. Focaccia is perfect as a side for soup, salad, or even a tasty snack.

Osso Buco

Aside from its famous cheese and pasta, Italy also boasts some delicious meat dishes, one of them is Osso Bucco. This dish features cuts of beef slow-cooked with the bone marrow intact, resulting in tender meat that's rich in flavor. It's usually served with tomato sauce and a refreshing mix of gremolata (lemon zest, garlic, and parsley).

That's a wrap on some must-try Italian dishes to savor on your vacation. Of course, this list is just a small slice of the rich and diverse Italian culinary treasure. So, are you curious to try these delicious Italian dishes on your next trip there? Of course, you can, but don't forget to secure your trip with Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia, so that your culinary adventure in Italy stays delightful and worry-free. Happy exploring the land of pizza and enjoying its culinary delights!