Famous Italian Food
Italy is home to and creator of some of the most famous and popular foods in the world. Of course almost everyone knows certain famous Italian foods like pizza, pasta, olive oil, and wine, but there are many other notable foods.
The Italian meal is generally broken up into several categories and for each category there are many famous Italian foods. Popular appetizer items include, balsamic vinegar, pignoli nuts, salami, pepperoni, proscuitto, olives, and pimentos. Main course favorites such as foccacia, pizza, spaghetti, and lasagna are well known all over the world.
There are many fine chesses that come from Italy and are quite popular. Parmesan, Romano, Provolone, Fontina, Asiago, Pecorrino, and Gorgonzola are just a few varieties of famous Italian cheese. Risotto, a creamy mixture of special rice and sauted flavorings, is another famous Italian food that has caught on around the world. White truffles, Parma ham, and a variety of pastries and sweets are further examples of great foods from Italy.
In addition to the above-mentioned famous Italian foods, a great number of well-known drinks and coffees come from Italy. Limoncello, a strong lemon flavored liquor is from Southern Italy; Martini, consisting of a combination of liquor and vermouth is originally from Turin; Prosecco, an Italian form of Champagne; Campari, a red bitter sweet vermouth from Milan; Bellini, a cocktail developed in Venice by a local bartender made of sparkling wine or champagne and peach puree; Grappa, a liquor made from fermented seeds, and peels of grapes; and Marachino, a cherry flavored liquor; are just some examples of alcoholic drinks that originate in Italy. Cappuccino and espresso are two forms of popular Italian coffees. Cappuccino is usually served at breakfast or lunch, in a larger cup and is made of espresso with steamed milk and froth. Espresso is a very strong coffee, served in a small demitasse cup after dinner.
Thanks to Italy and its diverse culture and regions we are able to enjoy many famous Italian foods all over the world. These foods and drinks take us to a place rich in history and flavors without ever having to leave the comfort of our homes.
